A Practical Guide to Plastics Testing Standards: Apparent Density and

A Practical Guide to Plastics Testing Standards: Apparent Density and Charpy Impact Strength

Plastics play a fundamental role in our modern world, present in products and infrastructures across countless industries—from automotive components and packaging, to electronics, construction, and medical devices. Ensuring plastics deliver consistent quality, safety, and reliability requires robust testing and standardized assessment methods. In this article, we explore two internationally recognized standards—EN ISO 60:2023 and prEN ISO 179-1—focusing on their role in measuring apparent density and Charpy impact strength. These standards are vital tools for businesses seeking to boost productivity, security, and cost-effective scaling. Read on for accessible coverage of these key requirements, plus expert insights on practical implementation and compliance.

Overview / Introduction

Plastics are as diverse as their applications, with performance characteristics carefully engineered to suit anything from lightweight foams to high-strength structural composites. However, the variability of raw materials, manufacturing conditions, and product requirements means that standardized testing is critical. Businesses and laboratories rely on internationally harmonized methods to ensure predictable behavior, from bulk flow of plastic powders to the toughness of finished articles.

This guide covers:

The importance and methods of plastics material testing
Key details from EN ISO 60:2023 for apparent density and prEN ISO 179-1 for Charpy impact strength
Who these standards are for, what they require, and why compliance matters
Practical tips for implementing these standards at your facility
Compliance, quality, and scaling benefits for modern businesses

Whether you are a plastics manufacturer, supplier, quality professional, or business manager, understanding these plastics standards is essential to maintain competitive advantage and ensure product safety and consistency.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 60:2023 - Determination of Apparent Density of Material That Can Be Poured From a Specified Funnel

Full Standard Title: Plastics — Determination of apparent density of material that can be poured from a specified funnel (ISO 60:2023)

What Does This Standard Cover?

EN ISO 60:2023 specifies a precise laboratory method to determine the apparent density (mass per unit volume) of loose plastics material—like powders or granules—that is able to flow through a funnel of specific design. Apparent density is an important bulk property, influencing packaging, transportation, storage, and further processing (such as feeding and blending). This standard is tailored for materials that will pour freely; for those that don’t, alternative methods apply (see ISO 61).

Scope and Key Specifications:

Defines the test setup: a funnel of specified dimensions is used to pour the material into a graduated cylinder
Describes a strict procedure including how to handle, fill, and weigh the sample
Results are reported as mass (in grams) per unit volume (typically per cubic centimeter)
Applies to all granulated and powdered plastics that flow; not suited for fluffy or cohesive materials
Repeatability and reproducibility are enabled by standardized funnel size, volume, and procedure

Who Needs to Comply? Industries and organizations handling, processing, or supplying powdered and granular plastics—including resin producers, compounders, injection molding and extrusion companies, and quality control labs—are the primary users. Material specifiers and R&D teams benefit, too.

Practical Implications for Implementation:

Bulk density information is needed for hopper and silo design, dosing systems, and conveying equipment
Accurate density values help with blending, weighing, and formulation of masterbatches or compounds
Consistent results provide a quality benchmark across suppliers and production batches

Notable Features:

Focuses on reproducible, operator-independent measurement
Designed for compatibility with international trade and regulatory compliance
Easy integration into existing quality management or ISO 9001 systems

Key highlights:

Essential for material selection, process design, and consistent product quality
Reduces waste and handling errors in production
Facilitates market acceptance and standardization across borders

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 60:2023 on iTeh Standards

prEN ISO 179-1 - Determination of Charpy Impact Properties – Part 1: Non-instrumented Impact Test

Full Standard Title: Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact test (ISO/DIS 179-1:2025)

What Does This Standard Cover?

prEN ISO 179-1 describes a widely used test for assessing the impact strength of plastics using the Charpy method without instrumented force measurement. This test gauges how much energy a plastic specimen absorbs when fractured by a single, hard blow from a pendulum hammer, offering key insights into toughness and resistance to sudden breakage. The standard details various specimen types, notching configurations, and parameters tailored to different plastics and composite materials.

Scope and Key Specifications:

Applicable to rigid thermoplastic and thermosetting materials (filled, reinforced, or unfilled), as well as fiber-reinforced composites and thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers
Describes specimen preparation either by molding, machining from products, or cutting from test plates
Supports different test modes: edgewise (blow to the narrow side), flatwise (blow to the broad side), and tailored approaches for laminated composites
Notched and unnotched specimens are both included (notches concentrate stress and simulate product flaws)
Presents formulas for calculating absorbed energy and reporting results in kilojoules per square meter

Who Needs to Comply? Manufacturers, research labs, suppliers, and quality control teams for plastics parts, raw materials, and composites. Regulatory bodies and customers often specify Charpy impact data for safety-critical applications in sectors like automotive, electronics, aerospace, and construction.

