1、 FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BP 124-01 Date Action Revisions Rev. 0 2016 08 09 Released K. Waugh, G. Eation, NA Controlled document at www.MATS Copyright 2016, Ford Global Technologies, LLC Page 1 of 4 MICROSCOPIC PROCEDURE FOR DETERMING WEATHERSTRIP COATING THICKNESS Application This procedure is u
2、sed to determine the coating layer thickness of exterior weatherstrips using an optical microscope. Apparatus and Materials Required Single Edge Utility Knife Blade, Self-Healing Cutting Mat, with grid lines to use for precision cutting of weatherstrip specimens Reflected Light Optical Microscope, w
3、ith a minimum magnification capability of 500X and image capture software. Software capable of focus stacking or Z-stack capability is recommended for more accurate measurements. Chemicals, materials, parts, and equipment referenced in this document must be used and handled properly. Each party is r
4、esponsible for determining proper use and handling in its facilities. Procedure 1. Before beginning any sample preparation, define the areas of interest on the weatherstrip with the customer. This should include areas along the length of the weatherstrip as an entire part as well as areas along the
5、weatherstrip profile. Figure 1 provides examples of typical weatherstrip profiles. Figure 1: Example profiles of a primary (left) and secondary (right) weatherstrip FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BP 124-01 Copyright 2016, Ford Global Technologies, LLC Page 2 of 4 2. Before cutting any specimens, make s
6、ure that all metal is removed from the weatherstrip in the areas of interest. 3. Section the weatherstrip in the area(s) of interest along its length. One to two inch sections should be removed to ensure enough area is available for further sectioning. Use proper labelling to document location of th
7、e sections (photos may be required). 4. From each sectioned piece, cut two specimens from each profile location of interest and properly label or bag the specimens. Final specimen dimensions should be approximately 5 mm in length and 1mm in height (specimen thickness will be weatherstrip-dependent).
8、 Diagram of desired specimen (lines indicate cut edges) 5. Specimens should be cut using a sharp blade on a cutting mat with a grid to ensure parallel cuts. Place the blade on the surface of the weatherstrip and push straight down to perform the cut. Avoid using a back and forth slicing motion as th
9、is tends to produce uneven cuts. The final specimen should be able to stand freely under a microscope on one of the cut edges and not exhibit significant curvature or tilt. The second specimen should be at least 1 mm away from the first specimen. Blades used for cutting specimens should be cleaned w
10、ith alcohol prior to use. Utility knife blades should be frequently replaced to ensure a sharp edge for cutting. 6. Place the specimen underneath the microscope so that the cut edge on the long side faces the lens. Inspect the specimen and verify that it is sitting flat without significant leaning o
11、r curving. 7. Using low magnification, move the outside edge of the weatherstrip into view and focus. The coated edge should be positioned horizontally and near the center of the microscope view. 8. Magnify the image to the appropriate magnification and focus the image. The magnification required to
12、 see the coating will depend on the thickness and consistency of the coating. Typical magnifications used will range from 200 500X. (Note: This step will vary depending on the microscope and imaging software being used. If available, use a Z-stack feature to produce the final image of the coating. T
13、his focus stacking technique produces an image with a greater depth of field that can be more accurately measured.) 9. Confirm that a scale bar is included on the images produced. Evaluation 1. Determining the presence of weatherstrip coating: Before performing any measurements, the presence of coat
14、ing must be confirmed. Figure 2 provides an example of a weatherstrip specimen known to have coating on the surface and Figure 3 provides an example of a weatherstrip known to not have a coating on the surface. 5mm 1mm FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BP 124-01 Copyright 2016, Ford Global Technologies, L
15、LC Page 3 of 4 Figure 2: Example of a coated weatherstrip. 200X Figure 3: Example of an uncoated weatherstrip. 200X Coating Coating FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BP 124-01 Copyright 2016, Ford Global Technologies, LLC Page 4 of 4 2. Measuring weatherstrip coating thickness: a. Unless otherwise specifi
16、ed, use the following guidelines for determining average coating thickness (see Figure 4 visual guide of the following instructions): i. A minimum of two (2) specimens must be sectioned per specified location on the weatherstrip profile. ii. A minimum of two (2) measurements must be made within the
17、microscope field of view and a minimum of two (2) separate fields of view must be measured. (Minimum of 4 measurements per specimen). The views used for measurement should be at the same magnification. iii. In total, a minimum of eight (8) measurements will be collected and averaged per profile loca
18、tion. b. The following considerations should be made when measuring weatherstrip coating thickness. (NOTE: The specific execution of the measurements will be dependent of the microscope and software used and will require proper training and knowledge of the individual performing the measurements.) i
19、. All images used for measurement should provide a clear and resolved view of the edge of the weatherstrip where the coating resides. ii. Light settings should be adjusted such that a clear distinction can be made between the coating layer and the weather strip substrate. iii. Proper care should be
20、taken with regard to capturing images for measurement. Make sure each view is unique and not overlapping a view used for a previous measurement. This will ensure unique measurements which will result in more representative data. Figure 4: Definition of location and specimen within the profile (left); definition of one view and measurement on specimen (right) Microscope View Measurement1 Measurement 2 Location 1 2 Specimens Location 2
