Spring 2015

TC S210F

TC S210F Analytical Instruments

Laboratory Manual

First Edition March 2015

Table of Content
Experiment A: Measurement of Plastic Film Thickness ........................................................................................ 2
Experiment B: Determination of Specific Gravity of Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) ......................................................... 4
Experiment C: Dimensional Measurement ............................................................................................................. 7

Experiment A: Measurement of Plastic Film Thickness

1.0

SCOPE
This work instruction describes the measurement procedure for plastic film by the means of thickness
gauge..

2.0

DEFINITION
2.1

The thickness gauge is capable to measure the maximum thickness of 1 mm and has resolution of
0.001 mm. It is enough for routine measurement in physical laboratory.

3.0

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
3.1

Thickness gauge manufacturer specification and instruction manual

3.2

ASTM F963-11 Clause 4.12 & 8.21

.
4.0

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

4.1

Calibrated Thickness gauge

4.2

Calibrated Steel Ruler

4.3

100 mm x 100 mm metal template

4.4

Non-water soluble marker pen

Fig.1 Dial Thickness Gauge

5.0

Fig. 2 100mm x 100mm Metal Template

REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY

5.1

The requirement is referenced to the ASTM F963-11 clause 4.12

Requirement:
4.12 Plastic FilmThis requirement is intended to minimize the possibility of asphyxiation hazards that might
be caused by thin plastic films. Flexible plastic film bags and flexible plastic sheets used as packaging materials
for shelf packages or used with or as part of toys shall be at least 0.00150 in. (0.03810 mm) in average thickness,
but the actual thickness of any individual measure shall never be less than
0.00125 in. (0.03175 mm). Alternatively, sheeting with an average thickness of less than 0.00150 in. (0.03810
mm) shall be perforated with defined holes so that a minimum of 1 % of the area has been removed over any
area of 1.18 x 1.18 in. (30 x 30 mm). The thickness shall be determined using the test
2

method in 8.21. This requirement does not apply to the following:

4.12.1 Shrink film in the form of an over wrap that would normally be destroyed when the package is opened by
a consumer.
4.12.2 Bags or plastic film with a minor dimension of 3.94 in. (100 mm) or less. Bag dimensions shall be
measured while in the form of a bag, not cut open into a single thickness sheet.
Test Method:
8.21 Plastic Film ThicknessUse a measuring device (dial type thickness gauge or equivalent) capable of
measuring thickness to an accuracy of 4 m. Measurements shall be taken at 10 equidistant points across the
diagonal of any 3.94 by 3.94-in. (100 by 100-mm) area. For plastic bags, prepare by cutting the sides, without
stretching, into two single sheets.

6.0

SET-UP & OPERATION PROCEDURE

6.1

Place the dial thickness gauge and steel rule in the laboratory and have to be stabilized in the
testing environment for at least 1 hour before calibration work.

6.2
7.0

Using a A4 paper to clean the contact surfaces of thickness gauge.

MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
7.1

The procedure will firstly be demonstrated.

7.2

The thickness gauge has to be stabilized in the testing environment for at least 1 hour before
calibration work.

7.3

Thickness measurement
7.3.1

Zero the thickness gauge with the discs closed.

7.3.2

Measure and record the overall dimensions of the plastic film by the calibrated steel ruler.

7.3.3

Draw a 100 mm x 100 mm square at the center of the plastic film

7.3.4

Draw a diagonal line and mark 10 equidistant points along the diagonal line at the 100
mm x 100 mm square on the plastic film.

7.3.5

Measure the thickness of the plastic film at the locations close to the points that have
been marked by thickness gauge.

7.3.6
8.0

Record all readings and calculate the average thickness.

RECORD
8.1

All measurement data should be recorded in the respective measurement Form.

8.2

Calculate the average of all measurement data.

8.3

Determine whether it can comply with ASTM F963-11 clause 4.12 requirements.

Experiment B: Determination of Specific Gravity of Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade)

1.0

SCOPE
This Standard describes the method of determining the specific gravity of Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade).

