ASTM D6110-18 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6110-18 — Standard Test Method for Determining the Charpy Impact Resistance of Notched Specimens of Plastics. This test method describes use of a pendulum (Charpy) impact tester and milled notched specimens to measure energy absorbed when a plastic specimen is broken by a single pendulum swing, reported as energy per unit specimen width.

Abstract

This standard specifies procedures, specimen geometry and notching, test-machine requirements, conditioning, and reporting for Charpy (pendulum) impact testing of notched plastic specimens. It is intended for quality control, materials specification, and comparative evaluation of notch-sensitive fracture behavior; results depend strongly on specimen preparation, notching, and test conditions.

General information

• Status: Current edition (active); published as the 2018 edition and subject to routine review and revision activity.
• Publication date: 2018 (listed as published/approved in early 2018, e.g., April 1, 2018 in catalog listings).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.01 — Rubber and plastics products in general (plastics testing and product categories).
• Edition / version: D6110-18 (2018 edition).
• Number of pages: 17 pages (typical published PDF/printed length).

Scope

This test method determines the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock using standardized pendulum-type hammers on notched Charpy specimens. It requires milled notches to concentrate stress and promotes brittle fracture so results are reported as energy absorbed per unit specimen width. The method emphasizes that specimen fabrication, notching quality, machine energy, and conditioning strongly influence results and that the method is intended primarily for comparison, specification, and quality control rather than absolute fracture mechanics quantification.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen geometry, dimensions and permitted width range; requirement for a milled notch to specified dimensions and finish.
• Pendulum-type impact machine requirements (fixed fall height / impact velocity, specified hammer energies, and calibration/verification).
• Specimen conditioning and storage practices prior to notching and testing (temperature/humidity control where specified by material specification).
• Test procedure: specimen mounting, notch orientation, single-swing break requirement and criteria for valid tests.
• Calculation and reporting: energy absorbed, energy per unit width, number of specimens, statistical treatment and notes on interpretation limitations.
• Safety and test-laboratory responsibilities: users must follow appropriate safety, health and environmental practices when performing impact testing.

Typical use and users

Used by materials laboratories, polymer product developers, quality-control technicians, test houses, and specifiers who need a repeatable Charpy-impact value for notched plastic specimens. Typical applications include specification acceptance testing, comparison of formulations or processing conditions, and characterization of notch sensitivity for engineering plastics and composites.

Related standards

Frequently referenced and complementary standards include ASTM D883 (terminology relating to plastics), ASTM conditioning and specimen preparation practices, and international impact-test standards (for example, ISO 179 series — noted as similar in title but differing in content and method details). Users should consult material-specific ASTM specifications that may take precedence over D6110 when applicable.

Keywords

Charpy, impact resistance, notched specimen, plastics, pendulum impact test, notch sensitivity, energy absorption, ASTM D6110-18.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6110-18 is the 2018 edition of the Charpy impact test method for determining the energy-to-break of milled-notched plastic specimens using a pendulum (Charpy) impact machine.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen geometry and notching, test-machine requirements, conditioning, test procedure (single swing), calculation and reporting of absorbed energy per unit width, and guidance on interpretation and limitations of the results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and quality laboratories, polymer formulators, test labs, OEM material evaluators, and standards/specification writers who need standardized Charpy impact values for notched plastics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D6110-18 edition is the 2018 published edition and is treated as the current ASTM test method unless superseded by a later revision; the standard is subject to routine five-year reviews and revision work items have been recorded in committee activity. Users should check ASTM committee notices for any newer revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand-alone ASTM test method within the plastics testing portfolio and is commonly used together with other ASTM methods (e.g., terminology, conditioning, tensile and flexural methods) when characterizing plastic materials; it is also comparable to, but technically different from, ISO impact test methods such as ISO 179.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Charpy, impact, notched specimen, plastics, pendulum, D6110-18, energy absorbed, notch sensitivity.