ASTM D1895-17

Standard Test Methods for Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods provide useful indexes of performance of plastic materials such as powders and granules with respect to their handling in packaging and fabrication.  
4.2 Apparent density is a measure of the fluffiness of a material.  
4.3 Bulk factor is a measure of volume change that may be expected in fabrication.  
4.4 Pourability characterizes the handling properties of a finely divided plastic material. It is a measure of the readiness with which such materials will flow through hoppers and feed tubes and deliver uniform weights of material.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of apparent density, bulk factor, and where applicable, the pourability of plastic materials such as molding powders. Different procedures are given for application to the various forms of these materials that are commonly encountered, from fine powders and granules to large flakes and cut fibers.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
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.
Note 1: Test Method A is equivalent to ISO Method R 60 as described in the appendix. Test Method C is identical with ISO Method R 61.  
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-Aug-2017
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.70 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1895-96(2010)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-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 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 D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D883-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1505-10 - Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D792-08 - Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM D883-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008

Overview

ASTM D1895-17, Standard Test Methods for Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic Materials, provides standardized procedures for measuring key physical properties of plastic materials in particulate form, such as powders, granules, flakes, and fibers. These test methods are critical for industries involved in the processing, packaging, and fabrication of plastics, as they help quantify how materials will behave during handling and manufacturing.

Apparent density, bulk factor, and pourability are essential indexes for evaluating a material’s behavior in practical applications, supporting improved quality control and process optimization.

Key Topics

• Apparent Density: Measures the mass per unit volume of plastic particles, including the space between particles (voids). It indicates the “fluffiness” or packing efficiency of the material.
• Bulk Factor: Assesses the ratio of the initial volume of loose plastic material to its volume after being molded or formed. It reflects the expected volume change during fabrication.
• Pourability: Evaluates how readily finely divided plastic materials flow through funnels and feed tubes, impacting automated manufacturing and packaging processes.

These properties are determined using different test methods suitable for various forms of plastic materials, ensuring accurate and relevant results for powders, granules, flakes, and fibers.

Applications

ASTM D1895-17 is widely applicable across the plastic manufacturing and processing industries. Its standardized test methods are used to:

• Evaluate Material Handling Performance: Understanding apparent density and pourability is crucial for designing hoppers, feeders, and conveying systems in production environments.
• Optimize Packaging and Shipping: Accurate density and bulk factor data enable efficient packaging, storage, and transportation of raw plastic materials.
• Support Product Quality Control: Consistent measurement of these properties helps manufacturers monitor material consistency and predict processing behavior.
• Aid in Process Design: The bulk factor informs engineers and designers about potential material shrinkage or expansion during molding or forming operations.

Manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and material suppliers use ASTM D1895-17 to benchmark materials, specify raw material requirements, and comply with industry best practices.

Related Standards

ASTM D1895-17 references and aligns with several other international and ASTM standards for density and material characterization, ensuring broad applicability and global harmonization:

• ASTM D792 - Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
• ASTM D1505 - Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
• ASTM D883 - Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ISO R 60 - Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Materials That Can Be Poured from a Specified Funnel (Test Method A in ASTM D1895-17 is equivalent)
• ISO R 61 - Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Material That Cannot Be Poured from a Specified Funnel (Test Method C is identical)

These related standards facilitate consistency and comparability of test results across different organizations and regulatory frameworks.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D1895-17 helps organizations:

• Streamline material handling and process systems
• Reduce waste by optimizing packaging and material utilization
• Enhance product quality and production efficiency

By adopting this standard, companies ensure reliable, repeatable assessments of their plastic materials, supporting both compliance and operational excellence.

