ASTM F610/F610M-21

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 3.1 This practice is applicable to distinguish between properly and improperly molded PVC plastic pipe fittings. It can be used to: ; 3.1.1 Determine whether cold slugs or unfused areas are present (Note 2), ; 3.1.2 Determine the amount of molded-in stress produced by the molding process (Note 3), ; 3.1.3 Reveal contamination, and ; 3.1.4 Show the quality of the weld line. ; Note 2: A cold slug is a piece of material that enters the mold at a significantly lower temperature than the rest of the mass. ; Note 3: A stress-free part will generally have better properties and higher strength than those with a high degree of stress. Stress-free parts will generally react better when exposed to chemicals.; SCOPE; 1.1 This practice covers a procedure for evaluating the quality of molded poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastic pipe fittings after exposure to heat. ; 1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. ; Note 1: The values in square brackets are SI units requirements. ; 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ; 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• ICS: 23.040.45 - Plastics fittings
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.40 - Test Methods

Overview

ASTM F610/F610M-21: Standard Practice for Evaluating the Quality of Molded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings by the Heat Reversion Technique is a recognized industry standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides a systematic procedure for assessing the quality of molded PVC plastic pipe fittings after they have been subjected to heat. The test is crucial for verifying the integrity, reliability, and performance of these fittings, particularly in plumbing, water supply, and industrial piping applications.

This practice helps manufacturing and quality assurance teams distinguish properly molded fittings from those with potential defects, such as cold slugs, unfused areas, or contamination. By adhering to the guidelines in ASTM F610/F610M-21, manufacturers and end-users can ensure safer, more durable, and compliant piping products.

Key Topics

• Heat Reversion Technique: The core of this standard is the heat reversion test, where pipe fittings are exposed to specified temperatures in a controlled oven environment. Observations are made regarding changes in wall thickness, surface condition, and weld line quality.
• Identification of Defects: The method is used to reveal potential manufacturing defects, including:
  • Cold slugs (areas where material entered the mold at a lower temperature)
  • Unfused or poorly fused regions
  • Contamination within the material
  • Quality and integrity of weld lines
• Stress Evaluation: The presence of molded-in stresses, which may affect long-term performance or chemical resistance, is highlighted by the technique.
• Standardized Reporting: Detailed requirements for reporting test results, including identification of the tested fitting, observation of defects, and quantitative measurements, support traceability and process improvement.

Applications

ASTM F610/F610M-21 is widely adopted in the plastic piping industry and is relevant to:

• Manufacturers of PVC Pipe Fittings: For quality control during production to detect and correct molding errors before products leave the factory.
• Quality Assurance Laboratories: To verify compliance with product standards and contractual specifications, and to conduct routine or investigative testing.
• Specifiers and Project Engineers: To ensure that installed PVC piping systems meet performance and safety expectations by referencing this standard in procurement documents.
• Regulatory Authorities: To enforce safety, public health, and building code compliance related to water supply and waste management systems.

By implementing this standard, organizations can improve product reliability, reduce warranty claims, and enhance customer satisfaction through proven quality validation.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance in plastic piping systems, consider referencing these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1784 - Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
• ASTM D2564 - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for PVC Plastic Piping Systems
• ASTM F656 - Standard Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints with PVC Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM F1336 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Gasketed Sewer Fittings

These standards, along with ASTM F610/F610M-21, form an essential framework ensuring that PVC plastic pipe fittings deliver reliable performance and long-term durability across applications.

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Keywords: ASTM F610/F610M-21, PVC pipe fittings, heat reversion, quality evaluation, molded plastic fittings, piping systems, weld line, plastic pipe testing, manufacturing defects, quality control.

