DIN 53377 2024-08 PDF

Full title and description

STB DIN 53377 2024-08 — Testing of plastic films — Determination of dimensional stability. This document (DIN 53377:2024-08) specifies a standardized laboratory method for determining linear and area dimensional changes (shrinkage / expansion) of plastic films and thin sheets caused by treatments such as heating and other process conditions.

Abstract

DIN 53377:2024-08 defines specimen preparation, pre‑conditioning, test temperatures and exposure procedures, measurement methods and calculation formulae to quantify dimensional change of plastic films. The 2024 revision updates pre‑treatment and evaluation procedures, adds precision information and corrects some calculation expressions from earlier editions to improve reproducibility of results for quality control and R&D testing of polymer films.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (published revision).
• Publication date: 1 August 2024.
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.10 (Films and sheets).
• Edition / version: DIN 53377:2024-08 (replacement of the 2021 edition).
• Number of pages: 9 (German original).

Scope

The standard applies to plastic films and thin sheets and specifies a laboratory test to determine dimensional changes induced by thermal or other treatments (for example controlled heating). It covers specimen sizes, marking and measuring methods, recommended test temperatures and dwell times (material‑dependent), calculation of linear and area changes, reporting requirements and information to be included in test reports. It is intended for routine quality control, material comparison and process development; it is not intended to cover extreme high‑temperature behaviour beyond typical processing ranges for films.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen preparation and marking: standard specimen dimensions, marking lines and handling to avoid pre‑test distortion.
• Pre‑treatment and conditioning: controlled conditioning and any specified pre‑treatment steps prior to exposure (revised in the 2024 edition).
• Test exposure: defined temperature ranges and exposure times appropriate for common polymer films (procedure accommodates selection by material type).
• Measurement method: precise procedures for measuring dimensional change in machine and transverse directions before and after treatment.
• Calculation formulae: equations for linear and area dimensional change and how to apply correction terms; corrected/expanded equations included in the 2024 revision.
• Precision and repeatability: annexed or normative precision information and guidance on acceptable measurement uncertainty for routine testing.
• Test report content: required metadata (sample identification, test temperature/time, conditioning, measurement results, calculation method and any deviations).

Typical use and users

This standard is used by: material and film manufacturers, converters and processors, independent test laboratories, quality assurance and R&D teams in packaging, automotive, medical and industrial film applications, and procurement/specification engineers who need reproducible dimensional stability data for selection, process setting and conformity checks.

Related standards

Standards and test methods commonly used alongside or as alternatives include ISO standards addressing dimensional change of film and sheeting (e.g., ISO/ISO-related methods), ASTM D1204 (dimensional stability of films), and national equivalents such as GB/T 12027 (China). Earlier editions of DIN 53377 (for example the 2021 and 2015 editions) are directly superseded or replaced by this 2024 revision and are useful for historical comparison.

Keywords

dimensional stability, dimensional change, shrinkage, plastic film, film testing, heat exposure, specimen preparation, measurement, DIN 53377, ICS 83.140.10, quality control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN 53377:2024-08 is a laboratory test method that specifies how to determine dimensional changes (shrinkage/expansion) of plastic films caused by treatments such as heating.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen size and marking, pre‑conditioning, chosen test temperatures and exposure times, measurement procedures, calculation of linear and area dimensional changes, precision information and required contents of the test report.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Film manufacturers, converters, packaging engineers, independent testing laboratories, R&D and quality teams across industries that use polymer films (packaging, medical, automotive, industrial applications).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current. DIN 53377:2024-08 (published 1 August 2024) is the active revision and replaces earlier editions (for example the 2021 edition).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: DIN 53377 is a standalone test method in the field of film testing but is commonly used together with other film test standards (ISO and ASTM methods addressing dimensional stability, shrinkage and related physical tests). National and international equivalents exist for similar test procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Dimensional stability; dimensional change; shrinkage; plastic films; film testing; heat exposure; DIN 53377; measurement; specimen preparation; quality control.