
The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester is a hand cutter for grading how well a coating adheres to its substrate, producing a cross hatch lattice that is assessed against the standard adhesion classifications.
Coating adhesion is a key acceptance criterion, and a wheel-type cutter makes the cross hatch test fast and consistent. The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester lets the operator measure on large or small panels by repositioning the guide wheel with the hexagonal wrench provided. Each cutter wheel has 8 cutting faces, so when one face wears the wheel is rotated to the next, extending its working life.
The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester is available with three cutter spacings to suit different coating thicknesses: the 6 x 1mm wheel for 0 to 60 micrometres, the 6 x 2mm wheel for 50 to 125 micrometres, and the 6 x 3mm wheel for 121 to 250 micrometres. The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester is supplied as a Basic Kit, as a Full Kit that adds a brush, magnifier and either ISO or ASTM adhesive tape, or as an Advanced Kit that includes all three cutter spacings with ISO or ASTM tape.
The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester conforms to AS 3894.9, AS 1580.408.4, ASTM D 3359-B, BS 3900-E6, ECCA T6, EN 13523-6, ISO 2409, ISO 16276-2, IS K 5600-5-6 and NF T30-038, so results can be reported against recognised methods. The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester is used by coatings inspectors and quality control teams across protective coating, coil-coating and manufacturing. Supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised distributor.
Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester
Measure on large or small panels by quickly changing the position of the guide wheel using the hexagonal wrench provided. Each cutter wheel consists of 8 cutting faces. When one face becomes worn, rotate the cutting wheel to the next face. The Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Cutter is available with three different cutter spacings 1, 2 & 3mm for a range of coating thickness.
- Quick guide wheel positioning Change the position of the guide wheel using the hexagonal wrench provided for large or small panels
- Rotating cutter faces Each cutter wheel consists of 8 cutting faces. When one face becomes worn, rotate the cutting wheel to the next face
- Multiple cutter spacings Available with three different cutter spacings 1, 2 & 3mm for a range of coating thickness
- Available in multiple configurations Available on its own (Basic Kit) or as a Full Kit which includes a brush, magnifier & ISO or ASTM adhesive tape. Advanced Kits include all three (1, 2 & 3mm) cross hatch adhesion testers
When to use the Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester
Use the 1542 when you need cross hatch adhesion testing across a range of coating thicknesses and panel sizes. Three cutter spacings of 1, 2 and 3mm let you match the test to the film, and the guide wheel repositions for large or small panels. It conforms to ASTM D 3359-B, ISO 2409, BS 3900-E6 and EN 13523-6 among others.
- 1Three cutter spacingsThe 1, 2 and 3mm options let you choose the grid that suits the coating thickness, so one tool covers thin and thicker films.
- 2Rotating cutter facesEach cutter wheel has 8 cutting faces, so when one wears you rotate to the next rather than replacing the whole cutter, keeping cuts clean over time.
- 3Adapts to panel sizeThe guide wheel position changes with the supplied hexagonal wrench, so the same tool works on large production parts and small test coupons.
- 4Kits to suit the workflowIt comes as a Basic Kit or a Full Kit with brush, magnifier and ISO or ASTM tape, with Advanced Kits carrying all three spacings, so you buy only what the job needs.
Lower-budget alternatives


Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
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When to use this
When to use the Elcometer 1542 Cross Hatch Adhesion Tester
Use the 1542 when you need cross hatch adhesion testing across a range of coating thicknesses and panel sizes. Three cutter spacings of 1, 2 and 3mm let you match the test to the film, and the guide wheel repositions for large or small panels. It conforms to ASTM D 3359-B, ISO 2409, BS 3900-E6 and EN 13523-6 among others.
- 1Three cutter spacingsThe 1, 2 and 3mm options let you choose the grid that suits the coating thickness, so one tool covers thin and thicker films.
- 2Rotating cutter facesEach cutter wheel has 8 cutting faces, so when one wears you rotate to the next rather than replacing the whole cutter, keeping cuts clean over time.
- 3Adapts to panel sizeThe guide wheel position changes with the supplied hexagonal wrench, so the same tool works on large production parts and small test coupons.
- 4Kits to suit the workflowIt comes as a Basic Kit or a Full Kit with brush, magnifier and ISO or ASTM tape, with Advanced Kits carrying all three spacings, so you buy only what the job needs.
Lower-budget alternatives


Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
| Part Number | Description | Cutter Type | Coating Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| K1542M001 | Elcometer 1542 Basic Kit | 6 x 1mm | 0 – 60μm |
| K1542M002 | Elcometer 1542 Basic Kit | 6 x 2mm | 50 -125μm |
| K1542M003 | Elcometer 1542 Basic Kit | 6 x 3mm | 121 – 250μm |
| K1542M001-I | Elcometer 1542 Full Kit – ISO Tape | 6 x 1mm | 0 – 60μm |
| K1542M002-I | Elcometer 1542 Full Kit – ISO Tape | 6 x 2mm | 50 -125μm |
| K1542M003-I | Elcometer 1542 Full Kit – ISO Tape | 6 x 3mm | 121 – 250μm |
| K1542M001-A | Elcometer 1542 Full Kit – ASTM Tape | 6 x 1mm | 0 – 60μm |
| K1542M002-A | Elcometer 1542 Full Kit – ASTM Tape | 6 x 2mm | 50 – 125μm |
| K1542M204-I | Elcometer 1542 Advanced Kit – ISO Tape | 6 x 1, 2, 3mm | 0 – 250μm |
| K1542M204-A | Elcometer 1542 Advanced Kit – ASTM Tape | 6 x 1, 2, 3mm | 0 – 250μm |
What's in the kit
What's in the kit
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
● = cutter wheel suitable for that adhesion test method (ISO 2409 / ASTM D3359 / AS standard).
○ = certificate of calibration / conformity available as an option.
| Part Number | Description | ISO | ASTM | AS | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KT1542P001 | 6 x 1mm Cross Hatch Cutter Wheel | ● | ○ | ||
| KT1542P002 | 6 x 2mm Cross Hatch Cutter Wheel | ● | ● | ● | ○ |
| KT1542P003 | 6 x 3mm Cross Hatch Cutter Wheel | ● | ○ |
Additional Accessories
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| K0001539M001 | Adhesive Tape (1 roll) ASTM D 3359 |
| T9999358-1 | Adhesive Tape (1 roll) ISO 2409 |
| T9998894 | Adhesive Tape (2 rolls) ASTM D 3359 |
| T9999358-2 | Adhesive Tape (2 rolls) ISO 2409 |
| T10713356 | Magnifier (x6 magnification) |
| T99913357 | Cross Hatch Brush |
Frequently asked questions
What cutter spacings are available for the Elcometer 1542?
Three spacings are available: 1mm for coatings from 0 to 60 microns, 2mm for 50 to 125 microns, and 3mm for 121 to 250 microns. The Advanced Kit supplies all three spacings, covering the full 0 to 250 micron range.
How long does the cutting face last, and how do you replace it?
Each cutter wheel has 8 cutting faces. When one face wears, the wheel is rotated to the next face. No new wheel is needed until all 8 faces are worn.
Can the 1542 be used on both large and small panels?
Yes. The position of the guide wheel can be changed quickly using the hexagonal wrench provided, allowing the cutter to suit large or small panels.
What tape standards does the Full Kit support?
Full Kits are available with either ISO tape or ASTM tape. The Advanced Kit, with all three cutter spacings, is also offered in both ISO and ASTM tape variants.
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