ASTM D3170 Chip Resistance
Chip Resistance Test of Coatings is done by using Gravelometer following ASTM D3170 test method. This test determines the chipping resistance of coated surfaces while simulating the effects of gravel or other small items on automotive parts.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D3170 provides a standardised method for evaluating the resistance of coatings to chipping when impacted by gravel or other projectiles. Chip resistance is a critical performance attribute for automotive exterior coatings, truck bed liners, underbody coatings, and any protective finish applied to surfaces exposed to road debris or mechanical impacts.
The test uses a gravelometer apparatus in which a stream of standardised gravel is propelled by compressed air against the coated test panel. The resulting chip damage is compared visually to a photographic reference chart, and a numerical rating from 10 (no chipping) to 0 (severe chipping) is assigned. This rating system allows direct comparison of coating systems and supports the design and specification of chip-resistant finishes.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D3170 evaluates:
- Chip resistance of organic coatings on metal substrates
- Effect of coating type and thickness on chip performance
- Impact of substrate preparation on chip resistance
- Temperature dependence of chipping behaviour
- Comparative ranking of coating systems
- Coating adhesion failure vs. cohesive chip patterns
Applications
- Automotive OEM exterior coatings
- Truck bed liner coatings
- Underbody and rocker panel coatings
- Fleet vehicle protective finishes
- Heavy equipment coatings
- Agricultural machinery coatings
- Quality control in automotive paint lines
Benefits
- Simulates real-world gravel impact damage
- Enables objective chip resistance rating
- Supports selection of chip-resistant coating systems
- Identifies adhesion weaknesses under impact conditions
- Provides data for coating system qualification
- Enables testing at low temperature to simulate cold-weather chipping
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Coated metal panels are prepared at specified dry film thickness and fully cured.
1Temperature Conditioning
Panels are optionally conditioned at -18°C or specified temperature before testing.
2Gravel Impact
Panel is mounted in the gravelometer; 500 mL of standardized gravel is propelled at the coated surface with compressed air.
3Rating
Panel is compared to the SAE J400 / ASTM D3170 photographic chart and assigned a numerical chip resistance rating.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Painted metal panels, coated automotive body panels, coated substrates |
| Specimen Types | Flat coated test panels |
| Impact Media | Standard gravel or specified chipping media |
| Test Temperature | Ambient or low-temperature conditioned environment |
| Test Environment | Controlled laboratory conditions |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Gravelometer apparatus with compressed air delivery
- Standardised SAE gravel (angular, 9–16 mm)
- Photographic rating chart (SAE J400/ASTM D3170)
- Low-temperature conditioning chamber
- Film thickness gauge
- Magnifying glass for chip examination
Results and Deliverables
- Chip resistance rating (numeric, 0–10)
- Chip pattern photographs
- Dry film thickness measurements
- Temperature-dependent chip resistance data
- Coating system qualification reports
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D3170?
Infinita Lab is a leading provider of ASTM D3170 and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
It measures the chip resistance of coatings when impacted by gravel, stones, or other flying objects.
It is widely used in the automotive, industrial coatings, and paint manufacturing industries.
Typically, coated metal test panels or painted automotive body panels are used.
It helps evaluate how well a coating can withstand road debris impact, which is critical for vehicle durability and appearance.
Yes, it is similar to SAE J400, another widely used gravelometer chip resistance test.
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