ASTM D4703 : 24

Standard Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets

Standard Details

1.1 This practice covers the compression molding of thermoplastics (for example, granules, pellets) and milled stock for the preparation of test specimens.2

Note 1: Certain ASTM standards require the use of Procedure C in Annex A1 for compression molding of polyethylene test specimens.

1.2 While conditions for certain materials are given, the primary source of specific conditions shall be the material specification standards for each type of material.

1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

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.

Note 2: ISO 293:2023 has been updated and is no longer equivalent to ASTM D4703. The practice is considered technically similar to ISO 293:2023 but differs in detail.

Listed are the differences between ISO 293-1986 and ASTM D4703-16: The main body of D4703-16 is equivalent to ISO 293-1986. Annex A1 and ISO 293-1986 differ in some details; however, specimens prepared using Annex A1, Procedure A should be equivalent to those prepared using ISO 293-1986, Cooling Method D. Specimens prepared using Annex A1, Procedure C should be equivalent to those prepared using ISO 293-1986, Cooling Method B. However, due to the greater cooling rate tolerances of the ISO standard, specimens prepared in accordance with ISO Cooling Method B may not be equivalent to Annex A1, Procedure C.

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.