Practical Implications for Implementation:

Allows consistent comparison of impact properties between materials or production lots, making material selection and troubleshooting easier
Determines a material’s suitability for applications where resistance to breakage is vital (e.g., casings, structural panels, engineered parts)
Aids in research and development of new polymers and composites

Notable Features:

Comprehensive machine and specimen guidelines for repeatable, comparable testing
Informative annexes for assessing additional factors like notch geometry, preparation, and environmental effects
Aligned with global harmonization efforts for material data sheets and technical documentation

Key highlights:

Unveils product durability, robustness, and risk of brittle failure
Supports product safety and reliability certifications
Enhances marketability with transparent, comparable data

Access the full standard:View prEN ISO 179-1 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The adoption of internationally accepted testing standards for plastics, such as those detailed above, has far-reaching benefits and implications for businesses in the polymer sector:

How These Standards Affect Businesses:

Quality Assurance: Standard methods ensure products meet customer and regulatory expectations, reducing the likelihood of complaints, recalls, or failures
Trade and Market Access: Many buyers and international regulations require documented testing to recognized standards—adherence smooths global trade
Cost Efficiency and Productivity: Standardized methods minimize trial-and-error and enable predictable, reproducible production, saving time and resources
Credibility and Trust: Certification to these testing standards fosters trust among customers, partners, and regulatory authorities

Compliance Considerations:

Companies may be required by contract or legislation to perform and document results using the exact procedures described in these standards
Auditable results help with internal and external assessments, supporting quality management and risk reduction

Benefits of Adopting Plastics Testing Standards:

Reduced production costs thanks to fewer process stoppages and less rework
Improved product development cycles by enabling targeted material selection and troubleshooting
Better supplier relationships through harmonized specification and acceptance requirements
Higher customer satisfaction and increased competitive edge in regulated markets

Risks of Non-Compliance:

Potential for costly product failures, recalls, or liability claims if untested or poorly tested materials are used
Loss of market access where compliance evidence is a must-have
Reputation damage and decreased trust from customers or partners

Implementation Guidance

Successfully integrating plastics material testing standards into day-to-day operations involves:

Common Implementation Approaches:

Training Laboratory Personnel: All technicians should be thoroughly trained in the relevant procedures and the reasoning behind each step
Calibrating Equipment: Regular verification and maintenance of funnels, balances, pendulum impact testers, and other devices per manufacturer and standard guidelines
Sample Preparation: Follow strict protocols for obtaining, handling, and conditioning specimens to minimize variation
Documentation: Maintain clear, complete, and accessible records—including equipment settings, procedural deviations, and full test reports

Best Practices for Adopting These Standards:

Set up process audits and proficiency testing to ensure ongoing compliance
Integrate standard methods with broader company quality systems (such as ISO 9001)
Use comparison samples and reference materials where possible, to validate day-to-day accuracy
Stay updated on revisions—standards are periodically improved to reflect new technologies and methods

Resources for Organizations:

Training modules and workshops from plastics industry associations
Supplier and customer feedback to flag evolving needs in material properties and compliance
Accessing official standard documents, implementation guides, and FAQs via platforms such as iTeh Standards

Conclusion / Next Steps

Plastics are only as reliable as the data and quality measures that guide their manufacture and application. International standards like EN ISO 60:2023 for apparent density and prEN ISO 179-1 for Charpy impact properties serve as the backbone of consistent, efficient, and scalable plastics production. By embedding these standards into operating procedures, companies build quality into every stage of their value chain—from procurement to production to delivery.

Key Takeaways:

Standardized testing ensures plastics perform as expected, mitigating risk across industries
Adhering to these standards builds commercial credibility and unlocks new markets
Implementation supports higher productivity, improved product safety, and smoother regulatory compliance

Recommendations for Organizations:

Review your current testing protocols—are they aligned with the latest standards?
Invest in training, equipment, and documentation to streamline compliance
Stay connected to standards updates and industry best practices

For detailed specifications, in-depth technical requirements, and current official versions of these standards, explore the full documents available on iTeh Standards. Implement these plastics testing standards today to future-proof your business, protect your reputation, and drive growth.

https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/cd643f0f-d001-4f71-8be8-6e51f78a394e/en-iso-60-2023 https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/7b0a2963-d0de-41c8-aa64-91faf5a0c488/pren-iso-179-1