ASTM D4203-17

Standard Specification for and Basis for Specifications for Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion Materials

ABSTRACT
This specification covers unfilled, filled, and reinforced styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion. SAN compounds are typically general-purpose materials used in either molding or extrusion processes or applications. There are currently no group, class, or grade distinctions and no basic property table given. The SAN compounds are produced by the polymerization of the monomers acrylonitrile and styrene. The melt-flow rate, Vicat softening point, heat-deflection temperature, tensile strength at yield, flexural modulus, and glass content shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers unfilled, filled, and reinforced styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion.  
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout (specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material selection can be made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after careful consideration of the design and the performance required of the part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the costs involved, and the inherent properties of the material other than those covered by this standard.  
1.3 The properties included in this standard are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are to be specified using the suffixes specified in Section 5.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
Note 1: This standard and ISO 19064-1 and ISO 4894-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. Although this standard and ISO 19064-1 and ISO 4894-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are technically equivalent.  
1.6 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-Jul-2017
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4203-12 - Standard Specification for and Basis for Specifications for Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1238-23a - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• 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 D2584-18 - Standard Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM D648-18 - Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1525-17 - Standard Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017

Overview

ASTM D4203-17, the "Standard Specification for and Basis for Specifications for Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion Materials," sets out a comprehensive framework for classifying unfilled, filled, and reinforced SAN compounds. Developed by ASTM International, this standard assists manufacturers and users in specifying SAN materials designed for injection molding and extrusion applications.

Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers are widely used due to their clarity, stiffness, and good chemical resistance. ASTM D4203-17 establishes standardized property requirements and designation systems that help ensure material quality and consistency in industrial and consumer applications.

Key Topics

• Material Coverage: The standard includes unfilled, filled, and reinforced SAN plastic materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion.
• Classification System: Provides a structured approach for identifying and specifying SAN materials through detailed designation codes, based on:
  • Acrylonitrile content
  • Thermal properties (deflection temperature, Vicat softening point)
  • Melt flow rate
  • Mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural modulus)
  • Reinforcement type and content
• Testing Requirements: Specifies essential test methods for determining:
  • Melt flow rate (ASTM D1238; ISO 1133)
  • Vicat softening temperature (ASTM D1525; ISO 306)
  • Heat deflection temperature (ASTM D648; ISO 75)
  • Tensile strength (ASTM D638; ISO 527)
  • Flexural modulus (ASTM D790; ISO 178)
  • Density and specific gravity (ASTM D792; ISO 1183)
• Specification and Callout: Enables precise callouts in procurement and fabrication documentation, ensuring end-products meet strict performance requirements.
• International Alignment: Harmonizes with related ISO standards, supporting global trade and compliance.

Applications

Styrene-acrylonitrile polymers qualified under ASTM D4203-17 are used in a variety of industries for both general-purpose and specialized applications, such as:

• Consumer Goods: Packaging, containers, household appliances, and cosmetic cases, prized for clarity and rigidity.
• Automotive Components: Instrument panels, trim parts, and other interior elements where dimensional stability and chemical resistance are important.
• Electronics: Housings and covers that require good electrical insulating properties and precise molding.
• Construction: Profiles and extruded products where environmental durability and ease of fabrication are key.

The clearly defined classification and specification system allows engineers, designers, and procurement professionals to match SAN materials with performance requirements for molding or extrusion, optimizing both cost and quality.

Related Standards

When working with SAN injection and extrusion materials, the following related standards may also apply:

• ASTM D4000: Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
• ASTM D1238: Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
• ASTM D638: Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D648: Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load
• ASTM D790: Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D1525: Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
• ISO 306: Plastics - Determination of Vicat Softening Temperature
• ISO 19064-1 & ISO 4894-2: Designation and property requirements for SAN materials

Practical Value

Using ASTM D4203-17 streamlines communication and quality assurance between producers, molders, and buyers of SAN thermoplastics. The standard’s consistent classification approach makes sourcing and verifying appropriate materials more efficient, reduces risk of nonconforming products, and supports regulatory and trade compliance on a global scale.

