ASTM D3980-88 Standard Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paints and Related Materials

The test method defined in the ASTM D3980 standard developed by the American Testing and Materials Organization (ASTM) covers interlaboratory testing of paints and related materials. The information presented is intended to assist task groups in effectively planning cyclic testing programs.

This practice, whose full name is “ASTM D3980-88 Standard practice for interlaboratory testing of paints and related materials,” is not intended to cover all aspects of statistical design and analysis, despite its length. For example, the analysis of variance used in practice as the basis for estimating precision is abbreviated compared to that normally used to determine the importance of experimental factors.

Interlaboratory test schemes include randomly selected samples (anything from micrometers to pieces of steel) that are distributed concurrently to participating test laboratories for concurrent testing. Upon completion of the test, the results are compared with assigned values ​​to give an indication of the performance of the individual laboratories and the group as a whole. This scheme serves to test food, bodily fluids, water, soil and other environmental materials. In general, there are two types of laboratory comparisons:

• Intra-laboratory comparison: If two or more personnel regularly perform the same tests, the results should be close to each other.
• Interlaboratory comparison: From an international perspective, it is more important that results are consistent if different laboratories are performing the same tests.

The ASTM D3980-88 standard is based on this latter and focuses on paint and related materials. There are three steps common to these tests:

• Determination of the assigned values ​​of products
• Calculation of performance statistics
• Evaluation of performance

The assigned value of a sample should facilitate assessment of laboratory performance relative to the standard or other laboratories, while also encouraging inter-laboratory and inter-method agreement. The assigned value should be clearly known by laboratories. Any misunderstanding can affect the results. It should also be within the measurement capabilities of laboratories.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer standard testing services for interlaboratory testing of paints and related materials under the ASTM D3980-88 standard, with our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.