ASTM D2673 Standard Specification for Oriented Polypropylene Film

Get Certified ASTM D2673 Oriented Polypropylene Film Testing

ASTM D2673 evaluation provides manufacturers and purchasers with a way to evaluate oriented polypropylene film for compliance with applicable specification requirements. Laboratories take representative film samples, measure the film properties with suitable calibrated instruments, and record the measurements. The laboratory notes the specimen ID, thickness, direction of testing, test conditions, measured properties, test units, and observations. The manufacturer can use the results to compare production lots, explore variations, assist in quality control, and qualify oriented polypropylene film for specific applications.

• Oriented Polypropylene Film: Laboratories evaluate polypropylene films that have undergone orientation during manufacturing. 
• Film Properties: Technicians measure applicable physical and performance characteristics required by the specification. 
• Dimensional Characteristics: Laboratories can evaluate applicable film dimensions and related characteristics. 
• Mechanical Performance: Testing can provide information about the film’s mechanical behavior in the applicable test direction. 
• Material Consistency: Manufacturers can compare test results between production lots to identify variations. 
• Quality Control: Testing supports production monitoring and verification of film quality. 

What are the uses of the ASTM D2673 specification?

The ASTM D2673 evaluation provides information that can help manufacturers and users assess oriented polypropylene film.

• Evaluates oriented polypropylene film against applicable requirements. 
• Supports quality control and production-lot comparison. 
• Helps manufacturers identify variations in film properties. 
• Supports material qualification and supplier verification. 
• Helps engineers select appropriate polypropylene film. 
• Supports product development and process evaluation. 
• Provides comparative data for different film lots and production conditions. 
• Helps assess film suitability for applications where consistent physical and mechanical properties are important. 

Which Materials Can Be Tested According to ASTM D2673?

ASTM D2673 specifically addresses oriented polypropylene films with the characteristics defined by the specification. The base polymer must be a specified Group 1 or Group 2 polypropylene, or a blend with another polymer in which polypropylene remains the main component. 

• Oriented Polypropylene Film: Laboratories evaluate oriented polypropylene film against the applicable specification requirements to verify its relevant physical, dimensional, and performance characteristics.
• Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film: Supports evaluation of applicable BOPP films where the specification requirements apply. 
• Oriented Packaging Film: Provides a basis for evaluating applicable polypropylene films used in packaging. 
• Flexible Polypropylene Film: Evaluates applicable flexible films where specified physical properties are important. 
• Production-Lot Film: Allows manufacturers and purchasers to compare film from different production lots. 

Why is ASTM D2673 Important?

Orientation alters the structure and function of polypropylene film. The stretching process can affect properties such as strength and dimensional behavior, which are critical to film performance. ASTM D2673 establishes a specification for oriented polypropylene film that helps manufacturers and buyers meet consistent requirements. Laboratories can compare the measured properties with corresponding requirements and determine variations between production lots.

ASTM D2673 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians first identify the oriented polypropylene film and verify its thickness, orientation, production lot, and condition. They prepare representative specimens and identify the machine direction and transverse direction when directional testing applies. The analysts condition the specimens according to the applicable procedure and perform the required property measurements. Technicians record the measured values, test direction, specimen dimensions, test conditions, and applicable units. Analysts treat the samples as per the procedure and measure the various properties. Technicians enter the measured values, test direction, specimen size, test conditions, and units of measurement.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Variations in film thickness, orientation, specimen dimensions, conditioning, test direction, equipment calibration, and film defects can affect measured properties. Technicians need to prepare consistent, uniform specimens and ensure machine-direction and transverse-direction identification remains consistent throughout the testing program. Wrinkles, scratches, uneven thickness, contamination, or edge damage can also affect test results. Laboratories should examine specimens before testing and either exclude or document specimens with conditions that may affect the evaluation. Technicians should verify the calibration and operation of measurement and testing equipment before beginning the test program.

• The laboratory report may contain material identification, production lot, specimen size, film thickness, specimen orientation, test conditions, measured properties, and pertinent observations. 
• The laboratory report includes the measured property, unit, applicable requirement, test method, specimen direction, and compliance status.
• Each property measured should be reported in the laboratory using the appropriate unit (e.g., mm or µm for thickness, MPa for stress or strength, % for elongation, and °C for temperature, as appropriate to the selected test). 
• The results help manufacturers determine whether the oriented polypropylene film meets the applicable ASTM D2673 requirements. 
• Engineers can compare film properties between production lots, formulations, thicknesses, and processing conditions. 
• Manufacturers can use the results for quality assurance, material qualification, product development, and process evaluation. 
• Purchasers can use test results to support material acceptance and supplier verification. 
• Laboratories should interpret results according to the specific test method, specimen direction, conditioning conditions, and applicable requirements. 
• Laboratories should document unusual specimen behavior, failure modes, dimensional variations, or other observations that could influence result interpretation. 

Link to ASTM D2673