Keywords: ASTM D4203-17, SAN materials, injection molding, extrusion, styrene-acrylonitrile, plastics specification, material classification, industrial standards

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:D4203 −17
Standard Specification for and Basis for Specifications for
Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4203; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers unfilled, filled, and reinforced
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) materials suitable for injection
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
molding and extrusion.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out
plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts.
2. Referenced Documents
It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material
2.1 ASTM Standards:
selection can be made by those having expertise in the plastic
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
field only after careful consideration of the design and the
Impact Resistance of Plastics
performance required of the part, the environment to which it
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
costsinvolved,andtheinherentpropertiesofthematerialother
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics
than those covered by this standard.
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
1.3 The properties included in this standard are those
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
required to identify the compositions covered. Other require-
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
ments necessary to identify particular characteristics important
als
to specialized applications are to be specified using the suffixes
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
5.
specified in Section
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
standard. The values in parentheses are given for information
by Extrusion Plastometer
only.
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
Plastics
test methods portion, Section 11, of this specification: This
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
standarddoesnotpurporttoaddressallofthesafetyconcerns,
tics
ifany,associatedwithitsuse.Itistheresponsibilityoftheuser
D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
Resins
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of
tions prior to use.
Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 19064-1 and ISO 4894-2 address the
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
same subject matter, but differ in technical content.Although this standard
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
and ISO 19064-1 and ISO 4894-2 differ in approach or detail, data
als
obtained using either are technically equivalent.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials.15.03). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D4203 - 12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4203-17. the ASTM website.
*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
D4203−17
A B
TABLE 1 Reinforcement-Filler Symbols and Tolerances
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
Symbol Material Tolerance
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International
C Carbon- and graphite-fiber ±2 %
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
reinforced
2.2 ISO Standards:
G Glass-reinforced ±2 %
L Lubricants (PTFE, for example) Depends upon material and
ISO 75 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of Deflec-
graphite, silicone and process—to be specified.
tion Under Load
molybdenum disulfide
ISO 178 Plastics—Determination of Flexural Properties M Mineral-reinforced ±2 %
R Combinations of reinforcements ±3 % for the total reinforcement
ISO 180/1A Plastics—Determination of Izod Impact
or filler, or both
Strength
A
Ash content or filled and/or reinforced materials is determined using either Test
ISO 294 Plastics—Injection Moulding Test Specimens of
Method D5630 or ISO 3451-1 where applicable.
B
Thermoplastic Materials
Additional symbols will be added to this table as required.
ISO 306 Plastics—Thermoplastic materials—Determination
of Vicat Softening Temperature (VST)
ISO 527 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties
additives, or both, in the callout of the modified basic material. The types
ISO 1133 Plastics—Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow
and percentages of reinforcements and additives are sometimes shown on
Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) of
the supplier’s technical data sheet. If necessary, additional callout of these
Thermoplastics
reinforcements and additives can be accomplished by the use of the suffix
ISO 1183 Plastics—Methods for Determining the Density of
