EN ISO 3233-3:2015 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 3233-3:2015 is the international/CEN standard for calculating the percentage volume of non-volatile matter (NVV) in paints and varnishes by a simple calculation method. It defines how to derive NVV from three measured inputs: the non-volatile-matter content (NV) determined in accordance with ISO 3251, the density of the coating material, and the density of the solvent(s) present. The result can be used to calculate the theoretical spreading rate and the theoretical dry film density for a coating system. This part of ISO 3233 supersedes EN ISO 23811:2009.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Inputs required
  • NV (non-volatile-matter content) measured per ISO 3251.
  • Density of the coating material (determined by methods in ISO 2811).
  • Density of the solvent(s) in the coating material (special note for waterborne systems).
• Calculated outputs
  • Percentage volume of non-volatile matter (NVV).
  • Theoretical dry film density.
  • Theoretical spreading rate (volume-based coverage).
• Procedure highlights
  • Calculation method is quick and practical - designed for routine QC and formulation checks.
  • Dry film thickness determination is included in the part and can feed into spreading-rate calculations (see ISO 2808 for film-thickness test methods).
• Precision and limitations
  • Precision depends mainly on accuracy of NV measurement and correctness of density values.
  • Not applicable to coating materials that exceed the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) because porosity/voids invalidate theoretical-volume assumptions.
  • Results can differ from other standards (e.g., some ASTM methods); users should follow the specified ISO method for consistency.

Applications and who uses it

• Coating formulators - estimate the volume of binder and predict film build and coverage from a formulation.
• Quality control laboratories - routine NVV checks to verify batch-to-batch consistency.
• Paint manufacturers - calculate theoretical spreading rate for product datasheets and specification compliance.
• Automotive and commercial vehicle industries - commonly used where rapid, repeatable NVV estimates are needed during production and specification checks.
• Specification writers and procurement - use NVV and spreading rate values to compare products on a volume and coverage basis.

Related standards

• ISO 3251 - determination of non-volatile-matter content (required input).
• ISO 2811 (parts 1–4) - density determination methods for paints and varnishes.
• ISO 3233-1 and ISO 3233-2 - alternative methods for determining NVV (coated panel/Archimedes methods).
• ISO 2808 - film thickness determination.

Keywords: EN ISO 3233-3:2015, non-volatile matter by volume, NVV, NV, solvent density, coating density, theoretical spreading rate, paints and varnishes, CPVC.