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: D1895 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1895; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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* 2.2 ISO Standards:
R60Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Mate-
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of apparent
rials that Can be Poured from a Specified Funnel
density, bulk factor, and where applicable, the pourability of
R61Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Mate-
plastic materials such as molding powders. Different proce-
rial that Cannot be Poured from a Specified Funnel
dures are given for application to the various forms of these
materials that are commonly encountered, from fine powders
3. Terminology
and granules to large flakes and cut fibers.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
3.1.1 apparent density—the weight per unit volume of a
material, including voids inherent in the material as tested.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1.1 The term bulk density is commonly used for mate-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
rials such as molding powder.
priate safety, health and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.2 bulk factor—the ratio of the volume of any given
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quantityofthelooseplasticmaterialtothevolumeofthesame
quantity of the material after molding or forming. The bulk
NOTE1—TestMethodAisequivalenttoISOMethodR60asdescribed
in the appendix. Test Method C is identical with ISO Method R61.
factor is also equal to the ratio of the density after molding or
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- forming to the apparent density of the material as received.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.3 pourability—a measure of the time required for a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
standard quantity of material to flow through a funnel of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
specified dimensions.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 These test methods provide useful indexes of perfor-
2.1 ASTM Standards: mance of plastic materials such as powders and granules with
D792Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela- respect to their handling in packaging and fabrication.
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
4.2 Apparent density is a measure of the fluffiness of a
D883Terminology Relating to Plastics
material.
D1505Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
Gradient Technique
4.3 Bulk factor is a measure of volume change that may be
expected in fabrication.
1 4.4 Pourability characterizes the handling properties of a
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical
finely divided plastic material. It is a measure of the readiness
Methods.
with which such materials will flow through hoppers and feed
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally
ɛ1 tubes and deliver uniform weights of material.
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D1895–96(2010) .
DOI: 10.1520/D1895-17.
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 Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*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
D1895 − 17
NOTE 3—To convert grams per cubic centimetre to ounces per cubic
APPARENT DENSITY
inch, multiply by 0.578. To convert to grams per cubic inch multiply by
Test Method A
16.39. To convert grams per cubic centimetre to pounds per cubic foot,
multiply by 62.43.
5. Scope
NOTE 4—Apparent density figures are not comparable except on
materials having the same specific gravity after molding or forming.
5.1 Test MethodA(see Note 1) covers the measurement of
the apparent density of the fine granules and powders that can
7.3 For very fine materials that will bridge and not flow
be poured readily through a small funnel.
through the funnel pour lightly from a paper held approxi-
mately 38 mm (1.5 in.) above the opening of the measuring
6. Apparatus
cup.
6.1 Measuring Cup—A cylindrical cup of 100 6 0.5-cm
NOTE 5—Finely divided powders may collect electrostatic charges
capacity, having a diameter equal to half the height, as shown
which, if present at the time of measurement, may result in variable
in Fig. 1.
apparent density values. The use of an anti-static agent mixed with the
powders at a 0.2 weight percent may eliminate electrostatic charges.
NOTE 2—Example, 39.9-mm (1.572-in.) inside diameter by 79.8-mm
(3.144-in.) inside height.
Test Method B
6.2 Funnel, having a 9.5-mm diameter opening at the
8. Scope
bottom, and mounted at a height 38 mm above the measuring
cup, as shown in Fig. 1.
8.1 Test Method B covers the measurement of the apparent
density of coarse, granular materials, including dice and
7. Procedure
pellets, that either cannot be poured or that pour with difficulty
7.1 With the apparatus assembled as shown in Fig. 1, close
through the funnel described in Test Method A.
thesmallendofthefunnelwiththehandorwithasuitableflat
9. Apparatus
strip and pour a 115 6 5-cm sample into the funnel. Open the
bottom of the funnel quickly and allow the material to flow
9.1 Measuring Cup—Acylindricalcupof400-cm capacity,
freely into the cup. If caking occurs in the funnel, use a small
as shown in Fig. 2.
glass rod to loosen the material.
9.2 Funnel, having a 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter opening at
7.2 After all the material has passed through the funnel,
the bottom, and mounted at a height 38 mm (1.5 in.) above the
immediately scrape off the excess on the top of the cup with a
measuring cup, as shown in Fig. 2.
straightedgewithoutshakingthecup.Weighthematerialinthe
NOTE 6—Finely divided powders may collect electrostatic charges
cuptothenearest0.1g.Calculatetheweightingramsof1cm
which, if present at the time of measurement, may result in variable
of the material.
apparent density values. The use of an anti-static agent at a 0.2 weight
percent may eliminate electrostatic charges.
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Apparent Density Test, Method A FIG. 2 Apparatus for Apparent Density Test, Method B
D1895 − 17
10. Procedure 12.2 Weight Plunger—A cylinder closed at one end and
having an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside
10.1 WiththeapparatusassembledasshowninFig.2,close
diameter of the measuring cylinder, as shown in Fig. 3. The
thesmallendofthefunnelwiththehandorwithasuitableflat
3 plungershallhaveascalecutontheoutsidesurface,graduated
stripandpoura500 620-cm sampleintothefunnel.Openthe
in intervals of 1 mm.
bottom of the funnel quickly and allow the material to flow
freely into the cup.
13. Procedure
NOTE 7—The funnel described in Test Method B is also used for more
13.1 Place the measuring cylinder on a piece of paper.
finely divided powders such as vinyl resins. While these powders usually
Loosely drop 60 6 0.2 g of the material to be tested into the
will pour through this funnel, they may bridge in the 400-cm cup shown
measuring cylinder from a height approximately that of the
in Fig. 2. To avoid this, the 100-cm cup shown in Fig. 1 may be
substituted, and the sample reduced to 115 65cm . cylinder, taking care to lose none of the material and to drop it
as uniformly as practicable. Before applying the weight, level
10.2 After all the material has passed through the funnel,
the material in the measuring cylinder. Measure the height of
immediately scrape off the excess on the top of the cup with a
theloosematerialincentimetresandidentifythismeasurement
straightedgewithoutshakingthecup.Weighthematerialinthe
as H .
cup to the nearest 0.1 g; then calculate the weight in grams of
1cm of the material. Make three determinations of the
13.2 Fill the weight plunger with lead shot to obtain a total
apparent density on each sample and average the results (Note
weightof2300 620g(5.07 60.04lb),includingtheplunger.
3).
Lower this weight gradually into
...

