ASTM D412 updated – Tension testing

ASTM D412, “Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers – Tension,” has just been revised — twice!  The ASTM D412 2015 Edition and the ASTM D412 2015a Edition were both approved in December and published in January.  Yes, this does cause confusion but hopefully we can discuss the publications and make your next purchase a little clearer.

ASTM D412 is a widely used test method standard for tension testing.  It’s remained stable since 2006 with the exception of a couple of editorial changes.  So we know that the new 2015a Edition does contain technical updates that you’ll need to use going forward.

However, the technical committee in charge of the standard has not provided any guidance as to what those changes are.  So your best bet is to get the redline edition which includes a copy of the previous 2006a Edition (reaffirmed in 2013) with the changes clearly marked and a clean copy of the new 2015a Edition.  FYI:  There is no redline edition available for the briefly valid 2015 Edition.  So we must assume that there was an issue that was identified and resolved very quickly after the first approval.  However, that approval did result in the 2015 Edition getting pushed through the publication cycle.

Why do folks use the ASTM D412?  It contains the test methods you’ll use to evaluate the tension properties of various thermoset rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers.  Included are both the “dumbbell and straight section” test method A and the “cut ring” test method B.  This refers to the types of specimens that are used in each test.  Also to be noted is the fact that the standard not only provides you with detailed information on the tests, but like many of the ASTM publications of this type, it also provides you with reporting requirements.

How can I get a copy of ASTM D412?  ASTM D412 is a copyright standard and needs to be purchased from an authorized dealer like Document Center Inc.  The publication is available in paper format, for single-user pdf download, as a redline edition, and as part of our multi-user subscription access product, Standards Online.  Order on our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here’s a direct link to the order page for ASTM D412.  Need help?  Just contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been working with ASTM since the 1980’s.  Make us your Standards Experts!