ASTM C603-14(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric Sealants
Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric Sealants
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a measure of the time required to extrude a known volume of sealant through a known orifice under a predetermined pressure.
4.2 This test method is not considered a measure of cure rate.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers two laboratory procedures for determining the extrusion rate and application life (or “pot life”) of elastomeric chemically curing sealants for use in building construction.
Note 1: These sealants are supplied with various rheological properties ranging from pourable liquids to nonsagging pastes. Single-component sealants are supplied ready for use upon opening the container, and their rate of cure is determined by the climatic conditions to which they are exposed. Multicomponent sealants are supplied as a base component and a curing agent separately packaged. After mixing the two parts, the sealant is ready for application, and curing begins immediately.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.3 There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2018
- Technical Committee
- C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
- Drafting Committee
- C24.20 - General Test Methods
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM C603-14 - Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric Sealants - Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2011
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2011
Overview
ASTM C603-14(2019): Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric Sealants provides standardized laboratory procedures to determine the extrusion rate and application life-also known as pot life-of elastomeric, chemically curing sealants utilized in building construction. This test method is designed to deliver consistent and reliable measurements for both single-component and multi-component sealants across a wide range of rheological properties, from pourable liquids to non-sag pastes. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is recognized for supporting quality assurance and product consistency within the construction and building maintenance sectors.
Key Topics
- Extrusion Rate Measurement: Describes a method to quantify the time required to extrude a known volume of sealant through a specified orifice under controlled pressure. This is essential for verifying the workability and suitability of sealant formulations for various applications.
- Application Life (Pot Life): Assesses how long a multi-component sealant remains usable after mixing. Pot life is crucial for project planning, particularly for large installations or projects requiring extended application times.
- Scope and Applicability: The test method applies to elastomeric sealants intended for building construction. It addresses sealants supplied as either single-component materials-ready to use upon opening-or as multi-component systems where separate components must be mixed immediately before use.
- Standard Conditions: Specifies laboratory conditions and equipment, including air-powered caulking guns, polyethylene cartridges, and required pressure settings, to ensure consistent results.
- Reporting Requirements: Outlines the necessary data to report, such as trade name, measured extrusion time, and any deviations from standard procedures.
- Limitations: Clarifies that this test does not measure cure rate, and safety practices must be established by users in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Applications
Adoption of ASTM C603-14(2019) delivers strong value in several application areas:
- Sealant Manufacturing: Enables manufacturers to consistently assess and control sealant properties such as extrusion ease and usable application time, supporting product development and batch quality control.
- Quality Assurance in Construction: Helps architects, contractors, and facility managers verify material properties before and during installation to ensure compliance with project specifications and building codes.
- Product Comparison: Provides standardized metrics for comparing extrusion rates and pot lives of competing elastomeric sealants, supporting informed procurement decisions.
- Research & Development: Offers laboratories a repeatable protocol for evaluating new or modified sealant formulations during product innovation or optimization studies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports documentation for manufacturers or suppliers seeking certification or compliance for government and large-scale construction projects.
Related Standards
While there is no known ISO equivalent to ASTM C603-14(2019), several related ASTM standards complement or reference this method:
- ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants - Provides definitions for key terms used within ASTM C603.
- Other ASTM standards on sealant performance and testing may provide additional or complementary procedures for specific applications.
Conclusion
ASTM C603-14(2019) stands as a reliable, internationally recognized test method for evaluating the extrusion rate and application life of elastomeric sealants used in building construction. Implementing this standard supports quality assurance, comparability, and compliance, making it an essential tool for manufacturers, specifiers, and construction professionals working with sealant products. For up-to-date procedures and requirements, refer to the official ASTM documentation.