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: D1895 − 96 (Reapproved 2010) D1895 − 17
Standard Test Methods for
Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1895; 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.
ε NOTE—Added research report information to Section 14 editorially in September 2010.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 1TheseThese test methods cover the measurement of apparent density, bulk factor, and where applicable, the pourability of
plastic materials such as molding powders. Different procedures are given for application to the various forms of these materials
that are commonly encountered, from fine powders and granules to large flakes and cut fibers.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
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 safety, health and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—Test Method A is equivalent to ISO Method R 60 as described in the appendix. Test Method C is identical with ISO Method R 61.
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. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
2.2 ISO Standards:
R60 Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Materials that Can be Poured from a Specified Funnel
R61 Determination of Apparent Density of Molding Material that Cannot be Poured from a Specified Funnel
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 apparent density—the weight per unit volume of a material, including voids inherent in the material as tested.
3.1.1.1 The term bulk density is commonly used for materials such as molding powder.
3.1.2 bulk factor—the ratio of the volume of any given quantity of the loose plastic material to the volume of the same quantity
of the material after molding or forming. The bulk factor is also equal to the ratio of the density after molding or forming to the
apparent density of the material as received.
3.1.3 pourability—a measure of the time required for a standard quantity of material to flow through a funnel of specified
dimensions.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.70 on Analytical Methods.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2010Sept. 1, 2017. Published January 2010September 2017. Originally approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 20032010
ɛ1
as D1895 – 96(2003).(2010) . DOI: 10.1520/D1895-17.
This edition includes the addition of an extensive ISO equivalency statement and keywords section. DOI: 10.1520/D1895-96R10E01.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*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
D1895 − 17
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods provide useful indexes of performance of plastic materials such as powders and granules with respect
to their handling in packaging and fabrication.
4.2 Apparent density is a measure of the fluffiness of a material.
4.3 Bulk factor is a measure of volume change that may be expected in fabrication.
4.4 Pourability characterizes the handling properties of a finely divided plastic material. It is a measure of the readiness with
which such materials will flow through hoppers and feed tubes and deliver uniform weights of material.
APPARENT DENSITY
Test Method A Method A
5. Scope
5.1 Test Method A (see Note 1) covers the measurement of the apparent density of the fine granules and powders that can be
poured readily through a small funnel.
5. Scope
5.1 Test Method A (see Note 1) covers the measurement of the apparent density of the fine granules and powders that can be
poured readily through a small funnel.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Measuring Cup—A cylindrical cup of 100 6 0.5-cm capacity, having a diameter equal to half the height, for example,
39.9-mm (1.572-in.) inside diameter by 79.8-mm (3.144-in.) inside height, as shown in Fig. 1.
NOTE 2—Example, 39.9-mm (1.572-in.) inside diameter by 79.8-mm (3.144-in.) inside height.
6.2 Funnel, having a 9.5-mm diameter opening at the bottom, and mounted at a height 38 mm above the measuring cup, as
shown in Fig. 1.
7. Procedure
7.1 With the apparatus assembled as shown in Fig. 1, close the small end of the funnel with the hand or with a suitable flat strip