part of the system, as described in Section 5.
Non-Cellular Plastics
NOTE 4—Materials containing reinforcements or fillers, or both, at
nominal levels not in multiples of five are included in the nearest grade
ISO 4894-2 Plastics—Styrene/Acrylonitrile (SAN) Mould-
designation. For example, a material with a nominal glass fiber level of 33
ing and Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of Test
% is included with a Grade G35.
Specimens and Determination of Properties
4.2.2 Specific requirements for reinforced, filled, or lubri-
ISO 19064-1 Plastics—Styrene/Acrylonitrile (SAN) Mould-
cated materials shall be shown by a six-character designation.
ing and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation System
The designation shall consist of the letter A and the five digits
and Basis for Specifications
comprising the cell numbers for the property requirements in
3. Terminology
the order in which they appear in Table A.
4.2.2.1 Although the values listed are necessary to include
3.1 The terminology used in this classification system is in
the range of properties available in existing materials, users
accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
should not infer that every possible combination of the
4. Classification properties exists or can be obtained.
4.1 SAN materials are typically general-purpose materials NOTE 5—An example of this classification for a reinforced SAN is as
follows:
used in either molding or extrusion processes and applications.
The designation SAN000G30A34421:
There is currently no group, class, or grade distinctions and no
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
basic property table given.
G30 = Glass reinforced at 30 % nominal level,
A = Table A for property requirements,
NOTE 2—Where no basic property table exists, the generic family
3 = % AN, 30 %, min,
designation will be followed by three zeros, for example: SAN000.
4 = Deflection temperature under load, 105°C, min,
4 = Specific gravity, 1.6, min,
4.1.1 They are usually grouped as reinforced or unrein-
2 = Tensile strength, 80 MPa, min, and
forced. Therefore, SAN materials are classified by Table A for
1 = Flexural modulus, 3000 MPa, min,
reinforced materials and Table B for unreinforced materials.
If no properties are specified, the designation would be SAN000G30A00000.
Specialty products such as antistatic, barrier, etc. would also
4.3 Table B classifies all unreinforced SAN materials. Table
utilize the suffix system described in Section 5.
B shall be used in the same manner as Table A.
4.1.2 Each compound is given a five-digit cell classification
NOTE 6—An example of this classification for an unreinforced SAN is
representing the physical properties in the order in which they
as follows:
are listed in the cell table.
The designation SAN000B22320 indicates:
4.2 Reinforced, filled, and lubricated versions of the SAN
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
B = Cell Table B, property requirements,
materials are classified in accordance with Table A, which
2 = % AN, 20 %, min,
specifies the properties after the addition of reinforcements or
2 = Vicat softening temperature, 100°C, min,
lubricants at the nominal level indicated (see 4.2.1). 3 = Flow rate, 10 g/10 min, min
2 = Tensile strength, 60 MPa, min, and
4.2.1 A single letter shall be used for the major reinforce-
0 = Flexural modulus, unspecified,
ment or combination, or both, along with two digits that
4.3.1 Mechanical properties of pigmented or colored SAN
indicate the nominal quantity in percent by weight. (See Table
materials can differ from the mechanical properties of natural
1.)
SAN material, depending on the choice and concentration of
NOTE 3—This part of the system uses percent of reinforcements or
colorants. The main property affected is ductility, as illustrated
by a reduction in Izod impact strength and tensile-elongation
values. If specific properties of pigmented SAN materials are
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. necessary, a classification using Cell Table B is employed.
D4203−17
NOTE 8—Internationally, ANSI has been working with ISO to harmo-
4.4 ISO test methods and correlated cell values have been
nize specification and designation documents in three specific areas,
included for informational purposes. They have been provided
including SAN. A correlation was carried out and has been appended for
for those international users wishing to determine the corre-
information purposes.This study provided the basis for the correlated ISO
sponding ISO test values for a particular SAN callout.
values found in the cell tables and the novel approach of being able to
determine a specified product’s property requirements by eitherASTM or
