ASTM D3259-95

The forest products finishing industry has encountered difficulties in measuring the temperature of painted surfaces prior to, during, and after the curing process. The use of thermocouples is not entirely satisfactory because the thermocouple wires tend to conduct heat away too rapidly from the area where the temperature is being measured. Infrared radiation thermometers that are simple to operate can circumvent this difficulty. After calibration they are aimed at the surface, switched on, and the temperature read directly from an indicating gage.

Note 1—Temperature-sensitive crayons, papers, and pellets may be successfully used to measure only the highest temperature reached by painted surfaces during the curing cycle.

There are several different types of infrared radiation thermometers, including those based on lead sulfide or thermistor sensors and those that are simple thermal voltaic transducers. As such they respond to different wavelengths of infrared radiation and have different areas of applicability. Only instruments that have been evaluated are included in this practice.

1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide in measuring with infrared instruments the temperature during the curing process of coatings applied to wood products.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 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.