and pour a 115 6 5-cm sample into the funnel. Open the bottom of the funnel quickly and allow the material to flow freely into
the cup. If caking occurs in the funnel, the material may be loosened with use a small glass rod.rod to loosen the material.
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Apparent Density Test, Method A
D1895 − 17
7.2 After all the material has passed through the funnel, immediately scrape off the excess on the top of the cup with a
straightedge without shaking the cup. Weigh the material in the cup to the nearest 0.1 g. Calculate the weight in grams of 1 cm
of the material.
NOTE 3—To convert grams per cubic centimetre to ounces per cubic inch, multiply by 0.578. To convert to grams per cubic inch multiply by 16.39.
To convert grams per cubic centimetre to pounds per cubic foot, multiply by 62.43.
NOTE 4—Apparent density figures are not comparable except on materials having the same specific gravity after molding or forming.
7.3 Very For very fine materials that will bridge and not flow through the funnel may be poured pour lightly from a paper held
approximately 38 mm (1.5 in.) above the opening of the measuring cup.
NOTE 5—Finely divided powders may collect electrostatic charges which, if present at the time of measurement, may result in variable apparent density
values. The use of an anti-static agent mixed with the powders at a 0.2 weight percent may eliminate electrostatic charges.
Test Method B
8. Scope
8.1 Test Method B covers the measurement of the apparent density of coarse, granular materials, including dice and pellets, that
either cannot be poured or that pour with difficulty through the funnel described in Test Method A.
8. Scope
8.1 Test Method B covers the measurement of the apparent density of coarse, granular materials, including dice and pellets, that
either cannot be poured or that pour with difficulty through the funnel described in Test Method A.
9. Apparatus
9.1 Measuring Cup—A cylindrical cup of 400-cm capacity, as shown in Fig. 2.
9.2 Funnel, having a 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter opening at the bottom, and mounted at a height 38 mm (1.5 in.) above the
measuring cup, as shown in Fig. 2.
NOTE 6—Finely divided powders may collect electrostatic charges which, if present at the time of measurement, may result in variable apparent density
values. Carbon black is a material that may be premixed with the sample at concentrations of 0.05 to The use of an anti-static agent at a 0.2 weight percent
to reduce this variability (Superba Black with a bulk density of about 8 lb/ftmay eliminate electrostatic charges. has been found satisfactory for some
materials).
FIG. 2 Apparatus for Apparent Density Test, Method B
D1895 − 17
10. Procedure
10.1 With the apparatus assembled as shown in Fig. 2, close the small end of the funnel with the hand or with a suitable flat
strip and pour a 500 6 20-cm sample into the funnel. Open the bottom of the funnel quickly and allow the material to flow freely
into the cup.
NOTE 7—The funnel described in Test Method B is also used for more finely divided powders such as vinyl resins. While these powders usually will
3 3
pour through this funnel, they may bridge in the 400-cm cup shown in Fig. 2. To avoid this, the 100-cm cup shown in Fig. 1 may be substituted, and
the sample reduced to 115 6 5 cm .
10.2 After all the material has passed through the funnel, immediately scrape off the excess on the top of the cup with a
straightedge without shaking the cup. Weigh the material in the cup to the nearest 0.1 g; then calculate the weight in grams of 1
cm of the material. Make three determinations of the apparent density on each sample and average the results (Note 23).
Test Method C
11. Scope
11.1 Test Method C (see Note 1) covers the measurement of the apparent density of materials supplied in the form of coarse
flakes, chips, cut fibers, or strands. Such materials cannot be poured through the funnels described in Test Methods A and B. Also,
since they ordinarily are very bulky when loosely poured and since they usually are compressible to a lesser bulk, even by hand,
a measure of their density under a small load is appropriate and useful.
11.1 Test Method C (see Note 1) covers the measur
...