ASTM Testing Programs
National Technical Systems (NTS)
The American Society for Testing and Materials was founded over a century ago to answer the call for more uniform quality manufacturing standards in the railroad industry. ASTM International is a global organization centered on the development and delivery of international standards. As indicated on its website, ASTM has published nearly 12,000 test methods and standards. Known for advanced technical quality and market relevance, ASTM standards are used in research and development, product testing, and quality systems. ASTM standards are critical elements of the information infrastructure that guides manufacturing and trade in the global economy.
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Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength
ASTM D149
This test method covers procedures for the determination of dielectric strength of solid insulating materials at commercial power frequencies, under specified conditions. Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be made at 60 Hz. However, this test method is suitable for use at any frequency from 25 to 800 Hz. At frequencies above 800 Hz, dielectric heating is a potential problem. This test method is intended to be used in conjunction with any ASTM standard or other document that refers to this test method. References to this document need to specify the particular options to be used. It is suitable for use at various temperatures, and in any suitable gaseous or liquid surrounding medium. This test method is not intended for measuring the dielectric strength of materials that are fluid under the conditions of test. This test method is not intended for use in determining intrinsic dielectric strength, direct-voltage dielectric strength, or thermal failure under electrical stress (see Test Method ASTM D3151). This test method is most commonly used to determine the dielectric breakdown voltage through the thickness of a test specimen (puncture). It is also suitable for use to determine dielectric breakdown voltage along the interface between a solid specimen and a gaseous or liquid surrounding medium (flashover). This test method is similar to IEC Publication 243-1. All procedures in this method are included in IEC 243-1. Differences between this method and IEC 243-1 are largely editorial. Note: The above information is taken directly from the test method Scope published in ASTM D149.
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DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
ASTM D257
These test methods cover direct-current procedures for the measurement of dc insulation resistance,volume resistance, and surface resistance. From such measurements and the geometric dimensions of specimen and electrodes, both volume and surface resistivity of electrical insulating materials can be calculated, as well as the corresponding conductances and conductivities. These test methods are not suitable for use in measuring the electrical resistance/conductance of moderately conductive materials. Use Test Method D4496 to evaluate such materials. This standard describes several general alternative methodologies for measuring resistance (or conductance). Specific materials can be tested most appropriately by using standard ASTM test methods applicable to the specific material that define both voltage stress limits and finite electrification times as well as specimen configuration and electrode geometry. These individual specific test methodologies would be better able to define the precision and bias for the determination.
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Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
ASTM D635
This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standard applicable to such equipment.
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Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
ASTM D882
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). 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.). Tensile properties of plastics 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) or greater in thickness shall be determined according to Test Method D638. This test method can be used to test all plastics within the thickness range described and the capacity of the machine employed. Specimen extension can be measured by grip separation, extension indicators, or displacement of gage marks. The procedure for determining the tensile modulus of elasticity is included at one strain rate. The modulus determination is generally based on the use of grip separation as a measure of extension; however, the desirability of using extensometers, is recognized and provision for the use of such instrumentation is incorporated in the procedure. Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only. 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.
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Peel Resistance of Adhesive Bonds
ASTM D1781
This test method is used to compare adhesion between flexible and rigid adherents, or between flexible facing of a sandwich structure and its core. Comparisons of adhesives and processes are only applicable when test specimens and conditions are the same. The peel resistance may indicate degree of cure for relatively brittle adhesives.
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Fungus Resistance
ASTM G21
Many products that operate in warm, humid environments must be tested to withstand fungal attacks, since this problem can cause myriad of operational challenges. To varying degrees, live fungi will use wood, paper, leather, hydrocarbons, PVC, polyurethanes, certain plastics and paints, along with other materials, as fuel for growth.
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product
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength
ASTM D149
This test method covers procedures for the determination of dielectric strength of solid insulating materials at commercial power frequencies, under specified conditions. Unless otherwise specified, the tests shall be made at 60 Hz. However, this test method is suitable for use at any frequency from 25 to 800 Hz. At frequencies above 800 Hz, dielectric heating is a potential problem. This test method is intended to be used in conjunction with any ASTM standard or other document that refers to this test method. References to this document need to specify the particular options to be used. It is suitable for use at various temperatures, and in any suitable gaseous or liquid surrounding medium. This test method is not intended for measuring the dielectric strength of materials that are fluid under the conditions of test. This test method is not intended for use in determining intrinsic dielectric strength, direct-voltage dielectric strength, or thermal failure under electrical stress (see Test Method ASTM D3151). This test method is most commonly used to determine the dielectric breakdown voltage through the thickness of a test specimen (puncture). It is also suitable for use to determine dielectric breakdown voltage along the interface between a solid specimen and a gaseous or liquid surrounding medium (flashover). This test method is similar to IEC Publication 243-1. All procedures in this method are included in IEC 243-1. Differences between this method and IEC 243-1 are largely editorial. Note: The above information is taken directly from the test method Scope published in ASTM D149.
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product
DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
ASTM D257
These test methods cover direct-current procedures for the measurement of dc insulation resistance,volume resistance, and surface resistance. From such measurements and the geometric dimensions of specimen and electrodes, both volume and surface resistivity of electrical insulating materials can be calculated, as well as the corresponding conductances and conductivities. These test methods are not suitable for use in measuring the electrical resistance/conductance of moderately conductive materials. Use Test Method D4496 to evaluate such materials. This standard describes several general alternative methodologies for measuring resistance (or conductance). Specific materials can be tested most appropriately by using standard ASTM test methods applicable to the specific material that define both voltage stress limits and finite electrification times as well as specimen configuration and electrode geometry. These individual specific test methodologies would be better able to define the precision and bias for the determination.
-
product
Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
ASTM D635
This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standard applicable to such equipment.
-
product
Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
ASTM D882
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). 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.). Tensile properties of plastics 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) or greater in thickness shall be determined according to Test Method D638. This test method can be used to test all plastics within the thickness range described and the capacity of the machine employed. Specimen extension can be measured by grip separation, extension indicators, or displacement of gage marks. The procedure for determining the tensile modulus of elasticity is included at one strain rate. The modulus determination is generally based on the use of grip separation as a measure of extension; however, the desirability of using extensometers, is recognized and provision for the use of such instrumentation is incorporated in the procedure. Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only. 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.
-
product
Peel Resistance of Adhesive Bonds
ASTM D1781
This test method is used to compare adhesion between flexible and rigid adherents, or between flexible facing of a sandwich structure and its core. Comparisons of adhesives and processes are only applicable when test specimens and conditions are the same. The peel resistance may indicate degree of cure for relatively brittle adhesives.
-
product
Fungus Resistance
ASTM G21
Many products that operate in warm, humid environments must be tested to withstand fungal attacks, since this problem can cause myriad of operational challenges. To varying degrees, live fungi will use wood, paper, leather, hydrocarbons, PVC, polyurethanes, certain plastics and paints, along with other materials, as fuel for growth.
