ASTM D1896/D1896M-10(2017)

Standard Practice for Transfer Molding Test Specimens of Thermosetting Compounds

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Transfer molding is particularly suited to thermosetting materials of intermediate plasticity. Fixed molding parameters cannot be specified for each type of material. Molding compounds of the same type come in many different plasticities measured in accordance with Test Methods D3123 and D3795. Consequently, for a given material type, the molding parameters required to produce satisfactory test specimens will often vary dependent on the plasticity of the specific material grade.  
4.2 The mold shown in this practice provides for a set of five specimens. However, if only certain specimens are desired, the other cavities can be blocked by inserting gate blanks.  
4.3 Typically, breathing of the mold is not required to release trapped volatile matter as the gas is free to flow from the vent end of the mold. This is a particular advantage for heat-resistant compounds and reduces the tendency for molded specimens to blister at high exposure temperatures.  
4.4 Flow and knit lines in a molded piece are often sites of mechanical or electrical weakness and can be found in some degree of severity throughout the molded piece. The semisolid molding compound passing through the gate is subject to non-Newtonian flow and, consequently, wrinkles and folds as it travels down the mold cavity. Fibers and other reinforcements in the molding compound align with the flow pattern and, consequently, can orient perpendicular to the axis of the bar at the center and parallel at the surface of the bar. Mold temperature, thermal conductivity and plasticity of the molding compound, degree of preheat, and plunger pressure are parameters that influence the time to fill the mold cavities and the formation of knit lines.
Note 3: If the temperature of the mold is held constant and the plunger pressure varied for a designated thermosetting molding compound, two extreme characteristic conditions can be obtained. If the pressure is low, then the vent end of the cavity will not fully fill, and...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a general procedure for the transfer molding of mechanical and electrical test specimens of thermosetting molding materials.
Note 1: The utility of this practice has been demonstrated for the molding of thermosetting molding compounds exhibiting intermediate viscosity non-Newtonian flow.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not always exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems can result in nonconformance with this practice.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
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-2017
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.09 - Specimen Preparation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1896/D1896M-10 - Standard Practice for Transfer Molding Test Specimens of Thermosetting Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3795-20 - Standard Test Method for Thermal Flow, Cure, and Behavior Properties of Pourable Thermosetting Materials by Torque Rheometer
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3123-09(2017) - Standard Test Method for Spiral Flow of Low-Pressure Thermosetting Molding Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3795-00a(2012) - Standard Test Method for Thermal Flow, Cure, and Behavior Properties of Pourable Thermosetting Materials by Torque Rheometer
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2012
• Refers: ASTM D883-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011

Overview

ASTM D1896/D1896M-10(2017), Standard Practice for Transfer Molding Test Specimens of Thermosetting Compounds, is an essential guideline developed by ASTM International. This standard details the transfer molding process specifically for producing mechanical and electrical test specimens from thermosetting molding compounds. It is particularly suited to materials with intermediate viscosity and non-Newtonian flow. By providing a standardized approach to specimen preparation, this practice supports repeatable and reliable testing across the plastics and composites industries.

Transfer molding, as defined in this standard, involves heating and softening plastic material in a chamber, then transferring it under pressure into a heated mold where it solidifies and takes shape. This process is preferred for thermosetting compounds of intermediate plasticity and is tailored to accommodate the varying plasticity of different material grades.

Key Topics

• Applicability: Covers the preparation of test specimens for both mechanical and electrical testing using transfer molding methods.
• Material Plasticity: Recognizes the variability of molding compounds, emphasizing the need to adjust molding parameters based on specific material grades, as measured by ASTMs D3123 and D3795.
• Mold Design and Use: Describes a five-cavity mold, with the option to block cavities for smaller sample sets. Appropriate venting is emphasized to minimize trapped gases and reduce blistering.
• Process Parameters: Addresses the significance of mold temperature, plunger pressure, preheat conditions, and fill time in achieving high-quality molded specimens.
• Flow and Knit Line Effects: Discusses potential mechanical or electrical weaknesses that may arise from flow and knit lines within the molded piece, depending on orientation and flow patterns.
• Safety and Units: Advises that safety considerations remain the user’s responsibility and mandates that SI and inch-pound measurements be used independently for accuracy.

Applications

• Quality Control: Provides a repeatable method for preparing test specimens to assess the mechanical and electrical properties of thermosetting compounds.
• Material Development: Supports R&D by enabling consistent sample preparation for comparative analysis of new formulations.
• Industry Testing: Applied in plastics, electronics, automotive, and aerospace sectors where thermosetting composites are common.
• Performance Evaluation: Ensures that specimens reflect the material’s true performance, guiding decisions in material selection, product design, and process optimization.
• Educational Use: Serves as a reference in training and standards education for laboratory technicians and quality engineers.

Related Standards

• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D957: Practice for Determining Surface Temperature of Molds for Plastics
• ASTM D3123: Test Method for Spiral Flow of Low-Pressure Thermosetting Molding Compounds
• ASTM D3795: Test Method for Thermal Flow, Cure, and Behavior Properties of Pourable Thermosetting Materials by Torque Rheometer

There is currently no direct ISO equivalent to ASTM D1896/D1896M-10(2017), making this standard the primary reference for transfer molding of thermosetting test specimens.

