ASTM C366/C366M-16 (2022)e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C366/C366M-16(2022)e1 — Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Thickness of Sandwich Cores. This designation covers two plant-manufacturing test methods for measuring the thickness of flat sandwich-core materials (including continuous-bonding forms such as balsa and foam and discontinuous-bonding forms such as honeycomb).

Abstract

Provides Test Method A (roller-type thickness tester) and Test Method B (disk-type thickness tester) for in-process measurement of sandwich-core thickness. Values are stated in both SI and inch-pound units (to be used independently), and the methods are intended for production/plant measurement rather than for defining specimen dimensions for other laboratory tests.

General information

• Status: Active — originally published as C366/C366M-16 and editorially revised as C366/C366M-16(2022)e1.
• Publication date: Editorial revision effective 01 May 2022 (original 2016 designation: C366/C366M-16).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 83.120 — Reinforced plastics / composite materials (sandwich construction related tests).
• Edition / version: C366/C366M-16 with editorial change e1 (2022) — designation appears as C366/C366M-16(2022)e1.
• Number of pages: 5 pages (compact test-method standard).

Scope

The standard covers plant manufacturing procedures for measuring the thickness of flat sandwich cores. It applies to cores with continuous bonding surfaces (balsa, foams) and discontinuous bonding surfaces (honeycomb). Two methods are specified: Test Method A — roller-type thickness tester, and Test Method B — disk-type thickness tester. The methods are intended for production/inspection measurement and are not intended to define specimen dimensions for unrelated laboratory tests. Units are provided in both SI and inch-pound systems (each system to be used independently).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose: measurement of sandwich-core thickness for production quality control.
• Test Method A — Roller-type thickness tester procedure and recommended practice.
• Test Method B — Disk-type thickness tester procedure and recommended practice.
• Use of separate SI and inch-pound unit systems (do not mix values from both systems).
• Applicability to core forms: continuous bonding surfaces (balsa, foams) and discontinuous bonding surfaces (honeycomb).
• Guidance on in-plant sampling and limitations (not for determining specimen dimensions for other mechanical tests).

Typical use and users

Used by composite and sandwich-panel manufacturers, quality control and inspection personnel, materials laboratories supporting aerospace, marine, wind, transportation and building industries, and test labs that perform routine production checks on core thickness. The standard is primarily a production/plant-level measurement resource rather than a detailed materials characterization procedure.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related ASTM standards for sandwich cores and composite panels include C271/C271M (density of sandwich core materials), C363/C363M (node tensile strength of honeycomb core materials), C364/C364M (edgewise compressive strength of sandwich constructions), C365/C365M (flatwise compressive properties of sandwich cores), and other composite test practices and terminology standards. The C366 family replaces earlier C366/C366M-11 and has been editorially revised in 2022 as noted above.

Keywords

sandwich core, core thickness, thickness measurement, roller-type tester, disk-type tester, honeycomb, foam core, balsa core, production QC, ASTM C366

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C366/C366M-16(2022)e1 is a short ASTM test-method standard that specifies two methods for measuring the thickness of flat sandwich-core materials used in composite sandwich constructions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two in-plant thickness measurement methods — a roller-type thickness tester (Method A) and a disk-type thickness tester (Method B) — and provides guidance on their appropriate use for continuous and discontinuous core forms. It also clarifies unit usage (SI and inch-pound) and notes the intended production/inspection context.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of sandwich panels and cores, quality-control inspectors, composite materials laboratories, and engineers responsible for production acceptance of core materials in aerospace, marine, wind, automotive and construction applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition (C366/C366M-16) was editorially revised with an e1 editorial change effective 01 May 2022 and is shown as the current designation C366/C366M-16(2022)e1. Users should obtain the ASTM-published document to ensure they have the latest textual and editorial updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of several ASTM standards addressing sandwich-core materials and sandwich constructions; related methods and specifications include other C-series test methods for density, compressive properties, tensile node strength, and practices for sandwich panels. See ASTM composite-standards listings for related documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: sandwich core, core thickness, thickness tester, roller-type tester, disk-type tester, honeycomb, foam, balsa, production QC, ASTM C366.