ASTM F1293-91a PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM F1293-91A — Test Method for Evaluation of Coated Transparent Plastics Subjected to Cyclic Flexural/Thermal Fatigue. This standard defines a laboratory procedure to evaluate the craze resistance (surface cracking of coatings or substrates) of coated transparent plastics when subjected to repeated flexural stress combined with thermal cycling (ambient, elevated, and reduced temperatures).

Abstract

ASTM F1293-91A describes a test method in which coated transparent plastic specimens are cyclically flexed/pressurized while exposed to ambient, hot and cold temperature conditions to provoke and evaluate crazing and coating failure. The method is intended to provide comparative durability data for coated transparent enclosures and components (for example polycarbonate and similar aerospace/optical plastics) under combined mechanical and thermal fatigue. The standard was published in 1991 and later withdrawn.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal recorded in 2000).
• Publication date: 1991 (designation shown as F1293‑91A; original publication date listed as January 1, 1991).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.01 (rubber and plastic products / plastics testing and evaluation).
• Edition / version: F1293‑91A (1991, amendment/version suffix “A” as part of the designation).
• Number of pages: Short test method — listed as 2 pages in vendor/catalog records.

Scope

This test method defines a laboratory procedure for evaluating craze resistance of coated transparent plastics subjected to cyclic bending stresses induced by pressurizing the specimen while exposed to ambient, hot, and cold temperature conditions. It is intended for comparative assessment of coating/substrate systems rather than to prescribe design limits or safety factors. The standard notes that users must determine appropriate safety and regulatory considerations before use.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: evaluate crazing (surface microcracking) of coated transparent plastics under combined cyclic flexural and thermal fatigue.
• Specimen conditioning: testing under ambient, elevated, and reduced temperature stages to detect thermal/ stress interactions.
• Loading method: cyclic pressurization or bending to induce repeated flexural stress on coated transparent specimens.
• Observation and reporting: visual inspection for craze formation, description of failure mode, and comparative performance reporting.
• Intended output: comparative durability ranking of coating/substrate combinations for transparent enclosures (e.g., optical, aerospace, or display applications).

Typical use and users

Typical users include materials and coatings engineers, quality-control and R&D laboratories, and manufacturers of transparent enclosures (for example polycarbonate glazing, aircraft canopies, optical windows and similar components) who need to assess the resistance of coatings and transparent plastics to combined mechanical and thermal fatigue. The method is useful for comparative testing of coatings and substrate formulations during development or supplier qualification.

Related standards

Related documents are other ASTM standards and test methods that cover plastics and coatings durability, thermal cycling, optical-materials evaluation, and fatigue testing. Users commonly consult relevant ASTM plastics and coatings test methods for complementary measurements (mechanical properties, impact, weathering, and optical clarity). Note: F1293-91A itself was withdrawn and vendors list it as withdrawn with no direct replacement indicated.

Keywords

coated transparent plastics; crazing; flexural fatigue; thermal cycling; cyclic pressurization; polycarbonate; coatings durability; optical enclosures; ASTM F1293-91A; withdrawal.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F1293‑91A is a short test method that specified procedures to evaluate craze resistance of coated transparent plastics under combined cyclic flexural and thermal fatigue conditions. It was published in 1991.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers a laboratory test where coated transparent plastic specimens are cyclically flexed or pressurized while being exposed to ambient, hot and cold temperatures to reveal crazing or coating/substrate failure; it is intended for comparative assessment of coating systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and coatings engineers, test laboratories, manufacturers of transparent enclosures (aerospace glazing, display windows, polycarbonate products), and R&D groups evaluating coating durability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is withdrawn (withdrawal recorded in 2000) and vendor records list it as withdrawn with no direct replacement noted. Users should consult current ASTM catalogs or committee publications for any newer or replacement methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It was produced under ASTM committee activity addressing image/plastics testing (designation F1293) and sits alongside other ASTM methods for plastics and coatings evaluation; however, F1293‑91A itself is a standalone test method rather than a numbered part of a multi‑document series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Coated transparent plastics, crazing, flexural/thermal fatigue, cyclic pressurization, polycarbonate, coatings durability, ASTM F1293-91A.