ASTM D2911/D2911M-16(2023)

Standard Specification for Dimensions and Tolerances for Plastic Bottles

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the thread configuration and dimensions for finishes for plastic bottles with screw-type closures. The bottle overflow and body dimensional tolerances are detailed. The test apparatus for determining bottle capacity consists of a balance, pipet, graduated cylinder, beaker, conditioned water, and stop watch. In addition, the test apparatus for determining finish and body dimensions includes micrometers, Vernier height gages or Vernier calipers, internal micrometers or telescoping gages, and commercial scale. The test methods discussed are for the determination of bottle capacity, body dimensions, and finish dimensions.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the thread configuration and dimensions for finishes for plastic bottles with screw-type closures, having a maximum capacity of 18.9 L (5 gal) and a maximum bottle dimension of 305 mm (12 in.). Included are tolerances for bottle capacity and body dimensions.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 8 of this specification. 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.
Note 1: 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: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 55.100 - Bottles. Pots. Jars
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.19 - Film, Sheeting, and Molded Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2911/D2911M-16 - Standard Specification for Dimensions and Tolerances for Plastic Bottles
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

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: D2911/D2911M − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Dimensions and Tolerances for Plastic Bottles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2911/D2911M; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers the thread configuration and 3.1 Definitions:
dimensions for finishes for plastic bottles with screw-type 3.1.1 bottle finish—the configuration of the neck or opening
closures, having a maximum capacity of 18.9 L (5 gal) and a of the bottle which serves to engage specific parts of the
maximum bottle dimension of 305 mm (12 in.). Included are closure in order to securely attach it to the bottle.
tolerances for bottle capacity and body dimensions.
3.1.2 bottle height—the maximum dimension of a bottle in
a plane perpendicular to the bottle base when the bottle is
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
setting in its normal upright position.
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva-
3.1.3 bottle thickness—the smaller dimension in a plane
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
parallel to the bottle base.
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
3.1.4 bottle width—the larger dimension in a plane parallel
from the two systems shall not be combined.
to the bottle base.
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
test methods portion, Section 8 of this specification. This
4. Dimensions and Recommended Variations
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
4.1 Recommended Variations in Overflow Capacity—In
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
overflow capacity recommended variations of plastic bottles up
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
to 18.9 L (5 gal) in size shall be in accordance with Table 1.
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
4.2 Recommended Variations in Body Dimensions—The
regulatory limitations prior to use.
recommended variations in the body dimensions of plastic
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
bottles covered by this specification shall be in accordance with
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Table 2.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.3 Finish Dimensions and Design—The bottle finish di-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mensions and design for the nine finishes covered by this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
specification shall be in accordance with Figs. 1-8 and Tables
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3-10.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Sampling
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 A batch or lot shall be considered as a unit of manufac-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ture.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)
5.2 Unless otherwise agreed upon between manufacturer
and purchaser, the material shall be sampled in accordance
with the procedure described in Section 9 of Practice D1898.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Adequate statistical sampling prior to packaging shall be
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting,
considered an acceptable alternative.
and Molded Products.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D2911 - 16. DOI:
6. Conditioning
10.1520/D2911-16R23.
6.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens in accor-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
dance with Procedure A of Practice D618, unless otherwise
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
specified by contract or the relevant ASTM material specifica-
the ASTM website.
tion. Conditioning time is specified as a minimum. Tempera-
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. ture and humidity tolerances shall be in accordance with
