ASTM D374 covers the test methods for determining the thickness of solid electrical insulation materials. Thickness is a critical quality attribute for electrical insulation, directly affecting dielectric performance, mechanical protection, and compliance with product specifications. The standard is used for quality control and acceptance testing across a range of insulating materials including films, tapes, boards, laminates, and sheet stock.
The ProGage Touch Thickness Tester is a precision deadweight micrometer designed for accurate, repeatable thickness testing of sheeted and film materials. With interchangeable pressure feet and configurable test parameters, it can be set up to meet the measurement requirements of ASTM D374 and a broad range of other ASTM thickness testing standards.
Why Choose the ProGage Touch to Meet ASTM D374?
With over 125 years of experience in materials testing, Thwing-Albert designs thickness testing instruments to meet the specific measurement requirements of established standards. The ProGage Touch is a precision deadweight micrometer built to deliver consistent, repeatable thickness measurements on sheeted materials. Its configurable pressure foot, dwell time, and measurement speed settings allow operators to match the instrument to the requirements of ASTM D374 and other method-specific parameters, backed by our ISO 9001 certified commitment to quality.
Key Features for ASTM D374 Thickness Testing
- Interchangeable pressure feet including standard film, paper, tissue, and nonwoven feet — custom feet can be manufactured to meet specific diameter and load requirements
- Configurable dwell time (0–20 seconds) and pressure foot speed to match method-specified measurement conditions
- Rigid frame design for exceptional parallelism and zero stability
- Variable speed motor with up to 20 test cycles per minute for high-throughput QC testing
- Available in 40 mil, 100 mil, 200 mil, and 500 mil measuring range models to match the thickness range of the material being tested
- Touchscreen interface with password-protected user profiles and up to 99 stored sample setups
- Optional ProGage DAS2 Data Acquisition Software for real-time data capture, statistics, and reporting
- Compatible with MAP4 Materials Testing Software for dwell-time analysis and advanced reporting
Common Applications for ASTM D374
ASTM D374 is used across industries where solid electrical insulation materials must be measured and verified for thickness as part of quality control or product acceptance. Common applications include incoming inspection of insulating films and tapes, QC testing of laminates and sheet stock used in electrical assemblies, and verification of insulation materials for compliance with product or customer specifications. The standard is referenced in the electrical, electronics, industrial, and specialty materials sectors.
Related Thickness Standards
The ProGage Touch can also be configured to meet a range of related thickness testing standards, including:
- ASTM D645 — Thickness of Paper and Paperboard
- ASTM D1777 — Thickness of Textile Materials
- ASTM D3652 — Thickness of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
- ASTM D6988 — Thickness of Plastic Film and Sheeting
- TAPPI T411 — Thickness of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined Board
- ISO 534 — Paper and Board: Determination of Thickness, Caliper, and Apparent Bulk Density
The standards listed above represent a selection of common thickness test methods — not a complete list. If you don’t see your standard, contact us and our team can help confirm the right instrument and pressure foot configuration for your method.
Related Resource
Not sure which thickness tester is right for your material or method? Read our blog post: How to choose the right instrument to measure thickness of compressible materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials does ASTM D374 apply to?
ASTM D374 applies to solid electrical insulation materials, including insulating films, tapes, boards, laminates, and sheet stock. The standard covers thickness measurement of these materials in inch-pound units and is used for quality control, incoming inspection, and product acceptance testing in the electrical and electronics industries.
What pressure foot is used for ASTM D374 thickness testing?
ASTM D374 specifies the use of a defined pressure foot diameter and applied load appropriate for the insulation material being tested. The ProGage Touch supports interchangeable pressure feet, and custom feet can be manufactured to match the specific foot size and load requirements of the method. Contact our team to confirm the correct configuration for your application.
Which ProGage Touch model is appropriate for electrical insulation thickness testing?
The right model depends on the thickness range of the insulation material being tested. The ProGage Touch is available in 40 mil, 100 mil, 200 mil, and 500 mil measuring range models. Thin insulating films typically fall within the 40 mil or 100 mil range, while thicker board or laminate materials may require the 200 mil or 500 mil model. Our applications team can help confirm the correct model for your material and method.
Can the ProGage Touch store different test setups for multiple materials or standards?
Yes. The ProGage Touch allows operators to create and save up to 99 custom test setups with individual measurement speed, dwell time, opening distance, and return speed settings. This is useful for labs that test multiple materials or need to switch between different thickness standards without manually reconfiguring the instrument each time.
Can the ProGage Touch be used for thickness standards other than ASTM D374?
Yes. The ProGage Touch is designed to meet a broad range of thickness testing standards by adjusting the pressure foot, applied load, dwell time, and measurement speed to match each method’s requirements. Standards it is commonly configured to meet include ASTM D645, ASTM D1777, ASTM D3652, ASTM D6988, TAPPI T411, ISO 534, and others. It can also be configured to meet most other thickness standards — contact us if your method is not listed.
