EN ISO 1518-1:2023 PDF

Overview - EN ISO 1518-1:2023 (Scratch resistance, constant-loading method)

EN ISO 1518-1:2023 specifies a standardized laboratory test for determining the scratch resistance of paints and varnishes using the constant-loading method. The procedure measures the resistance of a single coating or a multi-coat system to penetration by a loaded scratch stylus. Tests can be run as a pass/fail check with a single specified load, or as an assessment by applying increasing loads to determine the minimum load that causes penetration.

Keywords: EN ISO 1518-1:2023, scratch resistance, constant-loading method, paints and varnishes, scratch stylus, pass/fail test.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Principle: A hemispherical stylus (hard-metal or synthetic ruby) is drawn over the coating at a constant speed while a specified load is applied; penetration is assessed visually or electrically.
• Test loads: 1 N to 20 N, adjustable in 0.5 N increments, maximum permissible error 0.2 N.
• Stylus types and sizes:
  • HM3.0, HM1.0, HM0.75, HM0.5 (hard-metal tips)
  • SR1.0, SR0.5 (synthetic-ruby tips)
  • Diameter tolerances: e.g., HM3.0 = (3.00 ± 0.01) mm.
• Apparatus features:
  • Load beam or weight-attached stylus arrangement.
  • Linear actuator/panel holder moves the test panel relative to the stylus.
  • Travel speed: (35 ± 5) mm/s; minimum scratch length: 40 mm.
  • Lowering ramp angle: (12.5 ± 2.5)° for smooth contact.
• Evaluation:
  • Visual assessment (ISO 13076 lighting recommended) and optional electrical indicating device for penetration detection - note limitations for electrically conducting pigments, non-metallic substrates or when penetration to non-conducting intermediate coats is required.
• Test variants:
  • Single specified load (“pass/fail”).
  • Progressive loading to find minimum penetration load.

Practical applications and users

• Quality control and production acceptance testing for paint and varnish manufacturers.
• R&D and formulation development to compare coating durability and resistance.
• Third-party test laboratories performing compliance testing and certification.
• Specifiers, asset owners and end-users assessing suitability of coatings for abrasion- and scratch-prone environments (automotive trims, industrial coatings, appliances, protective finishes).

Related standards

• ISO 1518-2 (other scratch methods)
• ISO 12137 (curved stylus method)
• ISO 1513, ISO 1514, ISO 2808, ISO 4618, ISO 13076, ISO 15528 (sampling, panels, film thickness, terminology, lighting and sampling standards)

EN ISO 1518-1:2023 is essential when consistent, reproducible scratch-resistance data are needed for specification, comparison or regulatory compliance of paints and varnishes.