NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
`Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org ) for the latest information.
`
`An American National Standard
`
`ID Designation: D 2923-95 (cid:9)
`
`Standard Test Method for
`Rigidity of Polyolefin Film and Sheeting’
`
`This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2923; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
`
`1. Scope
`1.1 This test method describes two procedures for measur-
`ing the rigidity of polyolefin film and sheeting.
`1.2 Procedure A prescribes a procedure using high-voltage
`static eliminators and the use of TFE-fluorocarbon 2-coated
`plates to overcome the spurious effects of static electricity and
`friction.
`1.3 Procedure B prescribes the use of a fine powder on
`uncoated plates to achieve a similar effect.
`
`(cid:151)Although the two procedures are designed to achieve similar
`NOTE
`effect, they may not achieve the same results.
`1.4 The values stated in ST units are to be regarded as the
`standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
`only.
`1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
`safety concerns, f(cid:149) any, associated with its use. It is the
`responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
`priate safely and health practices and determine the applica-
`bility of ’regulatory limitations prior to use.
`
`NOTE 2(cid:151)There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
`
`2. Referenced Documents
`2.1 ASTM Standards:
`D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics and Electrical
`Insulating Materials for Testing’
`D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics’
`
`3. Terminology
`3.1 Definitions:
`combination of thickness and inherent
`3.1.1 rigidity(cid:151)that
`stiffness of a polyolefin film or sheet which resists flexure.
`
`4. Summary of Test Method
`4.1 The resistance to flexure of the sample is measured by a
`strain gage affixed to the end of a beam, the opposite end of
`which flexes the sample by forcing it into a groove or slot in a
`
`This test method is under thejurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics
`and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film and Sheeting.
`Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1995. Published December 1995. Originally
`published as D 2923 (cid:150)70. Last previous edition D 2923 (cid:150)94.
`This edition includes the addition of Note 2 and Section 15, and a correction to
`the equation in 12.1.
`i’his test method is based on the use of Teflonfi, a registered trademark of E. I.
`duPont de Nemours & Co.
`Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
`
`horizontal platform upon which the sample rests. An indicating
`microammeter, wired to the strain gage, is calibrated in grams
`of load sensed by the strain gage. The rigidity is read directly
`from the meter and expressed as grams per centimetre of
`sample width.
`
`5. Significance and Use
`5.1 The rigidity of polyolefin web can affect its machinabil-
`ity, particularly on those packaging machines where a cut
`portion of a web is required to remain flat momentarily without
`being supported on all sides.
`5.2 Rigidity is not a simple property since it depends on two
`other properties of the sample: the thickness (gage), and the
`stiffness which is an inherent property of the material of which
`the film or sheet is made. The combined effect of these two
`factors is the rigidity that influences performance on converting
`machines.
`
`6. Interferences
`6.1 Static electricity has considerable influence on the
`measured rigidity. It contributes to poor precision and accu-
`racy, frequently giving results biased toward the high side.
`6.2 To a lesser extent, precision and accuracy is adversely
`affected by frictional properties of the sample, particularly
`when the coefficient of friction is close to 1.
`6.3 The interference caused by the level of static electricity
`and friction of the specimen is overcome in Procedure A by
`electrically destaticizing the sample and using TFE-
`fluorocarbon-coated plates and in Procedure B by dusting the
`platform with a fine powder at the start of the test.
`
`7. Apparatus
`7.1 Procedure A:
`7.1.1 Handle-O-Meter, or equivalent, with TFE-
`fluorocarbon-coated plates complete with calibrating and aug-
`menting weights.’
`7.1.2 Cutting Board or Template suitable for preparing 203
`by 203-mm (8.0 by 8.0-in.) specimens.
`7.1.3 High-Voltage Static Eliminator-5 and Generator.
`7.2 Procedure B:
`7.2.1 Handle-O-Meter, or equivalent, complete with cali-
`brating and augmenting weights.
`
`The Handle-O-Meter and auxiliary equipment is available from Thwing-Albert
`Instrument Co., Philadelphia, PA.
`Simco Shockless Bars are suitable for this test method.
`
`Copyright ' ASTM. 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States.
`
`Copyright by ASTM Int’l (all rights reserved); Mon Jun tO 08:55:49 EDT 2013
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`
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`
`