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2911/D2911M − 16 (2023)
TABLE 1 Bottle Overflow Capacity Tolerances for Plastic Bottles
Fluid Ounces Millilitres
Bottle Overflow Capacity Tolerance (±) Bottle Overflow Capacity Tolerance (±)
less than 0.75 0.05 less than 22 1.5
0.75 and less than 1.2 0.07 22 and less than 35 2.0
1.2 and less than 1.6 0.08 35 and less than 47 2.5
1.6 and less than 2.1 0.10 47 and less than 62 3.0
2.1 and less than 2.8 0.12 62 and less than 83 3.5
2.8 and less than 3.9 0.14 83 and less than 115 4
3.9 and less than 5.4 0.17 115 and less than 159 5
5.4 and less than 7.4 0.20 159 and less than 218 6
7.4 and less than 9.8 0.24 218 and less than 289 7
9.8 and less than 13 0.30 289 and less than 384 9
13 and less than 18 0.37 384 and less than 531 11
18 and less than 26 0.44 531 and less than 767 13
26 and less than 37 0.51 767 and less than 1092 15
37 and less than 51 0.68 1092 and less than 1505 20
51 and less than 72 0.81 1505 and less than 2125 24
72 and less than 98 1.01 2125 and less than 2892 30
98 and less than 119 1.30 2892 and less than 3512 38
119 and less than 139 1.50 3512 and less than 4103 44
139 and less than 160 1.80 4103 and less than 4723 53
160 and less than 180 2.00 4723 and less than 5313 59
180 and less than 210 2.20 5313 and less than 6199 65
210 to 5 gallons 1 % of capacity 6199 to 18.89 litres 1 % of capacity
TABLE 2 Body Dimensional Tolerance
Range of Specific Dimensions Height Dimensions Width and Depth Dimensions
in. mm in. mm in. mm
0 up to but not including 1 0 to 25.40 0.030 0.76 0.030 0.76
1 up to but not including 2 25.40 to 50.80 0.030 0.76 0.050 1.27
2 up to but not including 4 50.80 to 101.60 0.050 1.27 0.060 1.52
4 up to but not including 6 101.60 to 152.40 0.050 1.27 0.080 2.03
6 up to but not including 8 152.40 to 203.20 0.060 1.52 0.090 2.29
8 up to but not including 10 203.20 to 254.00 0.060 1.52 0.110 2.79
10 up to but not including 12 254.00 to 304.80 0.080 2.03 0.120 3.05
12 up to but not including 15 304.80 to 381.00 0.090 2.29 0.150 3.81
15 up to but not including 18 381.00 to 457.20 0.110 2.79 0.150 3.81
Section 7 of Practice D618, unless specified differently by 7.2.2 Internal Micrometers or Telescoping Gages with an
contract or material specification. accuracy of 60.025 mm (60.001 in.).
7.2.3 Commercial Scale, calibrated in 1-mm or ⁄32-in.
6.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at the same tempera-
increments.
ture and humidity used for conditioning with tolerances in
accordance with Section 7 of Practice D618, unless otherwise
8. Test Methods
specified by contract or the relevant ASTM material specifica-
8.1 Bottle Capacity:
tion.
8.1.1 Weigh the empty bottle and record the weight in
grams.
7. Apparatus
8.1.2 Fill the bottle to overflow capacity with conditioned
7.1 For Determining Bottle Capacity:
water containing the wetting agent, adjusting the meniscus by
7.1.1 Balance, having an accuracy of 60.1 % or better at
use of a pipet, if necessary, until the meniscus is tangent to the
rated capacity (full scale).
top of the finish surface. No more than 2 min shall be allowed
7.1.2 Pipet, Graduated Cylinder, and Beaker, as required.
for filling the bottle and no additional water shall be added after
7.1.3 Conditioned water at 23 6 2.0°C (73.46 3.6°F)
the bottle is filled to overflow and free of air bubbles.
containing a wetting agent sufficient to flatten the meniscus and
8.1.3 If the time exceeds 2 min, discard the sample and start
eliminate air bubbles.
over.
NOTE 2—It is acceptable to use any liquid detergent as the wetting
NOTE 3—The capacity of the container is somewhat time-dependent in
agent.
that the force of the water in the container will cause the container sides
7.1.4 Stop Watch or Comparable Timing Device. to bulge with time and additional water will be needed to adjust to
overflow capacity.
7.2 For Determining Finish and Body Dimensions:
8.1.4 Weigh the filled bottle and record the weight in grams.
7.2.1 Micrometers, Vernier Height Gages, Vernier Calipers,
8.1.5 Calculate the bottle volume as follows:
or Comparable Instruments with an accuracy of 60.025 mm
(60.001 in.). B mL 5 B 2 B /0.997
~ ! ~ !
v f e
D2911/D2911M − 16 (2023)
“L” Style “M” Style
All-Purpose Thread Modified Buttress Thread
(Plastic or Metal Closures) (Plastic Closures)
Threads/in. a b c Threads/in. a b c
5 in. 0.120 0.060 0.051 5 in. 0.120 0.060 0.049
mm 3.05 1.52 1.30 mm 3.05 1.52 1.24
6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.040 6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.039
mm 2.39 1.19 1.02 mm 2.39 1.19 0.99
8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.036 8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.035
mm 2.13 1.07 0.91 mm 2.13 1.07 0.89
Example Thread Nomenclature
“L” Style: L28SP400
“M” Style: M28SP400
NOTE 1—T and E dimensions are the average of two measurements across the major and minor axis. The limits of ovality will be determined by the
container supplier and container customer, as necessary.
NOTE 2—Dimension H is measured from the top of the finish to the point where diameter T, extended parallel to the centerline, intersects the bead
or shoulder.
NOTE 3—Contour of bead, undercut or shoulder is optional.
NOTE 4—Unless otherwise specified, I min applies to the full length of the opening.
NOTE 5—Concentricity of I min with respect to diameters T and E is not included. I min is specified for filler tube only.
NOTE 6—A minimum of 1 full turn of thread shall be maintained.
NOTE 7—Corresponding dimensions and finish details are shown in Table 3.
