Polypropylene Testing - Both

ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides laboratories with a testing program that enables labs to compare, improve, and maintain performance in preparing polypropylene test samples and in conducting mechanical property tests on them.

Conducted biannually, this program provides (for each test cycle) two different polypropylene resins, electronic report forms, and instructions for conducting the tests. Labs are instructed to prepare their samples in accord with specific ASTM and ISO standards. Labs then conduct tests in their facilities using the prepared specimens and the ASTM and ISO methods cited in ASTM D 4101 and ASTM D 5857, and record their test results on the data report forms. Each laboratory returns completed data report forms to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Published reports contain:

• Coded laboratory test results
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus lab code
• Other information

Participants are required to utilize molds and molding equipment capable of producing injection molded specimens per ASTM D 4101 and/or ASTM D 5857. Companies with multiple molding machines or laboratories may elect to use one or all of their facilities however, each unit's data will be treated as an individual participant and as an annual subscriber to the testing program.

Samples, test instructions, and electronic report forms are distributed during the last week preceding the testing month. Labs have approximately one month to return test data to ASTM with final summary reports sent to participants approximately one month following receipt of test data.

For more information, contact us.

Two 10lb packages of each sample type will be used in the program for each test cycle

You receive test results, available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

• Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories in the plastics testing community
• Examine data from the same testing program for both ASTM and ISO methods
• Acquire a useful quality control tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory testing

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Clark Labs in Jefferson Hills, PA.

IMPORTANT for International participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent - Provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
• Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
• We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.Generic SDS

Participation is on an anual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registratin fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. A laboratory does not need to perform all the program tests to participate.

Committee D20 on Plastics has 750 members and is a developer of 470 standards. The Committee provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D20 to determine if modifications to the ASTM test methods are warranted.

Committee D20 is coded by ASTM to maintain confidentiality.