ASTM Launches New Plastic Film QA Testing Tool

 

An innovative statistical qualitative assurance tool for plastic film testing has been just launched by ASTM International, W. Conshohocken, Penn., and with support from ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics.

 

The Proficiency Testing Program for Plastic Film Testing, is aimed at helping laboratories that want to improve and maintain a high performance when conducting a variety of ASTM test methods, ranging from tensile properties and propagation tear resistance to haze and gloss. ASTM says this program empowers participants to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of their lab capabilities, to compare their test results with other labs worldwide, and to help maintain accreditation status.

 

Here’s how it is set up to work. The first test cycle will be in September 2015. For each test cycle, each laboratory will receive two rolls of film, each made of different materials. These rolls will be 12 in. wide with nominal 1- or 2-mil (0.001 or 0.002-in.) gauge and will contain 50 to 75 feet of film to conduct the specified tests. Materials to be evaluated include LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE. The following parameters reflect the scope of the program:

 

• ASTM D882, Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

 

• ASTM D1003, Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics

 

• ASTM D1004, Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting

 

• ASTM D1894, Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting

 

• ASTM D1922, Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method

 

• ASTM D1709, Test Method for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method.

 

 

• ASTM D2457, Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics

 

• ASTM D2582, Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting

 

• ASTM D6988, Standard Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film Test Specimens

 

For each trial, participants will receive two sample materials, as noted above, along with interactive electronic data report forms and test instructions. Labs will conduct the ASTM specified tests of their choice that they routinely run. Upon completion of testing, each lab will electronically submit the data to the ASTM PTP Center to generate statistical summary reports. Final reports will be electronically distributed within 25 business days of the data submission deadline, containing all test results coded to maintain customer confidentiality; statistical analysis of test data; and charts plotting test results versus laboratory code.

 

Interested companies must register by Aug, 28, 2015 to be included in the first test trial. The prorated subscription fee for the September 2015 trial is $338. For 2016, the program will be offered in March and September with an annual subscription fee of $695.

 

For questions, contact Helen Bucci, ASTM International, (610) 832-9534; hbucci@astm.org.