`

`lffTh D 2923
`11.1.7 Upon completion of the cycle, rotate the specimen
`7.2.2 Cutting Board or Template suitable for preparing 203
`90(cid:176) and repeat 11.1.1 through 11.1.6 for measurement in the
`by 203-mm (8.0 by 8.0-in.) specimens.
`transverse direction.
`7.2.3 Pine-Particle Silica, starch, or equivalent, having an
`approximate nominal particle size of 50 i.tm or less.
`11.1.8 Turn the specimen over so that the opposite side of
`the film is being forced into the opening and repeat 11.1.1
`through 11.1.7.
`11.1.9 Repeat 11.1.1 through 11. 1.8 for the remaining speci-
`mens.
`11.2 Method B:
`11.2.1 Place a light "dust" layer of powder on the Handle-
`0-Meter platform.
`11.2.2 Follow 11.1.3 to 11.1.9.
`
`8. Sampling
`8.1 The material shall be sampled in accordance with
`Practice D 1898.
`
`12. Calculation
`12.1 Calculate the average Handle-0-Meter rigidity in the
`machine direction and transverse direction for each side as
`follows:
`
`R jff) = (r/n) I kl7 or RTD (cid:9)
`
`(r/n)/tV (cid:9)
`
`(I)
`
`where:
`R
`
`= average machine direction rigidity for Side I,
`g/cm,
`= average TD rigidity for Side 1, g/cm,
`= sum of meter readings for specimens tested, g,
`r (cid:9)
`= number of specimens tested, and
`n (cid:9)
`= specimen width along the slot, cm.
`W (cid:9)
`12.1.1 If the Run (or RTD) for Side I is equal to Rauji (or
`R7-) for Side 2, the average of the two may be taken as the
`R 111 (or RTD) of the specimen. The two R 1 ’s (or RTD’s) shall
`be judged equal if they agree with each other within – 10 %,
`the error limits of the test.
`
`13. Report
`13.1 Report the following information:
`13. 1.1 The average Handle-0-Meter rigidity in each direc-
`tion,
`13.1.2 Specimen width,
`13.1.3 Procedure used,
`13.1.4 Direction tested, and
`13.1.5 Sample thickness.
`
`NOTE 5 I the sides are dilTbrent, report values for each side tested.
`
`14. Precision and Bias
`14.1 The precision and bias statement is currently being
`prepared.
`
`15. Keywords
`15.1 film; olefins; rigidity; sheet
`
`9. Test Specimens
`9.1 Using a cutting board or template, cut a minimum of
`three 203 by 203-mm (8.0 by 8.0-in.) test specimens with the
`edges parallel to the machine and transverse direetiois of the
`film. Mark the specimens in the machine direction and trans-
`verse direction.
`9.2 The specimens shall be conditioned in accordance with
`Procedure A of Practice D 618.
`
`10. Calibration
`10.1 Calibrate the Handlc-0-Meter in accordance with the
`instructions described in Appendix Xl.
`10.2 Calibrate other equipment in accordance with the
`manufacturer’s instructions.
`
`Ii. Procedure
`11.1 MethodA:
`11.1.1 Turn on the static eliminator.
`11.1.2 Just before placing a test specimen on the instrument,
`slowly draw the specimen several times over the bar of the
`static eliminator.
`11. 1.3 With the penetrator beam raised above the slot, lay
`the test specimen on the platform of the instrument so that the
`length of the slot is at right angles to the machine direction of
`the specimen. For example, in measuring machine direction
`rigidity, the bottom edge of the penetrator beam, which is
`parallel to the slot length, will contact the film in a line
`perpendicular to the machine direction of the film.
`11.1 .4 Position the specimen on the platform so that three
`fourths of the specimen is to the right of the slot.
`11. 1.5 With the specimen in correct position and the toggle
`switch on RUN, press the momentary contact switch to start
`the test cycle.
`11. 1.6 Read the maximum value in grams (to the nearest 0.5
`g) indicated on the meter.
`
`Norc 3---- -Readings in excess of the maximum meter value require use
`of an augmenting weight in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
`tions. The proper reading with a 40-g augmenting weight is 40 g plus the
`maximum meter value.
`Nyu- 4--If the total reading is in excess of the maximum value plus
`augmenting weights, reduce the specimen width (measured distance along
`the slot) until an on-scale reading is obtained.
`
`Copyright by ASTM int’l (all rights reserved); Mon Jun 1008:55:49 EDT 2023
`Downlouded/prinied by
`Susan Hanrahan (Vorys, Saier, Seymour and Pease LLP) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
`
`PAGE 000002
`
`(cid:9)
`

