DSS-Co.01.03 — Pinholes / Islands (localized coating loss; sputtered low-E & multilayer films)

Discrete clear points (“pinholes”) or small bare-glass islands within a sputtered low-E / multilayer functional coating. On exposed coated faces (#1 or #4, as applicable) these present as local loss of optical density (often brighter/clearer) without chip-flank fracture morphology. On cavity faces (#2/#3), they are between-pane and thus not addressable in-place; classification is then governed by location/condition. VIS treats coating appearance on worked surfaces as an appearance cue and references ASTM C1376 for coating-appearance context.

• Isolated clear dots or minute islands that read as lighter/clearer pixels against the coated field; sometimes occur in small clusters.
• No change after Non-Invasive Reveal (clean & dry); persists through 12/36/72-in views and is strongest under raking light / oblique sweep.
• May be margin-biased (near handling/wipe paths) but lack a worked ring/edge unless additional face-side alteration exists.

Surface-catch class (MSRT):

• Expect SC-0 (none) for pure coating loss/absence; coating stacks are sub-μm and do not produce tactile relief at MSRT scale. Perform one light, non-marring pass only; on coated faces prefer a polymer stylus or rely on visual cues to avoid disturbing coatings. MSRT supports classification only, not acceptance.

Reveal / lighting / geometry:

• Complete Non-Invasive Reveal before evaluation. Inspect at 12 / 36 / 72 in, normal incidence + oblique sweep (~60°-120°) with raking light, per VIS.

Location / access:

• Confirm surface numbering and whether the low-E is on #1/#4 (exposed) or #2/#3 (cavity). Cavity-face cues are between panes; use fixed parallax to verify internal location. Record “functional coating present on worked surface? (Y/N/Unknown)” on Forms:

• If on exposed coated face (#1/#4)
• CAT-1 - non-tactile, isolated pinholes with SC-0, not perceptible at standard/wide-field when clean.
• CAT-2 - faint modeled micro-texture around a pinhole yielding SC-1.
• CAT-3 - noticeable modeled micro-texture/halo visible at standard view, still without chip flanks. (Assign CAT by visibility convention + MSRT outcome; use appearance cues only.)
• If on cavity face (#2/#3) or otherwise inaccessible: CAT-5 - out of in-place scope by location; document and refer per project protocol (fabricator/manufacturer/warranty).
• Acceptance split (critical): Even where classified CAT-1...CAT-3, coating anomalies on the worked surface are not permitted at acceptance under VIS §6.2.e (appearance-only criteria).

• MSRT relief: SC-0 expected (sub-μm coating thickness; tactile relief not detected). Numeric μm depth is not determinative for coating-appearance anomalies; acceptance remains appearance-based at required distances/angles.

• vs. Face films/overspray (R-family): Films change with Non-Invasive Reveal; true pinholes persist.
• vs. Mechanical scratches (M.01): Scratches show chip flanks/micro-chipping and SC-2 along a line; pinholes are discrete points, SC-0.
• vs. IGU internal haze/volatiles (A.01.01) or cavity fines (A.01.03): Internal cues show fixed parallax and are CAT-5 by location.
• vs. Spandrel system mottle (Co.04.01): Spandrel mottle is pane-scale without a local perimeter; pinholes/adhesion-loss islands are localized defects.

• Photo set (VIS): 12 / 36 / 72 in, normal + oblique, include raking; add macro frames showing discrete point(s) without chip flanks or a worked ring. Note reveal status and lighting/time. MSRT result: Record SC class (expect SC-0); one pass, non-marring; on coated faces prefer polymer stylus or visual-only.
• Forms: Pane ID; surface numbering; worked surface Y/N; functional coating present on worked surface? (Y/N/Unknown); geometry checklist; photos attached.

Attempting to “blend out” pinholes by further contact can enlarge the anomaly and create a worked region/transition edge, which VIS disallows at acceptance (CAT-0...CAT-4). Confirm location, reveal status, and SC class before any action.

• Co.01.03 Pinholes / Islands (localized coating loss, sputtered stack) - Discrete clear point(s)/islands at #__ verified after Non-Invasive Reveal; MSRT = SC-0; no chip flanks. If on #1/#4, classify CAT-1...CAT-3 by visibility/texture; acceptance note: coating anomalies on worked surfaces not permitted (VIS §6.2.e). If on #2/#3, CAT-5 by location (between panes); document and refer. Photo set captured at 12/36/72 in (normal + oblique + raking); surface numbering and coating presence recorded.