NOTE 7—Using the example ASTM callout in Note 6, (ISO)
ISO test methods.
SAN000B22320 would indicate:
(ISO) = ISO line-property requirements,
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
B = Table B,
2 = % AN, 20%, min,
2 = Vicat softening point, 95°C, min,
3 = Flow rate, 25 g/10 min, min,
2 = Tensile strength, 60 MPa, min,
0 = Flexural modulus, unspecified.
TABLE A SAN Compounds (Reinforced)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Order Number
0 1 234 5 9
A
1 AN Content, % AN, min Unspecified 10 20 30 40 50
A
(ISO 4894-2, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
2 Deflection temperature under load, ASTM D648, Unspecified 90 95 100 105 110
B
°C, min
A
(ISO 75, °C, min) (Unspecified) (90) (95) (100) (105) (110)
A
3 Specific gravity, ASTM D792, min Unspecified 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
A
(ISO 1183, min) (Unspecified) (1.1) (1.2) (1.4) (1.6) (1.8)
B A
4 Tensile strength, ASTM D638, MPa, min Unspecified 60 80 100 120 140
A
(ISO 527, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (60) (80) (100) (120) (140)
B A
5 Flexural tangent modulus, ASTM D790 MPa, min Unspecified 3000 4500 6000 7500 9000
A
(ISO 178, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (2800) (4200) (5600) (7000) (8500)
A
If specific value is required, it must appear on drawing or contract, or both.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
TABLE B SAN Compounds (Unreinforced)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Order Number
01 2 3 4 5 9
A
1 AN Content,% AN, min Unspecified 10 20 30 40 50
A
(ISO 4894-2, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
2 Vicat softening point, ASTM D1525, °C, min Unspecified 90 100 105 110 120
A
(ISO 306, °C, min) (Unspecified) (85) (95) (100) (105) (110)
A
3 Flow rate, ASTM D1238, g/10 minutes, min Unspecified 2 5 10 15 20
A
(ISO 1133, g/10 minutes, min) (Unspecified) (5) (15) (25) (40) (50)
B A
4 Tensile strength, ASTM D638, MPa, min Unspecified 50 60 70 80 95
A
(ISO 527, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (50) (60) (70) (80) (95)
B A
5 Flexural tangent modulus, ASTM D790, MPa, min Unspecified 2600 3000 3400 3800 4200
A
(ISO 178, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (2400) (2800) (3200) (3600) (3900)
A
If specific value is required, it must appear on drawing or contract, or both.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
5. Suffix Requirements 6.2 The plastics composition shall be uniform and shall
conform to the requirements specified herein.
5.1 When additional requirements are needed that are not
covered by the cell-table requirements, they shall be indicated
7. Detail Requirements
through the use of suffixes.
5.2 A list of suffixes can be found in Classification System 7.1 The materials shall conform to the requirements in
D4000 (Table 3) and are to be used for additional requirements Tables SAN, A, and B, and suffix requirements as they apply.
as appropriate. Additional suffixes will be added to that
7.2 For purposes of determining conformance, all specified
standard as test methods and requirements are developed and
limits for a specification (line callout) based on this classifica-
requested.
tion system are absolute limits, as defined in Practice E29.
6. Basic Requirements
7.2.1 With the absolute method, an observed value or a
calculated value is not rounded, but is to be compared directly
6.1 Basic requirements from the cell tables, as they apply,
are always in effect unless superseded by specific suffix with the limiting value. Conformance or nonconformance is
requirements, which always take precedence. based on this comparison.
D4203−17
8. Sampling 11.2.2 The Vicat softening point shall be determined for a
5.0 kg load, 10.0 by 4.0-mm injection-molded, unannealed
8.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the
specimen, Method B, Rate 50°C/h.
requirements of 12.4.
11.2.3 The heat-deflection temperature shall be determined
8.2 A batch or lot is construed as a unit of manufacture as
for a 1.8-MPa load, 10.0 by 4.0-mm injection-molded, unan-
prepared for shipment and can consist of a blend of two or
nealed specimen, Method A, Rate 2°C/min.
more “production runs”.
11.2.4 The tensile strength at yield shall be determined on a
4.0-mm thick injection-moldedType 1Aor 1B (or the identical
9. Specimen Preparation
ISO 3167 Type A or B) specimen, tested at 5 mm/min.
9.1 The test specimens shall be injection molded in accor-
11.2.5 The flexural modulus shall be determined on a
dancewithPracticeD3641.Moldingconditionsshallbe240 6 4.0-mm thick injection-molded specimen, 60.0-mm span,
5°C melt temperature and 60 6 5°C mold temperature for all
tangent, 1.0 mm/min.
grades. Test specimens shall be molded in one piece an
...

