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Plastics

Plastics manufacturing standards cover aspects of product specification and manufacturing practices to ensure safety and quality. These specifications include requirements for tensile properties, density, flow rate, and chemical specifications for the machines and plastics themselves. In addition, many other documents address proper safety and handling of the molding machines and heating apparatuses to protect the workers who manufacture plastics. Due to the wide application of plastic material across a multitude of industries, many of the standards are generalized with a few pertaining to certain industry applications such as plumbing.


ONORM EN 478:2018

Plastics - Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles - Determination of the appearance after exposure at 150 °C

This European standard sets a procedure for the determination of the influence of heat at 150 ° C in the air on profiles of plasticizer-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U). It is applicable also for profiles on the basis of PVC at predetermined temperatures/test conditions.


ANSI/PLASTICS B151.1-2017

Plastics Machinery - Safety Requirements for Injection Molding Machines

The purpose of this standard is to identify and address known hazards to personnel working on, or adjacent to, an IMM.


ASTM D1238-20

Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rate of extrusion of molten thermoplastic resins using an extrusion plastometer.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1: This standard and ISO 1133 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ASTM D638-22

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

1.1This test method covers the determination of the tensile properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics in the form of standard dumbbell-shaped test specimens when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing machine speed.

1.2This test method is applicable for testing materials of any thickness up to 14 mm (0.55 in.). However, for testing specimens in the form of thin sheeting, including film less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness, ASTM standard D882 is the preferred test method. Materials with a thickness greater than 14 mm (0.55 in.) shall be reduced by machining.

1.3This test method includes the option of determining Poisson's ratio at room temperature.

Note 1:This standard and ISO 527-1 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

Note 2:This test method is not intended to cover precise physical procedures. It is recognized that the constant rate of crosshead movement type of test leaves much to be desired from a theoretical standpoint, that wide differences may exist between rate of crosshead movement and rate of strain between gage marks on the specimen, and that the testing speeds specified disguise important effects characteristic of materials in the plastic state. Further, it is realized that variations in the thicknesses of test specimens, which are permitted by these procedures, produce variations in the surface-volume ratios of such specimens, and that these variations may influence the test results. Hence, where directly comparable results are desired, all samples should be of equal thickness. Special additional tests should be used where more precise physical data are needed.

Note 3:This test method may be used for testing phenolic molded resin or laminated materials. However, where these materials are used as electrical insulation, such materials should be tested in accordance with Test Methods D229 and Test Method D651.

Note 4:For tensile properties of resin-matrix composites reinforced with oriented continuous or discontinuous high modulus >20-GPa (>3.0 × 106-psi) fibers, tests shall be made in accordance with Test Method D3039/D3039M.

1.4Test data obtained by this test method have been found to be useful in engineering design. However, it is important to consider the precautions and limitations of this method found in Note 2 and Section 4 before considering these data for engineering design.

1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ASTM D790-17

Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

1.1 These test methods are used to determine the flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including high modulus composites and electrical insulating materials utilizing a three-point loading system to apply a load to a simply supported beam (specimen). The method is generally applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials, but flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break or yield in the outer surface of the test specimen within the 5.0 % strain limit.

1.2 Test specimens of rectangular cross section are injection molded or, cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates, or cut from molded or extruded shapes. Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular. The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded by means of a loading nose midway between the supports.

1.3 Measure deflection in one of two ways; using crosshead position or a deflectometer. Please note that studies have shown that deflection data obtained with a deflectometer will differ from data obtained using crosshead position. The method of deflection measurement shall be reported.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values provided in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 3: This standard and ISO 178 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ANSI/PLASTICS B151.5-2020

Safety Requirements for Plastic Film and Sheet Winding and Unwinding Machinery

The purpose of this standard is to identify and address known hazards to personnel working on, or adjacent to plastic film/sheet winding, slitter rewinding and unwinding machinery. Safety requirements of ancillary equipment used with this machinery are not covered by this standard 


ASTM D882-18

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

1.1 This test method covers the determination of tensile properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness).

Note 1: Film is defined in Terminology D883 as an optional term for sheeting having a nominal thickness no greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.).

Note 2: Tensile properties of plastics 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) or greater in thickness shall be determined according to Test Method D638.

1.2 This test method can be used to test all plastics within the thickness range described and the capacity of the machine employed.

1.3 Specimen extension can be measured by grip separation, extension indicators, or displacement of gage marks.

1.4 The procedure for determining the tensile modulus of elasticity is included at one strain rate.

Note 3: The modulus determination is generally based on the use of grip separation as a measure of extension; however, the desirability of using extensometers, as described in 6.2, is recognized and provision for the use of such instrumentation is incorporated in the procedure.

