ASTM D1056-20 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1056-20 — Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials — Sponge or Expanded Rubber. This specification classifies and sets physical-property and test requirements for flexible cellular rubber products (commonly called sponge or expanded rubber), covering both open- and closed-cell elastomeric foam products made from natural, synthetic or reclaimed rubber and rubber-like materials.

Abstract

ASTM D1056-20 provides a general specification and classification system for flexible cellular rubber materials used as gaskets, seals, cushioning, insulation, and other applications. The standard defines product Types, Classes and Grades, and prescribes required physical-property tests (aging, compression-deflection, fluid and oil-immersion, water absorption, density, low-temperature flexibility, compression set, etc.) and optional suffix requirements for additional performance attributes.

General information

• Status: Current (active)
• Publication date: January 10, 2020
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 83.060 (Rubber) / 83.100 (Cellular materials)
• Edition / version: D1056-20
• Number of pages: 15 (standard PDF)

Scope

This specification covers flexible cellular rubber products known as sponge rubber and expanded rubber, excluding latex-foam rubber and ebonite cellular rubber. It applies to products whose base elastomer may be natural, synthetic, reclaimed rubber or blends, possibly modified with polymers, fillers or additives. The standard is intended for extruded, molded and fabricated shapes (except where specimens are too small for standard tests, in which case special procedures may be required) and establishes classification, required physical-property limits and test procedures for typical product verification.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification system: Types (1, 2), Classes (A, B, C, D), Grades (0–5) and optional suffixes for special properties.
• Required physical tests: accelerated aging (heat), compression-deflection (25% and other offsets), fluid and oil-immersion resistance (different procedures for open‑ and closed‑cell), water absorption, density, low‑temperature flexibility, and compression set/permanent deformation.
• Referenced test methods: the specification refers to common ASTM test methods for tensile, tear, hardness and related measurements used to verify compound and product properties.
• Optional suffixes and additional requirements: heat resistance, fuel/oil resistance, low-temperature performance, and other service-related suffix options that suppliers and buyers may specify.
• Limits and grading: physical-property limits (e.g., permissible change after aging, maximum fluid absorption, acceptable compression set ranges) are tied to the product Grade and Class to facilitate selection and procurement.

Typical use and users

Used by foam and rubber manufacturers, product designers, OEMs, materials engineers, test laboratories and procurement/specification professionals. Typical applications include gasketing and sealing, vibration isolation, cushioning, weather-stripping, insulation and acoustic pads in automotive, appliance, industrial equipment, HVAC and building products.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary standards include ASTM D412 (tensile properties of vulcanized rubber), ASTM D624 (tear strength of rubber), ASTM D2240 (durometer hardness), ASTM D573 (rubber heat aging), ASTM D471 (effect of liquids on rubber), ISO 6916 (related ISO specification for flexible cellular polymeric materials) and other ASTM and ISO test methods used to characterize elastomeric foams.

Keywords

ASTM D1056, sponge rubber, expanded rubber, cellular rubber, open-cell, closed-cell, compression-deflection, compression set, density, fluid immersion, aging, foam classification, elastomeric foam

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1056-20 is the ASTM standard specification that classifies and sets physical-property and test requirements for flexible cellular rubber materials (sponge and expanded rubber).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification (Types, Classes, Grades, suffixes) and required tests and property limits for open- and closed-cell cellular rubber products, excluding latex foam rubber and ebonite cellular rubber.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Foam and rubber manufacturers, OEMs, design and materials engineers, testing laboratories, quality control and procurement/specification professionals use D1056 to specify, test and verify cellular rubber products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D1056-20 edition (approved January 10, 2020) is the active edition; specify the edition (D1056-20) when procuring or referencing the standard to ensure all parties use the same requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D1056 is a standalone classification/specification within ASTM’s D20 committee work on plastics and elastomers. It is often used in conjunction with other ASTM test-method standards (for tensile, tear, hardness, aging, fluid immersion, compression set, etc.) referenced within the specification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: sponge rubber, expanded rubber, cellular rubber, open-cell, closed-cell, compression-deflection, density, compression set, ASTM D1056.