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.
Designation: D4203 − 12 D4203 − 17
Standard Specification for and Basis for Specifications for
Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4203; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers unfilled, filled, and reinforced styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) materials suitable for injection molding
and extrusion.
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout (specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic
materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material selection can be
made by those having expertise in the plastic field only after careful consideration of the design and the performance required of
the part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the costs involved, and the inherent
properties of the material other than those covered by this standard.
1.3 The properties included in this standard are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other requirements
necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are to be specified using the suffixes specified
in Section 5.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 4894-119064-1 and ISO 4894-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. Although this standard
and ISO 4894-119064-1 and ISO 4894-2 differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are technically equivalent.
1.6 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. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials.15.03).
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2012Aug. 1, 2017. Published November 2012August 2017. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20072012
as D4203 - 07.D4203 - 12. DOI: 10.1520/D4203-12.10.1520/D4203-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*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
D4203 − 17
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 75 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of Deflection Under Load
ISO 178 Plastics—Determination of Flexural Properties
ISO 180/1A Plastics—Determination of Izod Impact Strength
ISO 294 Plastics—Injection Moulding Test Specimens of Thermoplastic Materials
ISO 306 Plastics—Thermoplastic materials—Determination of Vicat Softening Temperature (VST)
ISO 527 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties
ISO 1133 Plastics—Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) of Thermoplastics
ISO 1183 Plastics—Methods for Determining the Density of Non-Cellular Plastics
ISO 48944894-2 Plastics—Styrene/Acrylonitrile (SAN) Molding and Extrusion Materials: Part 1: Designation System and Basis
for Specifications, Part Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of Test Specimens and Determination of
Properties
ISO 19064-1 Plastics—Styrene/Acrylonitrile (SAN) Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation System and Basis
for Specifications
3. Terminology
3.1 The terminology used in this classification system is in accordance with Terminologies D883 and D1600.
4. Classification
4.1 SAN materials are typically general-purpose materials used in either molding or extrusion processes and applications. There
is currently no group, class, or grade distinctions and no basic property table given.
NOTE 2—Where no basic property table exists, the generic family designation will be followed by three zeros, for example: SAN000.
4.1.1 They are usually grouped as reinforced or unreinforced. Therefore, SAN materials are classified by Table A for reinforced
materials and Table B for unreinforced materials. Specialty products such as antistatic, barrier, etc. would also utilize the suffix
system described in Section 5.
4.1.2 Each compound is given a five-digit cell classification representing the physical properties in the order in which they are
listed in the cell table.
4.2 Reinforced, filled, and lubricated versions of the SAN materials are classified in accordance with Table A, which specifies
the properties after the addition of reinforcements or lubricants at the nominal level indicated (see 4.2.1).
4.2.1 A single letter shall be used for the major reinforcement or combination, or both, along with two digits that indicate the
nominal quantity in percent by weight. (See Table 1.)
NOTE 3—This part of the system uses percent of reinforcements or additives, or both, in the callout of the modified basic material. The types and
percentages of reinforcements and additives are sometimes shown on the supplier’s technical data sheet. If necessary, additional callout of these
reinforcements and additives can be accomplished by the use of the suffix part of the system, as described in Section 5.
NOTE 4—Materials containing reinforcements or fillers, or both, at nominal levels not in multiples of five are included in the nearest grade designation.
For example, a material with a nominal glass fiber level of 33 % is included with a Grade G35.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
A B
TABLE 1 Reinforcement-Filler Symbols and Tolerances
Symbol Material Tolerance
C Carbon- and graphite-fiber ±2 %
reinforced
G Glass-reinforced ±2 %
L Lubricants (PTFE, for example) Depends upon material and
graphite, silicone and process—to be specified.
molybdenum disulfide
M Mineral-reinforced ±2 %
R Combinations of reinforcements ±3 % for the total reinforcement
or filler, or both
A
Ash content or filled and/or reinforced materials is determined using either Test
Method D5630 or ISO 3451-1 where applicable.
B
Additional symbols will be added to this table as required.
D4203 − 17
4.2.2 Specific requirements for reinforced, filled, or lubricated materials shall be shown by a six-character designation. The
designation shall consist of the letter A and the five digits comprising the cell numbers for the property requirements in the order
in which they appear in Table A.
4.2.2.1 Although the values listed are necessary to include the range of properties available in existing materials, users should
not infer that every possible combination of the properties exists or can be obtained.
NOTE 5—An example of this classification for a reinforced SAN is as follows:
The designation SAN000G30A34421:
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
G30 = Glass reinforced at 30 % nominal level,
A = Table A for property requirements,
3 = % AN, 30 %, min,
4 = Deflection temperature under load, 105°C, min,
4 = Specific gravity, 1.6, min,
2 = Tensile strength, 80 MPa, min, and
1 = Flexural modulus, 3000 MPa, min,
If no properties are specified, the designation would be SAN000G30A00000.