1.5 Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 4: This test method is similar to ISO 527-3, but is not considered technically equivalent. ISO 527-3 allows for additional specimen configurations, specifies different test speeds, and requires an extensometer or gage marks on the specimen.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ASTM D792-20

Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement

1.1 These test methods describe the determination of the specific gravity (relative density) and density of solid plastics in forms such as sheets, rods, tubes, or molded items.

1.2 Two test methods are described:

1.2.1 Test Method A—For testing solid plastics in water, and

1.2.2 Test Method B—For testing solid plastics in liquids other than water.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 Warning—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous substance that can cause serious medical issues. Mercury, or its vapor, has been demonstrated to be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Use caution when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information. The potential exists that selling mercury or mercury-containing products, or both, is prohibited by local or national law. Users must determine legality of sales in their location.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1: This standard is not equivalent to ISO 1183–1 Method A. This test method provides more guidelines on sample weight and dimension. ISO 1183-1 allows testing at an additional temperature of 27 ± 2°C.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ANSI ASC A14.5-2017

Ladders - Portable Reinforced Plastic - Safety Requirements

The purpose of this standard is to provide reasonable safety for life, limb, and property. In order to develop an effective safety program, the standard may serve also as a basis for purchase requirements and for instructions in personnel training, and in the preparation of motivational/instructional material such as safety practices, manuals, posters, and the like. This standard is also intended to provide the manufacturer, purchaser, and user of reinforced plastic ladders with a set of performance and dimensional requirements against which a product may be compared. It is not the purpose of this standard to specify all the details of construction of portable reinforced plastic ladders. The limitations imposed are for the purpose of providing adequate general requirements and testing methods needed for consistency.


ISO 1133-1:2022

Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics - Part 1: Standard method

This document specifies two procedures for the determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastic materials under specified conditions of temperature and load. Procedure A is a mass-measurement method. Procedure B is a displacement-measurement method. Normally, the test conditions for measurement of melt flow rate are specified in the material standard with a reference to this document. The test conditions normally used for thermoplastics are listed in Annex A.

 

The MVR is particularly useful when comparing materials of different filler content and when comparing filled with unfilled thermoplastics. The MFR can be determined from MVR measurements, or vice versa, provided the melt density at the test temperature is known.

 

This document is also possibly applicable to thermoplastics for which the rheological behaviour is affected during the measurement by phenomena such as hydrolysis (chain scission), condensation and cross-linking, but only if the effect is limited in extent and only if the repeatability and reproducibility are within an acceptable range. For materials which show significantly affected rheological behaviour during testing, this document is not appropriate. In such cases, ISO 1133-2 applies.

 

NOTE      The rates of shear in these methods are much smaller than those used under normal conditions of processing, and therefore it is possible that data obtained by these methods for various thermoplastics will not always correlate with their behaviour during processing. Both methods are used primarily in quality control.


CSA B45.5-2017/IAPMO Z124-2017

CSA B45.5-17/IAPMO Z124-2017 - Plastic plumbing fixtures

Preface

This is the second edition of CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124, Plastic plumbing fixtures. It supersedes the previous edition published in 2011.

This Standard replaces

a) CAN/CSA-B45.5-02, Plastic plumbing fixtures;

b) IAPMO/ANSI Z124.1.2-2005, Plastic Bathtub and Shower Units;

c) IAPMO/ANSI Z124.3-2005, Plastic Lavatories;

d) IAPMO/ANSI Z124.4-2006, Plastic Water Closet Bowls and Tanks;

e) IAPMO/ANSI Z124.6-2007, Plastic Sinks; and

f) IAPMO/ANSI Z124.9-2004, Plastic Urinal Fixtures.

Scope

1.1
This Standard covers plastic plumbing fixtures and specifies requirements for materials, construction, performance, testing, and markings.

1.2
This Standard covers the following plumbing fixtures:

a) bathtubs and combination tub/showers;

b) lavatories;

c) shower bases and shower stalls;

d) sinks:

    i) bar sinks;

    ii) kitchen sinks;

    iii) laundry sinks; and

    iv) service sinks;
e) urinals; and

f) water closets.

1.3
In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.4
SI units are the units of record in Canada. In this Standard, the inch/pound units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each measurement system are equivalent in application; however, each system is to be used independently. Combining values from the two measurement systems can result in non-conformance with this Standard.

All references to gallons are to U.S. gallons.

For information on the conversion criteria used in this Standard, see Annex A.


ASTM D256-10(2018)

Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the resistance of plastics to “standardized” (see Note 1) pendulum-type hammers, mounted in “standardized” machines, in breaking standard specimens with one pendulum swing (see Note 2). The standard tests for these test methods require specimens made with a milled notch (see Note 3). In Test Methods A, C, and D, the notch produces a stress concentration that increases the probability of a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. In Test Method E, the impact resistance is obtained by reversing the notched specimen 180° in the clamping vise. The results of all test methods are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen width or per unit of cross-sectional area under the notch. (See Note 4.)

