Sample preparation is part of the measurement method. The right preparation reproduces the approved product condition; it does not simply make every sample cleaner, flatter or easier to measure.
| Material | Control before measuring |
|---|---|
| Coatings | Substrate, dry film thickness, cure state, conditioning and surface finish. |
| Plastics | Backing or transmission method, thickness, flatness, temperature and moulding orientation. |
| Textiles | Folds, tension, pile/direction and conditioning. |
| Powders | Fill depth, packing, levelling and container presentation. |
| Food and porous materials | Time, temperature, moisture, texture and the specified presentation surface. |
Control orientation and variation
Mark orientation when the material is directional. A controlled rotation average can be appropriate only when the specification defines it. Separate representative color sampling from defect inspection: a defect may be rejectable even if it is excluded from the color average.
Document location, presentation, backing, condition and individual readings with the result. Then use the application methods for plastics, powder-coated metal and sampling and averaging.
Last reviewed 21/09/2026 · Level: Fundamental
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Applications
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