Keywords: elastomeric sealants, extrusion rate, application life, pot life, ASTM C603, building construction, sealant testing, quality assurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C603-14(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric Sealants". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a measure of the time required to extrude a known volume of sealant through a known orifice under a predetermined pressure. 4.2 This test method is not considered a measure of cure rate. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers two laboratory procedures for determining the extrusion rate and application life (or “pot life”) of elastomeric chemically curing sealants for use in building construction. Note 1: These sealants are supplied with various rheological properties ranging from pourable liquids to nonsagging pastes. Single-component sealants are supplied ready for use upon opening the container, and their rate of cure is determined by the climatic conditions to which they are exposed. Multicomponent sealants are supplied as a base component and a curing agent separately packaged. After mixing the two parts, the sealant is ready for application, and curing begins immediately. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only. 1.3 There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a measure of the time required to extrude a known volume of sealant through a known orifice under a predetermined pressure. 4.2 This test method is not considered a measure of cure rate. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers two laboratory procedures for determining the extrusion rate and application life (or “pot life”) of elastomeric chemically curing sealants for use in building construction. Note 1: These sealants are supplied with various rheological properties ranging from pourable liquids to nonsagging pastes. Single-component sealants are supplied ready for use upon opening the container, and their rate of cure is determined by the climatic conditions to which they are exposed. Multicomponent sealants are supplied as a base component and a curing agent separately packaged. After mixing the two parts, the sealant is ready for application, and curing begins immediately. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only. 1.3 There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method. 1.4 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. 1.5 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 C603-14(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.060 - Rubber; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C603-14(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C603-14, ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14, ASTM C717-13, ASTM C717-12b, ASTM C717-12a, ASTM C717-12, ASTM C717-11a, ASTM C717-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C603-14(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: C603 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Extrusion Rate and Application Life of Elastomeric
Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C603; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers two laboratory procedures for 3.1 Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions of the fol-
determining the extrusion rate and application life (or “pot lowing terms used in this standard: standard conditions.
life”) of elastomeric chemically curing sealants for use in
building construction. 4. Significance and Use
4.1 The results obtained by this test method are simply a
NOTE 1—These sealants are supplied with various rheological proper-
ties ranging from pourable liquids to nonsagging pastes. Single-
measure of the time required to extrude a known volume of
componentsealantsaresuppliedreadyforuseuponopeningthecontainer,
sealant through a known orifice under a predetermined pres-
and their rate of cure is determined by the climatic conditions to which
sure.
they are exposed. Multicomponent sealants are supplied as a base
component and a curing agent separately packaged. After mixing the two
4.2 This test method is not considered a measure of cure
parts, the sealant is ready for application, and curing begins immediately.
rate.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for 5. Apparatus
information only.
5.1 Caulking Gun, 177-mL (6-fl oz) capacity, air-powered.
1.3 There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method.
5.2 PolyethyleneCartridge, 177-mL(6-fl oz), with the front
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
end having an inside diameter of 13.7 6 0.05 mm (0.540 6
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
0.002 in.).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.3 Air Supply, providing 345 kPa (50-psi) pressure and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
having the necessary connection fittings for attachment to the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
air-powered caulking gun.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.4 Timing Device (clock or watch), calibrated in seconds.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.5 500-mL (1-pt) Container.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6. Procedure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Extrusion Rate of Single-Component Sealant—First
condition the unopened container for at least 16 h at standard
2. Referenced Documents
conditions. Then place a sufficient amount of sealant into the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
177-mL(6-fl oz) cartridge to fill it completely with the plunger
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
in place, fully retracted. Using no nozzle on the cartridge, gun
the sealant at 345 kPa (50-psi) pressure into the 500-mL (1-pt)
container, measuring the time in seconds required to empty the
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
cartridge.
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.20 on
General Test Methods.
NOTE 2—When the printed instructions of the sealant manufacturer so
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published January 2019. Originally
recommended, heat the sealant before extruding it into the container.
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C603 - 14. DOI:
10.1520/C0603-14R19.
6.2 Extrusion Rate or Application Life or both, of Mixed
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Multicomponent Sealant—First condition the unopened con-
contact ASTM Cust
...
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