Note 1: The machines with their pendulum-type hammers have been “standardized” in that they must comply with certain requirements, including a fixed height of hammer fall that results in a substantially fixed velocity of the hammer at the moment of impact. However, hammers of different initial energies (produced by varying their effective weights) are recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in pendulum rigidities resulting. (See Section 5.) Be aware that other differences in machine design may exist. The specimens are “standardized” in that they are required to have one fixed length, one fixed depth, and one particular design of milled notch. The width of the specimens is permitted to vary between limits.

Note 2: Results generated using pendulums that utilize a load cell to record the impact force and thus impact energy, may not be equivalent to results that are generated using manually or digitally encoded testers that measure the energy remaining in the pendulum after impact.

Note 3: The notch in the Izod specimen serves to concentrate the stress, minimize plastic deformation, and direct the fracture to the part of the specimen behind the notch. Scatter in energy-to-break is thus reduced. However, because of differences in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of plastics, response to a given notch varies among materials. A measure of a plastic's “notch sensitivity” may be obtained with Test Method D by comparing the energies to break specimens having different radii at the base of the notch.

Note 4: Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results of these standard test methods. The following testing parameters may affect test results significantly:

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 5: These test methods resemble ISO 180:1993 in regard to title only. The contents are significantly different.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ISO 178:2019

Plastics - Determination of flexural properties

This document specifies a method for determining the flexural properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics under defined conditions. A preferred test specimen is defined, but parameters are included for alternative specimen sizes for use where appropriate. A range of test speeds is included.

The method is used to investigate the flexural behaviour of the test specimens and to determine the flexural strength, flexural modulus and other aspects of the flexural stress/strain relationship under the conditions defined. It applies to a freely supported beam, loaded at midspan (three-point loading test).

The method is suitable for use with the following range of materials:

— thermoplastic moulding, extrusion and casting materials, including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types; rigid thermoplastics sheets;

— thermosetting moulding materials, including filled and reinforced compounds; thermosetting sheets.

In agreement with ISO 10350-1[5] and ISO 10350-2[6], this document applies to fibre-reinforced compounds with fibre lengths ≤7,5 mm prior to processing. For long-fibre-reinforced materials (laminates) with fibre lengths >7,5 mm, see ISO 14125[7].

The method is not normally suitable for use with rigid cellular materials or sandwich structures containing cellular material. In such cases, ISO 1209-1[3] and/or ISO 1209-2[4] can be used.

NOTE 1 For certain types of textile-fibre-reinforced plastic, a four-point bending test is used. This is described in ISO 14125.

The method is performed using specimens which can be either moulded to the specified dimensions, machined from the central section of a standard multipurpose test specimen (see ISO 20753) or machined from finished or semi-finished products, such as mouldings, laminates, or extruded or cast sheet.

The method specifies the preferred dimensions for the test specimen. Tests which are carried out on specimens of different dimensions, or on specimens which are prepared under different conditions, can produce results which are not comparable. Other factors, such as the test speed and the conditioning of the specimens, can also influence the results.

NOTE 2 Especially for injection moulded semi-crystalline polymers, the thickness of the oriented skin layer, which is dependent on the moulding conditions, also affects the flexural properties.

The method is not suitable for the determination of design parameters but can be used in materials testing and as a quality control test.


ANSI/SPI B151.7-2014

Plastics Machinery - Safety Requirements for Extrusion Machines

The requirements of this standard shall apply to extrusion machines that are used in the plastics industry. Extrusion machinery suppliers and users shall use the risk assessment process in the manufacture, care, and use of the machinery. Deviations from the requirements of this standard shall be based on a documented risk assessment. Safety requirements of ancillary equipment used with extrusion machines are not covered by this standard


ASTM D618-21

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

1.1In general, the physical and electrical properties of plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in a manner that materially affects test results. In order to make reliable comparisons between different materials and between different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humidity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which specimens of these materials are subjected prior to and during testing. This practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics (although not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the conditions under which they shall be tested.

1.2For some materials, it is possible that a material specification exists that requires the use of this practice, but with some procedural modifications. The material specification takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material specification before using this practice. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM material specifications that currently exist.

1.3This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1:This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both.

1.4This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


ASTM D1003-21

Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics

1.1This test method covers the evaluation of specific light-transmitting and wide-angle-light-scattering properties of planar sections of materials such as essentially transparent plastic. Two procedures are provided for the measurement of luminous transmittance and haze. Procedure A uses a hazemeter as described in Section 5 and Procedure B uses a spectrophotometer as described in Section 8. Material having a haze value greater than 30 % is considered diffusing and should be tested in accordance with Practice E2387.

1.2The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

Note 1:For greater discrimination among materials that scatter a high percent of light within a narrow forward angle, such as is the case with abraded transparent plastics, adjust the hazemeter and perform measurements in accordance with Test Method D1044.

1.3This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 2:This test method is not equivalent to ISO 13468-1 and ISO/DIS 14782.

1.4This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.


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