4.3 Table B classifies all unreinforced SAN materials. Table B shall be used in the same manner as Table A.
NOTE 6—An example of this classification for an unreinforced SAN is as follows:
The designation SAN000B22320 indicates:
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
B = Cell Table B, property requirements,
2 = % AN, 20 %, min,
2 = Vicat softening temperature, 100°C, min,
3 = Flow rate, 10 g/10 min, min
2 = Tensile strength, 60 MPa, min, and
0 = Flexural modulus, unspecified,
4.3.1 Mechanical properties of pigmented or colored SAN materials can differ from the mechanical properties of natural SAN
material, depending on the choice and concentration of colorants. The main property affected is ductility, as illustrated by a
reduction in Izod impact strength and tensile-elongation values. If specific properties of pigmented SAN materials are necessary,
a classification using Cell Table B is employed.
4.4 ISO test methods and correlated cell values have been included for informational purposes. They have been provided for
those international users wishing to determine the corresponding ISO test values for a particular SAN callout.
NOTE 7—Using the example ASTM callout in Note 6, (ISO) SAN000B22320 would indicate:
(ISO) = ISO line-property requirements,
SAN000 = Styrene acrylonitrile material,
B = Table B,
2 = % AN, 20%, min,
2 = Vicat softening point, 95°C, min,
3 = Flow rate, 25 g/10 min, min,
2 = Tensile strength, 60 MPa, min,
0 = Flexural modulus, unspecified.
NOTE 8—Internationally, ANSI has been working with ISO to harmonize specification and designation documents in three specific areas, including
SAN. A correlation was carried out and has been appended for information purposes. This study provided the basis for the correlated ISO values found
in the cell tables and the novel approach of being able to determine a specified product’s property requirements by either ASTM or ISO test methods.
TABLE A SAN Compounds (Reinforced)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Order Number
0 1 2 3 4 5 9
A
1 AN Content, % AN, min Unspecified 10 20 30 40 50
A
(ISO, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
(ISO 4894-2, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
2 Deflection temperature under load, ASTM D648, Unspecified 90 95 100 105 110
B
°C, min
A
(ISO 75, °C, min) (Unspecified) (90) (95) (100) (105) (110)
A
3 Specific gravity, ASTM D792, min Unspecified 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
A
(ISO 1183, min) (Unspecified) (1.1) (1.2) (1.4) (1.6) (1.8)
B A
4 Tensile strength, ASTM D638, MPa, min Unspecified 60 80 100 120 140
A
(ISO 527, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (60) (80) (100) (120) (140)
B A
5 Flexural tangent modulus, ASTM D790 MPa, min Unspecified 3000 4500 6000 7500 9000
A
(ISO 178, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (2800) (4200) (5600) (7000) (8500)
A
If specific value is required, it must appear on drawing or contract, or both.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
D4203 − 17
TABLE B SAN Compounds (Unreinforced)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Order Number
0 1 2 3 4 5 9
A
1 AN Content,% AN, min Unspecified 10 20 30 40 50
A
(ISO, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
(ISO 4894-2, % AN, min) (Unspecified) (10) (20) (30) (40) (50)
A
2 Vicat softening point, ASTM D1525, °C, min Unspecified 90 100 105 110 120
A
(ISO 306, °C, min) (Unspecified) (85) (95) (100) (105) (110)
A
3 Flow rate, ASTM D1238, g/10 minutes, min Unspecified 2 5 10 15 20
A
(ISO 1133, g/10 minutes, min) (Unspecified) (5) (15) (25) (40) (50)
B A
4 Tensile strength, ASTM D638, MPa, min Unspecified 50 60 70 80 95
A
(ISO 527, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (50) (60) (70) (80) (95)
B A
5 Flexural tangent modulus, ASTM D790, MPa, min Unspecified 2600 3000 3400 3800 4200
A
(ISO 178, MPa, min) (Unspecified) (2400) (2800) (3200) (3600) (3900)
A
If specific value is required, it must appear on drawing or contract, or both.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
5. Suffix Requirements
5.1 When additional requirements are needed that are not covered by the cell-table requirements, they shall be indicated through
the use of suffixes.
5.2 A list of suffixes can be found in Classification System D4000 (Table 3) and are to be used for additional requirements as
appropriate. Additional suffixes will be added to that standard as test methods and requirements are developed and requested.
6. Basic Requirements
6.1 Basic requirements from the cell tables, as they apply, are always in effect unless superseded by specific suffix requirements,
which always take precedence.
6.2 The plastics composition shall be uniform and shall conform to the requirements specified herein.
7. Detail Requirements
7.1 The materials shall conform to the requirements in Tables SAN, A, and B, and suffix requirements as they apply.
7.2 For purposes of determining conformance, all specified limits for a specification (line callout) based on this classification
system are absolute limits, as defined in Practice E29.
7.2.1 With the absolute method, an observed value or a calculated value is not rounded, but is to be compared directly with the
limiting value. Conformance or nonconformance is based on this comparison.
8. Sampling
8.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the requirements of 12.4.
8.2 A batch or lot is construed as a unit of manufacture as prepared for shipment and can consist of a blend of two or more
“production runs”.
9. Specimen Preparation
9.1 The test specimens shall be injection molded in accordance with Practice D3641. Molding conditions shall be 240 6 5°C
melt temperature and 60 6 5°C mold temperature for all grades. Test specimens shall be molded in one piece and shall not be a
composite of thinner sections. If ISO requirements are necessary, sample preparation shall be in accordance with ISO 294 and ISO
4894-2.
10. Conditioning
10.1 Test specimens shall be conditioned in the standard laboratory atmosphere in accordance with Procedure A of Practice
D618 before performing the required tests. The minimum conditioning time shall be 24 h.
10.2 Conduct tests in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C 23°C and 50 6 10 % relative humidity in accordance
with Practice D618, unless otherwise specified.
11. Test Methods
11.1 ASTM Methods:
11.1.1 The melt-flow rate shall be determined at 230°C and 3.8 kg load.
1 1
11.1.2 The Vicat softening point shall be determined
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