ASTM D4333/D4333M-18

Standard Practice for Compatibility of Mechanical Pump Dispenser Components

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This practice identifies the compatibility of the mechanical pump dispenser components with consumer-type products.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers testing of the components of mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) for compatibility with products.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2018
• ICS: 55.130 - Aerosol containers
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.30 - Mechanical Dispensers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4333/D4333M-05(2010)e1 - Test Method for the Compatibility of Mechanical Pump Dispenser Components
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018

Overview

ASTM D4333/D4333M-18: Standard Practice for Compatibility of Mechanical Pump Dispenser Components provides a consistent and recognized procedure for evaluating the compatibility of mechanical pump dispenser components-such as spray or flow type pumps-with consumer-type products. Developed by ASTM International, this practice is widely referenced in packaging, chemical, and consumer goods industries to ensure product performance, safety, and durability.

Mechanical pump dispensers are widely used in personal care, household, and industrial applications. Ensuring the components are chemically compatible with the dispensed products is crucial to prevent failures such as leakage, deformation, or material breakdown that could compromise product quality or safety. This standard helps manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulators identify potential incompatibilities before products reach the consumer market.

Key Topics

• Scope of Testing: The standard details procedures for evaluating pump dispenser components (including gaskets, liners, and molded parts) in contact with finished products. Testing includes immersion in products at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
• Test Methods:
  • Measurement of dimensions (thickness, length, diameter) and weight before, during, and after exposure to test products.
  • Visual inspection for physical changes such as loss of gloss, deformation, discoloration, or cracking.
  • Reporting of dimensional and weight changes after 7 and 28 days of immersion to assess chemical resistance and compatibility.
• Required Equipment: Includes balances, micrometers or calipers for precision measurements, glass containers for sample immersion, and environmental ovens for temperature control.
• Sample Preparation and Controls: Guidance specifies use of new, clean, unassembled components and inclusion of control specimens for comparison.
• Reporting Results: The standard outlines the information that must be included in test reports, such as material identification, test conditions, changes observed, and calculated percentages of shrinkage or swelling.

Applications

Implementing ASTM D4333/D4333M-18 ensures mechanical pump dispenser components are suitable for their intended consumer-type products, enhancing product reliability and end-user satisfaction. Typical practical applications include:

• Personal Care & Cosmetic Packaging: Validating compatibility of pumps with lotions, shampoos, perfumes, and other formulations.
• Household Cleaning Products: Assessing chemical resistance of dispensers used for detergents, disinfectants, and cleaning sprays.
• Industrial & Institutional Chemicals: Ensuring pump components are robust enough for compatibility with harsher chemicals used in industrial environments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supporting documentation for safety, health, and environmental regulatory requirements, and for product claims regarding packaging performance.

Consistent compatibility testing helps reduce field failures, supports new product development, and provides confidence to retailers and end consumers alike.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1980 - Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices
• ASTM D4169 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D3475 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• ISO 8317 - Child-Resistant Packaging - Requirements and Testing Procedures

These standards may be referenced alongside ASTM D4333/D4333M-18 to provide a comprehensive evaluation of packaging systems, particularly when chemical compatibility, durability, safety, and regulatory compliance are required priorities.