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Keywords: transfer molding, thermosetting compounds, ASTM D1896, test specimens, mechanical properties, electrical properties, plastics testing, molding process, specimen preparation

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: D1896/D1896M − 10 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Transfer Molding Test Specimens of Thermosetting
Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1896/D1896M; 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 mosetting Molding Compounds
D3795 Test Method for Thermal Flow, Cure, and Behavior
1.1 This practice covers a general procedure for the transfer
Properties of PourableThermosetting Materials byTorque
molding of mechanical and electrical test specimens of ther-
Rheometer
mosetting molding materials.
NOTE 1—The utility of this practice has been demonstrated for the
3. Terminology
molding of thermosetting molding compounds exhibiting intermediate
3.1 Definitions:
viscosity non-Newtonian flow.
3.1.1 General—Definitions of terms applying to this prac-
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to
tice appear in Terminology D883.
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not always exact equivalents; therefore, each 3.1.2 transfer molding, n—a method of forming articles by
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining fusing a plastic material in a chamber and then forcing
values from the two systems can result in nonconformance essentially the whole mass into a hot mold where it solidifies.
with this practice.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.1 breathing, v—theoperationofopeningamoldorpress
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
for a very short period of time at an early stage in the process
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of cure.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Breathing allows the escape of gas or
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
vapor from the molding material and reduces the tendency of
thick moldings to blister.
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
3.2.2 cavity (of a mold), n—the space within a mold to be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
filled to form the molded product.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.3 clamp pressure, n—the pressure applied to the mold to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
keep it closed, in opposition to the fluid pressure of the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
compressed molding material.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.4 fill time, n—thetimerequiredtofilleachcavityusedin
the mold. Fill times can be critical to well molded parts (see
2. Referenced Documents
Note 3 under 4.4).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.5 minimum plunger pressure, n—the minimum pressure,
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
on the ram, required to just fill each cavity used in the mold at
D957 Practice for Determining Surface Temperature of
a specified temperature and reasonable fill time.
Molds for Plastics
3.2.6 vent, n—a hole, slot, or groove provided in a mold or
D3123 Test Method for Spiral Flow of Low-Pressure Ther-
machine to allow air and gas to escape during molding,
extrusion, or forming.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.09 on Specimen Preparation.
4. Significance and Use
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2017.PublishedJuly2017.Originallyapproved
4.1 Transfer molding is particularly suited to thermosetting
in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D1896 - 10. DOI: 10.1520/
D1896_D1896M-10R17.
materials of intermediate plasticity. Fixed molding parameters
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
cannot be specified for each type of material. Molding com-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
pounds of the same type come in many different plasticities
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. measured in accordance with Test Methods D3123 and D3795.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1896/D1896M − 10 (2017)
Consequently, for a given material type, the molding param- psi] and have a minimum plunger loading capacity of 230 cm
eters required to produce satisfactory test specimens will often [14in. ](seeNote4).Theclamppressureshallbeatleast20 %
vary dependent on the plasticity of the specific material grade. higher than the plunger pressure.
4.2 The mold shown in this practice provides for a set of
NOTE 4—Plunger molding pressure under actual molding conditions is
a variable that is difficult to control. Pressure standardization should be
fivespecimens.However,ifonlycertainspecimensaredesired,
carried out on an empty cavity with the plunger against the mold-stop
the other cavities can be blocked by inserting gate blanks.
plate. The speed of the moveable platen is not important as the mold is
4.3 Typically, breathing of the mold is not required to closed before the plunger operates. A ram speed of 3.6 m/min [140
in./min] and a plunger speed of 2.2 m/min [85 in./min] have been found
release trapped volatile matter as the gas is free to flow from
satisfactory when the mold is not loaded. The plunger speed is subject to
the vent end of the mold. This is a particular advantage for
the flow properties of the molding material when the plunger cavity is
heat-resistant compounds and reduces the tendency for molded
loaded with molding compound.
specimens to blister at high exposure temperatures.
5.2 Mold—A five-cavity mold similar to that shown in Fig.
4.4 Flow and knit lines in a molded piece are often sites of
1 has been found satisfactory, although molds with fewer
mechanical or electrical weakness and can be found in some
cavities or different configurations of the tension specimen can
degree of severity throughout the molded piece. The semisolid
be used. Specimens can be eliminated by blocking the runners
molding compound passing through the gate is subject to
to particular cavities and reducing injection pressure and shot
non-Newtonian flow and, consequently, wrinkles and folds as
size accordingly.The gates for each of the cavities in this mold
it travels down the mold cavity. Fibers and other reinforce-
are 6.4 mm wide by 1.52 mm deep [ ⁄4 by 0.060 in.]. Suitable
ments in the molding compound align with the flow pattern
venting must be provided from each cavity. A cavity surface
and, consequently, can orient perpendicular to the axis of the
finish of SPI-A3 is recommended , as is chrome plating of the
bar at the center and parallel at the surface of the bar. Mold
mold surface.
temperature,thermalconductivityandplasticityofthemolding
NOTE5—Althoughthemoldshownisgenerallyuseful,itispreferredto
compound, degree of preheat, and plunger press
...