This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (i. e. ISO 1463:1973). Applies to the measurement of the local thickness of metallic coatings, oxide layers, and porcelain or vitreous enamel coatins, by using an optical microscope. The method is capable of giving an absolute measuring accuracy of 0,8 /u, this will determine the suitability of the method for measuring the thickness of thin coatings.