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Keywords: ASTM D4333, mechanical pump dispenser compatibility, chemical resistance, packaging component testing, consumer product packaging, durability testing, dispenser performance standards, ASTM compatibility test.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4333/D4333M − 18
Standard Practice for
Compatibility of Mechanical Pump Dispenser Components
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4333/D4333M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Test Specimen
1.1 This practice covers testing of the components of 4.1 At least three individual components should be used for
mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) for compat- each part tested with each product involved at each test
ibility with products.
condition.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 4.2 At least three individual components are used as con-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
trols at each test condition.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
4.3 Individual unassembled components shall be clean and
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
previously unused.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
5. Conditioning
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Conditiontestspecimensat23 63°C[73.465.4°F]for
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
at least 4 h prior to testing. If test specimen conditioning is not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
possible, the environmental conditioning of the test specimens
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tested should be included in the report as discussed in 7.1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.2 Testconditionsshallbeanelevatedtemperatureof45 6
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3°C [113 6 5.4°F] and an ambient room temperature of 23 6
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3°C [73.4 6 5.4°F]. If a different temperature is used, this
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
should be noted in the test report discussed in 7.1.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6. Procedure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Dimensional and Weight Changes:
2. Significance and Use
6.1.1 Prior to immersion into the product, weigh the part
2.1 Thispracticeidentifiesthecompatibilityofthemechani-
and record as W1 (see 7). Measure the thickness or overall
cal pump dispenser components with consumer-type products.
length of the part to the nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.] of each
component depending on which of these dimensions are most
3. Apparatus
important (for example, thickness for a gasket or liner, and
overall length for a molded component). Optionally, measure a
3.1 Balance, accurate to 1 mg.
diameter of the part to its nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.]. Report
3.2 Micrometers, or calipers or other appropriate
the data as initial dimension D1 (see 7). This data is reported
instruments, capable of measuring dimensions of test speci-
asameanvalueofthedimensionforthecomponentsmeasured
mens to 0.025 mm [0.001 in.].
for that particular part.
3.3 Glass Containers, with covers, suitable for immersing
6.1.2 Maintain at least three test specimens as visual com-
test specimens in test products.
parison controls. Do not immerse these control test specimens
in any solution and store at each test condition. Label the
3.4 Oven,withchambercapableofmaintainingtemperature
storage container of these test specimens as control.
within 62°C [63.6°F] of the specified test temperatures.
6.1.3 Place the test specimens in appropriate containers for
the solutions being used and allow the test specimens to be
totally immersed in fresh test product for 7 days in each test
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Primary
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.30 on
condition. Several test specimens of a given material may be
Mechanical Dispensers.
immersed in the same container provided sufficient product is
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally
available for the total surface area exposed. Cover the con-
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D4333/
ɛ1
D4333M–05(2010) . DOI: 10.1520/D4333_D4333M-18. tainer.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4333/D4333M − 18
NOTE1—Whenthecomponentsbeingtestedareofthesametypebutof
7.1.7 D3 data, that is, final thickness, overall length, or
different material, it is recommended that separate glass containers are
diameter(s), or a combination thereof, after immersion to the
used for each material for the purpose of eliminating unplanned material
nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.],
interactions and for ease of identification.
7.1.8 Thepercentagedimensionalchangeforthefirst7days
6.1.4 After 7 days, remove all glass containers of test
to the nearest 0.1%, as calculated based upon the formula
specimens from the 45°C environment, and allow the test
(D2-D1)/D1× 100 in which positive percentages signify swell
specimens to equilibrate to room temperature [23°C] for a
and negative outcomes
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: D4333/D4333M − 05 (Reapproved 2010) D4333/D4333M − 18
Standard Test Method Practice for the
Compatibility of Mechanical Pump Dispenser Components
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4333/D4333M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Units information was corrected editorially in March 2011.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method practice covers testing of the components of mechanical pump dispensers (spray or flow types) for
compatibility with products.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all
of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to consult and establish
appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Significance and Use
2.1 This test method practice identifies the compatibility of the mechanical pump dispenser components with consumer-type
products.
3. Apparatus
3.1 Balance, accurate to 1 mg.
3.2 Micrometers, or calipers or other appropriate instruments, capable of measuring dimensions of test specimens to 0.025 mm
[0.001 in.].
3.3 Glass Containers, with covers, suitable for immersing test specimens in test products.
3.4 Oven, with chamber capable of maintaining temperature within 62°C [63.6°F] of the specified test temperatures.
4. Test Specimen
4.1 At least three individual components should be used for each part tested with each product involved at each test condition.
4.2 At least three individual components are used as controls at each test condition.
4.3 Individual unassembled components shall be clean and previously unused.
5. Conditioning
5.1 Condition test specimens at 23 6 3°C [73.46 5.4°F] for at least 4 h prior to testing. If test specimen conditioning is not
possible, the environmental conditioning of the test specimens tested should be included in the report as discussed in 7.1.
5.2 Test conditions shall be an elevated temperature of 45 6 3°C [113 6 5.4°F] and an ambient room temperature of 23 6 3°C
[73.4 6 5.4°F]. If a different temperature is used, this should be noted in the test report discussed in 7.1.
This test method practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on FlexiblePrimary Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.30
on Mechanical Pump Dispensers.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010May 1, 2018. Published March 2011June 2018. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
ɛ1
D4333 – 05.D4333/D4333M – 05(2010) . DOI: 10.1520/D4333_D4333M-05R10E01.10.1520/D4333_D4333M-18.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4333/D4333M − 18
6. Procedure
6.1 Dimensional and Weight Changes:
6.1.1 Prior to immersion into the product, weigh the part and record as W1 (see 7). Measure the thickness or overall length of
the part to the nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.] of each component depending on which of these dimensions are most important (for
example, thickness for a gasket or liner, and overall length for a molded component). Optionally, measure a diameter of the part
to its nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.]. Report the data as initial dimension D1 (see 7). This data is reported as a mean value of the
dimension for the components measured for that particular part.
6.1.2 Maintain at least three test specimens as visual comparison controls. Do not immerse these control test specimens in any
solution and store at each test condition. Label the storage container of these test specimens as control.
6.1.3 Place the test specimens in appropriate containers for the solutions being used and allow the test specimens to be totally
immersed in fresh test product for 7 days in each test condition. Several test specimens of a given material may be immersed in
the same container provided sufficient product is available for the total surface area exposed. Cover the container.
NOTE 1—When the components being tested are of the same type but of different material, it is recommended that separate glass containers are used
for each material for the purpose of eliminating unplanned material interactions and for ease of identification.
6.1.4 After 7 days, remove all glass containers of test specimens from the 45°C environment, and allow the test specimens to
equilibrate to room temperature [23°C] for a minimum of 4 h.
6.1.5 Carefully remove each test specimen from the glass container, wipe dry, and remeasure the dimension(s) on each part as
they were
...