Essential Plastics Standards: Apparent Density and Charpy Impact Testing Explained
- Valentina Bosenko
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
In the competitive world of plastics manufacturing and processing, adherence to rigorous international standards is not just a matter of regulatory compliance—it’s a strategic business imperative. As industries push for higher productivity, improved security, scalability, and consistent product quality, the implementation of trusted testing methods and certification becomes a foundational pillar for sustainable growth. This article explores two pivotal standards: EN ISO 60:2023 for apparent density determination and prEN ISO 179-1 for Charpy impact testing in plastics. Together, these standards offer clear, actionable parameters that enhance efficiency, facilitate safety, and open new avenues for innovation and market expansion.
Overview / Introduction
The plastics industry is central to innovation in manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, and countless other fields. As the range of polymer materials and processing techniques expands, so does the need for standardized methods that ensure accurate characterization and consistent product performance.
International standards, particularly those developed and maintained by organizations such as ISO and CEN, play a crucial role in:
Guiding quality control and assurance processes
Providing universally accepted test methods
Enabling interoperability and comparability between producers, suppliers, and buyers
Supporting legal compliance and facilitating international trade
Implementing plastics standards isn’t just about passing audits. It’s about building trust—from material sourcing and research, right through to final production and after-market performance. This guide focuses on two critical standards: EN ISO 60:2023 for determining the apparent density of pourable plastic materials, and prEN ISO 179-1 for measuring Charpy impact strength in plastics. Both serve as cornerstones for reliable product development, risk management, and scaling up operations with confidence.
Detailed Standards Coverage
EN ISO 60:2023 – Apparent Density Determination for Pourable Plastics
Plastics — Determination of apparent density of material that can be poured from a specified funnel (ISO 60:2023)
The EN ISO 60:2023 standard provides a precise method for determining the apparent density—defined as the mass per unit volume—of loose plastic materials like powders and granules that can be poured from a specially designed funnel. Accurate measurement of density is vital for manufacturers because it impacts:
Material handling
Storage and shipping calculations
Processability in moulding and extrusion
Final product quality and consistency
What the Standard Covers
This method applies primarily to thermosetting and thermoplastic resins in powder or granular form, where the material can flow freely from a standardized funnel. The procedure involves allowing a measured amount of material to run into a receiving vessel via gravity, avoiding compacting or forced vibration, and then calculating its density by dividing mass by occupied volume.
It should be noted that for materials that do not pour freely, reference is made to ISO 61 for alternative procedures.
Who Should Comply?
Raw material producers (polymer or additive manufacturers)
Compounding facilities
Plastics processors (injection, extrusion, rotational moulding)
Quality assurance and testing laboratories
Distributors and logistics professionals
Meeting the requirements of EN ISO 60:2023 ensures reliable communication and exchange of apparent density data between suppliers and customers—key to predictable processing and inventory management.
Key Requirements & Practical Implications
Apparatus: Mandates use of a funnel of precise geometry, ensuring universal comparability.
Procedure: Details sample preparation, pouring technique, and handling instructions to minimize compaction or external vibration.
Expression of Results: Specifies how to calculate and report density (g/cm³ or kg/m³) and outlines test report content.
Traceability: Emphasizes documentation to support repeatability and third-party verification.
Manufacturers benefit from enhanced process control, reduced material loss, and optimized formulations—especially for high-value specialty plastic applications. Consistent determination of apparent density improves process scaling and troubleshooting and minimizes the risks associated with feed inconsistency.
Key highlights:
Standardized funnel method ensures global comparability
Critical for quality assurance in powders and granulates
Facilitates supply chain and production efficiency
Access the full standard: View EN ISO 60:2023 on iTeh Standards
prEN ISO 179-1 – Plastics Charpy Impact Strength (Non-instrumented)
Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact test (ISO/DIS 179-1:2025)
Charpy impact testing is a globally recognized method for assessing a material’s resistance to sudden force or shock—an essential measure of toughness or brittleness in plastics. The non-instrumented test described in prEN ISO 179-1 involves placing a plastic specimen as a beam between two supports and striking it with a pendulum, measuring the energy absorbed during fracture.
What the Standard Covers
prEN ISO 179-1 specifies:
The apparatus and configuration for the test
Type, preparation, and dimensions of specimens
Various types of notches (A, B, C) to simulate real-world failure modes
Procedures for testing materials under controlled environmental conditions
The method is suitable for a broad range of plastics, including:
Rigid thermoplastics (filled/unfilled, reinforced compounds, sheets)
Rigid thermosets (including laminates)
Fibre-reinforced composites (multi- and unidirectional, hybrid types)
Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers
Who Should Comply?
