1.1 This test method provides sampling plans that are intended for use in the inspection of metallic and inorganic coatings on products for the purpose of deciding whether submitted lots of coated products comply with the specifications applicable to the coating.

1.2 The sampling plans are variables plans. In plans of this type, several articles of product are drawn from a production lot. A characteristic of the coating on the drawn articles is measured. The values obtained are used to estimate the number of articles in the lot that do not conform to a numerical limit, for example a minimum thickness. The number is compared to a maximum allowable.

1.3 Variables plans can only be used when the characteristic of interest is measurable, the test method gives a numerical measure of the characteristic, and the specification places a numerical limit on the measured value. It is also necessary that the variation of the characteristic from article to article in a production lot be normally distributed (see Appendix X2). Each article must be tested in the same way (for example, coating thickness must be measured at the same location, see X2.7) so that the values from article to article are comparable. If one or more of these conditions are not met, a variables plan cannot be used. Instead, an attributes plan must be used. These are given in Test Method B 602 and Guide B 697.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.