`

`D 2923
`
`APPENDIX
`
`(Nonmandatory Information)
`
`Xl. CALIBRATION
`
`Xl .1 The instrument must be located on a solid, vibration-
`free, level surface. Refer to Fig. Xl. 1 for the placement and
`names of the components of the Handle-O-Meter.
`
`X1.2 The opening through which the penetrator beam
`travels must be checked each time the instrument is used or
`once a week if the machine is in continual use. For routine
`work, a 5-mm (0.197-in.) opening will be used.
`X1.2.1 Place the centering gage shown in Fig. X1.2 in the
`opening with the penetrator beam resting in the upper slot of
`the centering gage. Fig. X1.3
`X1.2.2 The gage should fit snugly in the opening (no more
`than 0.025-mm (0.01-in.) clearance on each side).
`Xl2.3 Adjust the opening if the gage is loose by releasing
`the set screws holding the plate and sliding both sides until
`contact is made with the centering gage. Tighten the set screws
`holding the plates and remove the gage.
`
`XI.3 The following steps should be followed in consecu-
`tive order to check the calibration of the Handle-O-Meter.
`Refer to Fig. X1.i for placement of control.
`
`FIG. X1.2 Centering Gage
`
`X1.3.1 Put toggle switch in RUN position and press the
`momentary contact switch. The blade of the penetration beam
`will move into the slot to a depth governed by the position of
`the load cell anchor nut.
`Xl.3.2 Adjust the load cell anchor nut so that the blade will
`penetrate to a depth of 7.94 mm (0.3125 in.) below the surface
`of the platform. Turning off the nut clockwise will increase the
`depth setting and vice versa.
`
`1. Load cell
`2. Microanimeter
`3. Case
`4. Penetrator beam
`5. Load-cell bracket
`6. Specimen platform
`7. Cam
`8. Penetrator beam counterweight
`9. Counterweight
`
`HI-LO SWITCH
`
`10. Toggle switch
`11. Momentary toggle switch
`12. Blade
`13. Load-cell anchor nut
`14. Motor
`15. Range calibrating weight
`16. Range rheostat
`17. 40-g augmenting weight
`
`FIG. X1.1 Handle-O-Meter Components
`
`Copyright by ASTM Intl (all rights reserved); Mon Jun 10 08:55:49 EDT 203
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`
`PAGE 000003
`
`

`

`(cid:149) D 2923
`
`40-g
`
`SLOT __N\ i
`
`r
`
`SPECIMEN
`
`rPENmr$MhboS
`
`SPE
`
`WIDTH \\
`
`0000
`
`
`
`L aIRECrICH
`STING TESTED
`FIG. X1.3 Specimen in Place for Test
`
`’SPECIMEN (cid:9)
`
`X1.3.3 With the toggle switch in the OFF position, adjust
`the microamrneter to the mechanical zero with the zero adjust
`screw on the front of the microammeter.
`X13.4 With the toggle switch in either the RUN or OFF
`position, the rnicroammcter should read zero. Adjust the
`penetration beam counterweight until a zero reading occurs.
`X1.3.5 Place the toggle switch in the RUN position and
`press the momentary contact switch until the cycle starts.
`When the blade reaches the level of the specimen platform,
`change the toggle switch to the TEST position. The microam-
`meter should continue to read zero. This was a test to determine
`if the microammeter reads zero when the blade first touches the
`specimen.
`XI .3.6 Reach through the side door on the right side of the
`
`case and hang the range calibrating weight in the groove of the
`counterweight stand.
`X1.3.7 With the weight in this position, the reading on the
`microammeter should be 40.0 g. If it is not correct, reach
`through the side door and adjust the range rheostat until the
`reading is 40.0 g.
`
`NOTE X1.1(cid:151) Handle-O-Meter of a capacity double that of No. 211-2 is
`available. This is accomplished by furnishing an electric load cell of
`higher capacity, a switch shunted across a meter for a 2 to I ratio of
`indications. There is a HI-LO switch on the face of the instrument and
`with the LO position the instrument operates the same as No. 211-2 and
`readings are taken directly from the meter; however, with the switch in the
`HI position, all meter readings must be doubled to reflect the shunting
`offset and therefore can be used for stiffer or higher capacity tests.
`
`Xl.3.8 Remove the calibrating weight and check that the
`zero reading is indicated on the microammeter. If the reading
`has shifted, repeat X1.3.5 to and including X1.3.7.
`Xl.3.9 Place the 40-g augmenting weight on the blade,
`while the 40.0-g range calibrating weight is hung on the
`counterweight stud. The microammeter reading should now be
`zero, since each weight is counteracting the other.
`Xl.3.10 Remove both weights before going on to the
`operating procedures.
`Xl.3.11 The actual weight of the calibration weight and the
`augmenting weight must be checked once a month and weigh
`40 – 0.1 g.
`
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`
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`
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`PAGE 000004
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`