Plastics converters and manufacturers
Product designers and engineers
Research and development laboratories
Certification and inspection authorities
End-users concerned with structural reliability
Key Requirements & Specifications
Apparatus: Conformance to ISO 13802 for pendulum machines and verification procedures.
Specimen Preparation: Details for moulding, cutting, or machining to ensure consistent notch geometry and surface conditions.
Testing Parameters: Guidance on impact direction (edgewise or flatwise), environmental conditioning, and reproducibility.
Results Expression: Impact strength reported in kJ/m²—both for notched and unnotched specimens.
Reporting: Comprehensive documentation required, including test parameters and statistical analysis.
Practical Implications Charpy impact test results inform crucial decisions, from formulation changes to product design innovations. The test enables:
Direct comparison of different material types and batches
Optimization for impact resistance in critical applications (e.g., automotive parts, protective gear, piping)
Risk reduction by highlighting brittle materials pre-production
Material certification for specific use-cases or regulatory requirements
Key highlights:
Uniform method for comparing impact properties of plastic materials
Critical for safety, reliability, and selection of plastics in demanding applications
Supports research, development, and continuous improvement
Access the full standard: View prEN ISO 179-1 on iTeh Standards
Industry Impact & Compliance
Adhering to internationally recognized standards such as EN ISO 60:2023 and prEN ISO 179-1 brings substantial advantages to companies across the plastics value chain:
1. Enhanced Quality Assurance These standards provide a consistent framework for inter-laboratory comparisons and batch certification, reducing the risk of quality lapses or process drift. This is crucial where product liability and safety are paramount (such as in automotive, aerospace, or food-contact plastics).
2. Streamlined Operations Apparent density and impact strength data directly influence material throughput, storage logistics, blending, and end-use performance. Standardization eliminates measurement uncertainty and saves time in root-cause analysis when process deviations occur.
3. Compliance and Market Access International buyers, regulatory bodies, and certification agencies increasingly demand up-to-date compliance. Implementing these standards mitigates supply chain disruptions and ensures seamless entry into markets governed by stringent technical regulations.
4. Productivity, Security, and Scaling With standardized data at every critical control point, businesses can:
Improve inventory forecasting
Reduce material losses and rejections
Support scalability by replicating proven processes across sites or partners
Strengthen product documentation and traceability for audits or recalls
Risks of Non-Compliance Lack of certified test data may lead to:
Costly production halts
Customer complaints and warranty claims
Rejection from lucrative markets
Loss of reputation and competitive edge
Implementation Guidance
Common Implementation Approaches
To effectively embed EN ISO 60:2023 and prEN ISO 179-1 into your business operations:
Training and Competence Building: Ensure laboratory and production staff are trained on the test methods, sample handling, and result interpretation.
Audit and Calibration: Regularly verify and calibrate testing equipment in accordance with standards like ISO 13802 for impact testers and perform funnel-checks for density tests.
Procedure Documentation: Maintain written procedures, work instructions, and test reports aligning with the requirements of each standard.
Supplier Engagement: Require upstream suppliers to provide test data compliant with ISO standards, and audit for conformance periodically.
Best Practices
Integrate standard requirements into your quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001 context)
Cross-train teams on regulatory and safety aspects of plastics testing
Invest in laboratory accreditation to internationally recognized schemes (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025)
Use results proactively for product development, customer communication, and continuous improvement
Resources for Organizations
International Standard bodies (ISO, CEN) for official standards and updates
iTeh Standards as an authoritative resource for access, guidance, and compliance tracking
Industry seminars, webinars, and technical training sessions on polymer testing
Conclusion / Next Steps
Adopting and rigorously implementing EN ISO 60:2023 and prEN ISO 179-1 is no longer optional for forward-looking plastics organizations—it is fundamental for sustained competitiveness, operational reliability, and business growth. These standards turn abstract quality goals into concrete, repeatable actions, driving productivity, improving security in material selection, and enabling scaling into new markets with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Accurate characterization and comparison of plastics are only possible with trusted, standardized methods.
Quality assurance, supply chain reliability, and compliance hinge on verified testing procedures.
Both standards directly support business objectives such as cost reduction, enhanced reputation, and regulatory freedom.
Recommendations:
Regularly review and update your laboratory and supplier practices against the latest standards.
Engage with resources like iTeh Standards to stay informed of changes and new requirements.
Make standardized testing part of your organizational culture—for higher customer satisfaction and stronger market performance.
To elevate your plastics business, ensure you are certified, compliant, and future-ready. Explore the full text of these standards, connect with industry best practices, and give your quality program the edge it needs.
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