ASTM D3359
Standard Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
Provides tape-test methods for assessing adhesion of film coatings to metallic substrates by cut-and-peel examination.
What ASTM D3359 specifies
ASTM D3359 provides two field-friendly coating adhesion procedures. Method A makes an X-cut through the film and is generally used for thicker coatings. Method B makes a lattice or cross-cut pattern and is generally used for films up to 125 µm. Standardized pressure-sensitive tape is applied and removed, and coating removal is visually rated. Method A uses 0A through 5A ratings; Method B uses 0B through 5B, where 5 indicates no peeling or removal and 0 indicates severe loss. Results depend on film thickness, cutter spacing, substrate, cure, tape, operator technique, and test conditions.
ASTM D3359 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Thickness | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|---|
Method A | X-cut through coating followed by tape removal; 5A is no peeling and 0A is removal beyond the X area | — | Visual rating 0A through 5A |
Method B | Lattice cuts followed by tape removal; commonly used for coatings up to 125 µm | ≤ 125 µm ≤ 4.9 mil | Visual rating 0B through 5B |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Method A X-cut
- Method B cross-cut
- Visual comparison rating
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
ADHESION PER ASTM D3359, METHOD <A|B>, MINIMUM RATING <0A–5A|0B–5B>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
Finishes specified to ASTM D3359
Also referenced by: Hot Stamping, Ink Stamping, Pad Printing, Screen Printing.
ASTM D3359 — frequently asked
What does ASTM D3359 5B mean?
A 5B Method B result means the lattice edges are smooth and none of the coating squares detached under the tape.
What is the difference between ASTM D3359 Method A and B?
Method A uses an X-cut and is generally used on thicker films. Method B uses a cross-cut lattice and is generally limited to films up to 125 µm.
Is ASTM D3359 a measure of bond strength?
No. It is an ordinal visual adhesion rating, not a tensile adhesion value.
ASTM D3359 is copyrighted by ASTM International. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