Have you downloaded your free copy of the Bearing Selection Design White Paper? If so, you’re probably familiar with ASTM Testing Standards for plastic materials. Today we’ll provide a review of why these standards are an important consideration in bearing selection.
ASTM helps to ensure that only quality, raw materials are used to produce bearings and other industrial goods. The standards are highly-regarded throughout the plastic supply chain. Here are a few FAQs about this industry organization:
- What is ASTM? - ASTM (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) is the governing body of the plastics industry and the group responsible for classifying the quality of raw materials.
- How are the standards used? - ASTM standards help to specify, test, and assess the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of plastic products and their polymeric derivatives.
- Why are ASTM standards important? - ASTM is in many ways the quality-control “clearing house” of plastic raw materials. When you purchase ASTM-compliant plastics (either as a manufacturer or an end-user), you can be certain that your raw materials will perform as specified. The standards also help determine when products are safe for use.
- ASTM Standards and Bearing Selection - In terms of bearing selection, ASTM standards simplify the selection process by creating a level-playing field for material guidelines. In the automotive industry, for instance, ASTM offers assurance to both the auto manufacturer (who can specify exacting requirement for building their parts), and to the consumer (who can be assured they are buying a safe vehicle). ASTM standards for auto bearings may include rigidity and flexural properties, heat deflection, impact and stress resistance, among others. ASTM review can help determine auto performance.
Common ASTM Standard Test Methods for classifying plastic bearings:
D149 Dielectric Strength
D150 Dielectric Constant and Dissipation Factor of Plastics
D256 Izod Impact
D638 Tensile Properties of Plastics
D648 Heat Deflection Temperature
D695 Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics
D570 Water Absorption of Plastics
D7774 Flexural Fatigue Properties of Plastics
D790 Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D792 Specific Density & Gravity
D953 Bearing Strength of Plastics
D1822 Tensile Impact
D2990 Tensile, Compressive and Flexural Creep and Creep-Rupture of Plastics
D3418 Melting Point
D3702 Coefficient of Friction
D7107 Creep Measurement of Self-lubricating Bushings*
*ASTM International astm.org
Ready to explore ASTM standards for your next bearing selection? Just Ask an Expert for a recommendation!
Dave Biering
