September 2026 Brings New Standards for Glass and Ceramics Industries

September 2026 marks a significant milestone for the glass and ceramics industries with the introduction of two pivotal ISO standards. These new publications—focusing on the testing of fine ceramics (advanced ceramics)—provide updated methodologies for hardness measurement and viscosity assessment. Professionals in quality assurance, engineering, research, and manufacturing will benefit from enhanced clarity and precision in ceramic component evaluation.

Overview

The glass and ceramics industries continue to be at the heart of innovation in advanced materials. As manufacturers strive for global competitiveness, adherence to international standards is crucial. These standards support:

• Consistency in testing and production
• Interoperability in global supply chains
• Enhanced product safety and reliability
• Regulatory and market access compliance

This article details two recently published ISO standards:

• ISO 14705:2026 for room-temperature hardness testing of monolithic ceramics
• ISO 19613:2026 for measuring the viscosity of ceramic slurries

You'll gain a clear understanding of what each standard covers, key technical requirements, compliance implications, and the broader industrial impact.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 14705:2026 - Hardness Test Method for Monolithic Ceramics

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Test method for hardness of monolithic ceramics at room temperature

ISO 14705:2026 sets out a comprehensive test method for determining the Vickers and Knoop hardness of monolithic fine ceramics at room temperature. Building on previous editions, this fourth edition introduces several technical revisions enhancing measurement accuracy and apparatus requirements.

Scope & Applicability:

• Applies to all monolithic fine ceramics, including advanced and technical ceramics
• Suitable for laboratories, manufacturers, and quality control organizations involved in materials engineering
• Establishes procedures for both Vickers and Knoop hardness tests, specifying conditions, apparatus, and calculation methods

Key Requirements & Specifications:

• Test conditions: Room temperature (10°C–35°C, ideally 23°C ± 5°C)
• Test forces: Primarily 9.807 N; alternatives range from 4.903 to 196.1 N depending on specimen characteristics
• Apparatus:
  • Diamond indenters (right-angle pyramid for Vickers, rhombic-based for Knoop)
  • High-resolution diagonal measuring system (defined by latest revisions)
  • Rigid specimen support and controlled environment
• Procedures:
  • Specimen surface must be smooth, flat, and properly polished
  • Careful placement of indentations to avoid specimen edge effects and cracks
  • Minimum of five indentations required for valid results
• Reporting:
  • Includes all relevant measurement data and methodological details
  • Measures must adhere to both ISO 6507 and ISO 4545 series requirements

Notable Changes from Previous Edition:

• Clearer requirements for measuring system resolution and diagonal measurement accuracy
• Enhanced criteria for apparatus verification and test piece preparation

Practical Implications:

• Ensures reproducibility and comparability of hardness results across global laboratories
• Addresses specific needs of fine ceramics versus metallic materials (micro-cracking, fracture behavior)
• Provides updated guidance for quality managers, materials engineers, and compliance officers

Key highlights:

• Unified Vickers and Knoop hardness measurement for ceramics
• Detailed apparatus and specimen preparation procedures
• Enhanced measurement accuracy and reporting standards

Access the full standard:View ISO 14705:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 19613:2026 - Viscosity Measurement of Ceramic Slurry

Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Measurement of viscosity of ceramic slurry by use of a rotational viscometer

ISO 19613:2026 defines a robust methodology for measuring the viscosity of ceramic slurries using a rotational viscometer. This second edition has been technically revised to include updated apparatus options, clarified scope, improved measurement conditions, and expanded procedural details.

Scope & Applicability:

• Pertains to viscosity measurements for ceramic slurries used in processes like dip coating, spray coating, slip casting, screen printing, tape casting, spray drying, and polishing
• Excludes measurements for fillers in molten thermoplastic polymers and oscillatory viscometer methods
• Beneficial for ceramic process engineers, R&D teams, and quality laboratories

Key Requirements & Specifications:

• Rotational viscometer systems:
  • Coaxial cylinder, cone and plate, parallel plate, and single cylinder (for rapid apparent viscosity)
  • Apparatus must provide defined shear rates and precise torque measurement (accuracy of 2%)
  • Temperature control within ±0.2°C for high-precision tests
• Sample preparation:
  • Conditioning, mixing, and degassing protocols to ensure representative samples
• Measurement procedures:
  • Defined methods for loading, sealing, and measuring samples
  • Viscosity measured as a function of shear rate or angular velocity
  • Output includes flow curves and viscosity curves
  • Minimum repeatability of viscosity measurement at ±2%
• Reporting:
  • Comprehensive reporting of apparatus, geometry, sample conditions, and test results
  • Requirement to specify geometry and conditions for meaningful comparisons

Notable Changes from Previous Edition:

• Added paragraphs clarifying measurement ranges, apparatus geometries
• Enhanced guidance for assessment of fluid behavior (thixotropy, Newtonian/non-Newtonian)
• Improved sample preparation and pre-treatment procedures

Practical Implications:

• Greater measurement reproducibility and process control for ceramic manufacturing
• Enhanced ability to troubleshoot and optimize ceramic slurry properties
• Supports innovation in advanced ceramics processing and quality improvement programs

Key highlights:

• Flexible viscometer apparatus and geometry options
• Detailed guidance for interpreting rheological behaviors
• Improved comparability and accuracy in viscosity data

Access the full standard:View ISO 19613:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The adoption of these updated standards is vital for organizations operating in the glass and ceramics industries. Key impacts include:

• Enhanced Product Reliability: By adhering to precise hardness and viscosity testing methods, organizations can guarantee the performance and durability of advanced ceramic components.
• Market and Regulatory Access: International compliance is often a prerequisite for exports, supplier qualification, and tendering for advanced material contracts.
• Cost Efficiency: Consistent testing protocols minimize the risk of batch failures, rework, and product recalls.
• Innovation Enablement: Advanced hardness and rheology data foster improved material design and innovative processing techniques.

Compliance Recommendations and Timelines:

• Organizations should update internal test protocols and calibration routines by Q1 2027 to align with these new ISO editions.
• Incorporate revised reporting requirements and ensure staff are trained on updated apparatus use and sample preparation.
• Early adoption supports smoother transition and better positioning for supply chain opportunities.

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Potential market exclusion (especially in international supply chains)
• Invalid or reproducible test results, affecting product acceptance
• Increased liability and risk of customer dissatisfaction

Technical Insights

A review of both standards reveals several common technical themes and best practice recommendations:

• Accuracy & Calibration:
  • Use calibrated instruments and reference materials (including standard blocks and certified liquids).
  • Regularly verify diamond indenters (for hardness) and viscometer spindles (for viscosity).
• Sample Preparation:
  • Ensure specimens are properly polished, free of residual stresses, and conform to dimensional requirements.
  • For ceramic slurries, ensure complete mixing and degassing to avoid measurement artefacts.
• Environmental Control:
  • Maintain specified temperature conditions during testing for both hardness (23°C ± 5°C) and viscosity (±0.2°C where required).
• Test Repeatability:
  • Conduct at least five indentations for hardness, and repeat viscosity measurements for statistical reliability.
• Reporting Detail:
  • Fully document apparatus type, instrument calibration, measurement conditions, and all raw data to support traceability and auditability.
• Best Practices for Transition:
  • Update quality manuals and standard operating procedures
  • Train laboratory staff in revised test protocols and reporting requirements
  • Engage suppliers and customers to clarify new standards’ expectations

Conclusion and Next Steps

September 2026’s new standards represent a leap forward for the glass and ceramics industries. ISO 14705:2026 and ISO 19613:2026 will empower organizations to:

• Enhance the consistency and traceability of hardness and viscosity testing
• Satisfy escalating international requirements for advanced ceramic materials
• Support innovation and competitiveness in a demanding materials market

Recommendations:

1. Download and review the full standards from iTeh Standards.
2. Update laboratory protocols to align with the latest requirements.
3. Train technical staff and share best practice guidance across your teams.
4. Monitor regulatory updates and stay engaged with the global standards community.

Stay at the forefront of the evolving landscape in glass and ceramics materials by leveraging authoritative ISO guidance. Explore additional standards, compliance resources, and implementation strategies at iTeh Standards.