On this page
- Diagnosis summary
- Safety and classification scope
- Definition (Reference)
- Typical Presentation (Informative)
- Classification Mapping (to VIS-DA) (Normative)
- Indicative Relief / Depth (Informative)
- Differentiation & False Positives (Informative)
- Evidence Package (Documentation Requirements) (Normative)
- Mis-ID Pitfalls (Informative)
- Reporting Language (Template)
- Related glossary terms
- Related DSS
- Source and version
DAMAGE SPECIFICATION STANDARD / METHOD-AGNOSTIC
DSS-M.02.03 — Directional Webbing (repetitive paths)
Mechanical abrasion field on the worked surface - appearance-based classification; acceptance per VIS §6
Diagnosis summary
A repeating, directional network of fine lines formed by a tool, pad, or abrasive traversing the glass in overlapping, semi-regular paths, producing a “spider webbed” pattern (linear/curvilinear strands with recurring orientation). Under raking light, strands may show edge sparkle; at higher severity, portions exhibit modeled micro-texture (subtle milky relief) and chip-flanks on some strokes.

Definition (Reference)
ReferenceA repeating, directional network of fine lines formed by a tool, pad, or abrasive traversing the glass in overlapping, semi-regular paths, producing a “spider webbed” pattern (linear/curvilinear strands with recurring orientation). Under raking light, strands may show edge sparkle; at higher severity, portions exhibit modeled micro-texture (subtle milky relief) and chip-flanks on some strokes. Apply VIS terminology for directional patterning, modeled micro-texture, micro-chipping / chip flank, MSRT (surface-catch), and VIS viewing/lighting; classification is appearance-based.
Typical Presentation (Informative)
Informative- Semi-regular strands (sometimes grid-like or mesh-like) with dominant direction and secondary cross-paths, spanning hand-sized patches or larger zones.
- Strongest in raking & oblique views, persists after Non-Invasive Reveal (clean & dry). Field Identification Cues (Normative)
Surface-catch class (MSRT):
- Commonly SC-1 for shallow webbing; SC-2 (clear) where strands exhibit chip-flanks or tactile lineation. Conduct one light, non-marring pass only; MSRT supports classification, not acceptance. Use polymer stylus if a functional coating may be present.
Reveal / lighting / geometry:
- Perform Non-Invasive Reveal; then evaluate at 12 / 36 / 72 in, normal incidence + oblique sweep (~60°-120°), under raking light; record distances/angles in-frame.
Location / access:
- Confirm the cue is on the exposed face. In IGUs, use parallax-fixed parallax indicates a between-pane condition; record surface numbering #1-#4 / laminate-internal on Forms: If between panes/inaccessible → CAT-5 by location.
Classification Mapping (to VIS-DA) (Normative)
NormativeAssign CAT via VIS visibility convention + MSRT outcome + edge/morphology (three-part cueing):
- CAT-1 - Faint: SC-0 / SC-1, non-tactile webbing; reads mainly in raking light; no chip-flanks, does not localize at acceptance geometry.
- CAT-2 - Light: SC-1, clean-edged fine lineation; limited visibility at standard view.
- CAT-3 - Moderate: Portions show SC-2 (clear) and/or modeled micro-texture noticeable at standard distance.
- CAT-4 - Severe: SC-2 (clear-to-strong) with rough chip-flanks, pits/craters, or broad matte/frosted sectors distinctly visible at standard and wide-field views.
(Classification is appearance-based; acceptance is handled separately in VIS §6.)
Indicative Relief / Depth (Informative)
Informative- CAT-1: ~0-0.2 μm (non-tactile web; tone/shine change only).
- CAT-2: ~0.2-1 μm (fine directional strands; minimal edge breakout).
- CAT-3: ~1-5 μm with incipient micro-chipping on some strands.
- CAT-4: ≥5 μm with rough chip-flank segments and local pits/craters. (Depths are illustrative for cueing only; VIS classification/acceptance remains appearance-based.)
Differentiation & False Positives (Informative)
Informative- vs. Cross-hatch scuffing (M.02.02): Cross-hatch is a lattice/X-weave of intersecting strokes; directional webbing shows dominant travel paths with more mesh-like continuity.
- vs. Micro-abrasion swirls (M.02.01): Swirls are looped/curvilinear clusters; webbing is path-oriented with repetitive, directed strands.
- vs. Residue films/overspray (R-family): Residues change with Non-Invasive Reveal; true mechanical webbing persists.
- vs. Coating anomalies (Co-family): Coating rub/patchiness is area-based, typically SC-0/SC-1 and lacks chip-flanks; visible anomalies on the worked surface are not permitted at acceptance.
- vs. Between-pane cues (A-family): Internal features show fixed parallax → CAT-5 by location.
Evidence Package (Documentation Requirements) (Normative)
Normative- Photo set (VIS): 12 / 36 / 72 in, normal + oblique, include raking; add macro frames of strand geometry and edge morphology (presence/absence of chip-flanks), and show no worked transition edge. Record reveal status, lighting, time; annotate distance/angle in-frame.
- MSRT result: Record SC class (SC-0 / SC-1 / SC-2 as observed); one pass, non-marring; for suspected coated faces, prefer polymer stylus or rely on visual cues.
- Forms: Pane ID; surface numbering (#1-#4 / laminate-internal); worked surface Y/N; functional-coating on worked surface? (Y/N/Unknown); viewing-geometry checklist; photos attached-per VIS Appendix X3.
Mis-ID Pitfalls (Informative)
Informative- Do not “feather” or “blend” the web during inspection-this creates a worked region/transition edge that VIS disallows at acceptance for CAT-0...CAT-4. Keep evaluation non-marring and appearance-only.
Reporting Language (Template)
Template- M.02.03 Directional Webbing (repetitive paths) - Directional strand network at #__ confirmed after Non-Invasive Reveal; MSRT = SC-0/SC-1/SC-2; chip-flanks absent/present (record). Classified CAT-1/2/3/4 by visibility and flank severity per VIS. Photo set at 12/36/72 in (normal + oblique + raking); surface numbering and form fields recorded. Acceptance per VIS §6 (appearance-based).
Related glossary terms
- Raking lightGRK-129
- AbrasiveGRK-168
- ChipGRK-034
- Coating rubGRK-115
- AbrasionGRK-035
Source and version
GlassRenu Damage Specification Sheets (DSS), DSS-M.02.03. Source revision and extraction date are recorded in the deployment manifest.
Open the complete published DSS with table of contents (PDF)
Normative and informative labels are preserved from the source. The downloadable one-sheet is a condensed classification aid; this web page retains the complete source-based specification content.