2.0

DEFINITIONS
2.1

Specific Gravity (SG): It is the mass of a unit volume of Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) compared with

the mass of the water in the same volume of the Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) under test expressed without any
dimensional unit.

where

m is the weight in air (in carat*)

m is the average weight in water (in carat*)
a
l

Mounted Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade): Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) set singly, or in a group or cluster, on a piece of jewellery.
1 carat = 0.2 gram

2.2

Fei Cui: Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) is a granular to fibrous polycrystalline aggregate. It is composed

of Jadeite as major mineral. It may consist of other minor minerals such as Omphacite, Kosmochlor,
Amphibole and Feldspar. Its specific gravity is 3.34 (+0.06, -0.09).

3.0

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
3.1 The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong Ltd Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) Standard Test Method 8:
Determination

of

Specific

Gravity

of

Fei

Cui

(Jadeite

Jade),

available

http://www.gahk.org/attachment/feicui/STANDARD%20TEST%20METHOD%208.pdf
4.0

APPARATUS
The following apparatuses are required:
1) Balance: A balance with a unit in carat, a resolution of 0.001 carat and an accuracy of 0.01 carat.
2) Balance (for item with a weight of equal to or over 200 carat): A balance with a unit in carat, a
resolution of 0.01 carat and an accuracy of 0.1 carat.
3) Hydrostatic attachment: An attachment whereby the Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) item can be hanged.
4) Water container: A container or beaker made in glass for holding sufficient amount of water.

on

Fig. 3 Hydrostatic attachment and water container (beaker)

5.0

TEST ITEM
The determination of specific gravity is a single unit test for a whole piece of test item in its entirety.
Sampling of a number of test items to represent a batch of Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) products shall not be
permitted.

6.0

PROCEDURES
6.1 Test with Distilled Water
1) The test Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) shall be cleaned scrupulously with a lint-free cloth.
2) The Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) item shall be weighed using an electronic balance. The weight measured
shall be taken to 0.01 carat and recorded as weight in air, ma.
3) The hydrostatic attachment with sufficient distilled water shall be set up near the pan of the
electronic balance.
4) The item shall then be placed on a wire basket and fully immersed in water. The basket shall not
touch the bottom of the beaker and air bubbles shall not be allowed to be trapped on the surfaces of
the item or the basket. The completely immersed item shall be weighed to 0.01 carat and its mass
recorded as weight in water. (Fig. 4)

Fig.4 Fei Cui Specimen submerged in the water container

5

5) Step 4 shall be repeated three times and the average ml shall be calculated.

6.2 Test with Tap Water

1) The test Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) shall be cleaned scrupulously with a lint-free cloth.
2) The Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) item shall be weighed using an electronic balance. The weight measured
shall be taken to 0.01 carat and recorded as weight in air, ma.
3) The hydrostatic attachment with sufficient distilled water shall be set up near the pan of the
electronic balance.
4) The item shall then be placed on a wire basket and fully immersed in water. The basket shall not
touch the bottom of the beaker and air bubbles shall not be allowed to be trapped on the surfaces of
the item or the basket. The completely immersed item shall be weighed to 0.01 carat and its mass
recorded as weight in water.
5) Step 4 shall be repeated three times and the average ml shall be calculated.
Note: SG examination shall not be applied on mounted Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade).

Experiment C: Dimensional Measurement

1.0

SCOPE
This test method describes the dimensional measurement of specimen as shown in figure 1.

2.0

APPARATUS
The following apparatuses are required:
1)

Vernier Caliper: Range: 300 mm in length with 0.02 mm accuracy.

2)

Circular Steel pin gauge in 2mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 12 mm and 13 mm.

3)

Digital Height Gauge: Range: 600 mm with 0.01 mm accuracy

4)

Optical Profiler

Fig.5 Circular Steel pin gauge

3.0

TEST ITEM
The contour of specimen is shown in fig. 6

Fig. 6. Contour of the Specimen

6.0

PROCEDURES

1) The vernier caliper and steel pin gauges have to be stabilized in the testing environment for at least 1
hour before measurement work.
2) Select the most suitable dimensional measurement instrument to measure each dimensions
3) Record the measured data and instrument used on the worksheets.

END OF LABORATORY MANUAL