NOTE 8—Consideration must be given to the sealing surface width for the sealing system being used.
NOTE 9—Many child resistant closures, etc.
FIG. 1 SP 400 Finish Thread Cross Sections
D2911/D2911M − 16 (2023)
“L” Style “M” Style
All-Purpose Thread Modified Buttress Thread
(Plastic or Metal Closures) (Plastic Closures)
Threads/in. a b c Threads/in. a b c
6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.040 6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.039
mm 2.39 1.19 1.02 mm 2.39 1.19 0.99
8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.036 8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.035
mm 2.13 1.07 0.91 mm 2.13 1.07 0.89
Example Thread Nomenclature:
“L” Style: L22SP410
“M” Style: M22SP410
NOTE 1—Construction of neck from B to D must be held within the shaded area shown.
NOTE 2—A minimum of 1 ⁄2 turns of thread shall be maintained.
NOTE 3—Unless otherwise specified, I min applies to the full length of the opening.
NOTE 4—Concentricity of I min with respect to diameters T and E is not included. I min is specified for filler tube only.
NOTE 5—T and E dimensions are the average of two measurements across the major and minor axis. The limits of ovality will be determined by the
container supplier and container customer, as necessary.
NOTE 6—Consideration must be given to the sealing surface width for the sealing system being used.
NOTE 7—When valve style closures are used with this finish, special consideration must be given to a specific controlled inside diameter. In addition,
it is acceptable to vary the dimensions indicated with asterisk (*) to ensure adequate material for finishing the inside diameter.
NOTE 8—Corresponding dimensions and details shown in Table 4.
FIG. 2 SP 410 Finish Thread Cross Sections
where: where: 29.50 = weight of water (g/fluid oz) at 23 6 2.0°C
(73.4 6 3.6°F).
B = volume of bottle, mL,
v
B = weight of filled bottle, g, 8.1.6 Determine the volume in millilitres (fluid ounces) for
f
B = weight of empty bottle, g, and
each test specimen.
e
0.997 = weight of water (g/mL) at 23 6 2.0°C (73.4 6
8.1.7 Report the arithmetic average volume of the speci-
3.6°F).
mens tested as the bottle capacity of the batch or lot from
B fluid oz 5 B 2 B /29.50 which the samples were chosen.
~ ! ~ !
v f e
D2911/D2911M − 16 (2023)
“L” Style “M” Style
All-Purpose Thread Modified Buttress Thread
(Plastic or Metal Closures) (Plastic Closures)
Threads/in. a b c d f Threads/in. a b c d f
6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.040 0.020 0.020 6 in. 0.094 0.047 0.039 0.030 0.030
mm 2.39 1.19 1.02 0.51 0.51 mm 2.39 1.19 0.99 0.76 0.76
8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.036 0.020 0.020 8 in. 0.084 0.042 0.035 0.030 0.030
mm 2.13 1.07 0.91 0.51 0.51 mm 2.13 1.07 0.89 0.76 0.76
12 in. 0.045 0.030 0.011 0.015 0.005 12 in. 0.051 0.030 0.016 0.020 0.008
mm 1.14 0.76 0.28 0.38 0.13 mm 1.29 0.76 0.41 0.51 0.22
Example Thread Nomenclature:
“L” Style: L22SP415
“M” Style: M22SP415
NOTE 1—Construction of neck from B to D must be held within the shaded area shown.
NOTE 2—A minimum of 2 turns of thread shall be maintained.
NOTE 3—Unless otherwise specified, I min applies to the full length of the opening.
NOTE 4—Concentricity of I min with respect to diameters T and E is not included. I min is specified for filler tube only.
NOTE 5—T and E dimensions are the average of two measurements across the major and minor axis. The limits of ovality will be determined by the
container supplier and container customer, as necessary.
NOTE 6—Consideration must be given to the sealing surface width for the sealing system being used.
NOTE 7—When valve style closures are used with this finish, special consideration must be given to a specific controlled inside diameter. In addition,
it is acceptable to vary the dimensions indicated with asterisk (*) to ensure adequate material for finishing the inside diameter.
NOTE 8—Corresponding dimensions and finish details are shown in Table 5.
FIG. 3 SP 415 Finish Thread Cross Sections
8.2 Body Dimensions: between the straightedge and the surface upon which the bottle
8.2.1 Using a suitable micrometer, a vernier height gauge, is setting. Make four measurements, each 90° apart, and use the
or a scale, measure the height of the bottle. maximum as the bottle height.
8.2.1.1 If the top of the finish is parallel to the base of the 8.2.2 Using a suitable micrometer, vernier caliper, or com-
container and the height must be measured from the top of the parable instrument measure the width and thickness of the
finish, and a commercial scale is used, one method is to place bottle.
the bottle on a flat surface and a straightedge acros
...