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: F610/F610M − 21
Standard Practice for
Evaluating the Quality of Molded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Plastic Pipe Fittings by the Heat Reversion Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F610/F610M; 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* 3.1.1 Determine whether cold slugs or unfused areas are
present (Note 2),
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for evaluating the
3.1.2 Determine the amount of molded-in stress produced
quality of molded poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastic pipe
by the molding process (Note 3),
fittings after exposure to heat.
3.1.3 Reveal contamination, and
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound or SI
3.1.4 Show the quality of the weld line.
units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values
NOTE 2—A cold slug is a piece of material that enters the mold at a
stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore,
significantly lower temperature than the rest of the mass.
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combin-
NOTE 3—A stress-free part will generally have better properties and
ing values from the two systems may result in non-
higher strength than those with a high degree of stress. Stress-free parts
conformance with the standard.
will generally react better when exposed to chemicals.
NOTE 1—The values in square brackets are SI units requirements.
4. Apparatus
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Circulating Air Oven, thermostatically controlled, ca-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
pable of operating at 302 °F 6 6 °F or [150 °C 6 3 °C] such
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
that after insertion of the fittings to be tested the test tempera-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ture is regained within 15 min or less. (See Annex A1.)
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
NOTE 4—The oven should be vented to the outside of the building.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Conditioning
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 A specific conditioning period is not required although
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the fitting shall be at room temperature. This test can be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
performed on a particular fitting any time after it has been
produced.
2. Summary of Practice
2.1 A representative sample of the fitting being produced is
6. Procedure
placed in a thermostatically controlled oven at 302 °F 66°F
or [150 °C 6 3 °C] for 30 min. The acceptability of the fitting
6.1 Select the fittings to be tested and examine them for the
quality, after the required test time, is based or expressed as a following, making proper notation for the report:
percentage of the original wall thickness or surface area of the
6.1.1 The condition and appearance of both inner and outer
fitting. surfaces of the fitting,
6.1.2 The condition and appearance of the weld lines and
3. Significance and Use
areas adjacent to them,
3.1 This practice is applicable to distinguish between prop-
6.1.3 The condition and appearance of the gate and area
erly and improperly molded PVC plastic pipe fittings. It can be adjacent to it, and
used to:
6.1.4 The condition and appearance of the internal surface
opposite the gate and gate area.
6.2 Place the fittings to be tested in the oven so that each
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test
fitting stands on one of its socket entrances and with sufficient
Methods.
separation between individual specimens so that the hot air can
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally
flow freely between them. Record the time when the air in the
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F610/F610M – 15.
DOI: 10.1520/F0610_F0610M-21. oven recovers to 302 °F 6 6 °F or [150 °C 6 3 °C]. After an
*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
F610/F610M − 21
additional time as indicated in Table 1 at this temperature, 6.3.4 The condition and appearance of the internal surface
remove the fittings, taking care not to distort or otherwise opposite the gate and gate area.
damage them.
7. Interpretation
6.2.1 When the fitting being tested has a body and branch
7.1 A suggested interpretation of the results observed is
wall that falls within two different exposure times, two fittings
given in Appendix X1. Refer to specific product standards for
shall be tested. One will be tested using the lower exposure
deviations from this suggested interpretation of results.
time, and the other will be tested using the longer exposure
time.
8. Report
6.3 Allow the fittings to cool to room temperature naturally
8.1 The report shall include the following information:
in the air. When cool enough to handle, examine them for the
8.1.1 Complete identification of the fitting, including the
following, making proper notation for the report:
nominal size, material type and production codes such as part
6.3.1 The condition and appearance of both inner and outer
number, production date,
...

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: F610/F610M − 15 F610/F610M − 21
Standard Practice for
Evaluating the Quality of Molded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Plastic Pipe Fittings by the Heat Reversion Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F610/F610M; 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*
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for evaluating the quality of molded poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastic pipe fittings after
exposure to heat.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
NOTE 1—The values in square brackets are SI units requirements.
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.
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. Summary of Practice
2.1 A representative sample of the fitting being produced is placed in a thermostatically controlled oven at 302302 °F 6 5.4°F6 °F
or [150[150 °C 6 3°C]3 °C] for 30 min. The acceptability of the fitting quality, after the required test time, is based or expressed
as a percentage of the original wall thickness or surface area of the fitting.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This practice is applicable to distinguish between properly and improperly molded PVC plastic pipe fittings. It can be used
to:
3.1.1 Determine whether cold slugs or unfused areas are present (Note 2),
3.1.2 Determine the amount of molded-in stress produced by the molding process (Note 3),
3.1.3 Reveal contamination, and
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved March 1, 2015April 1, 2021. Published March 2015April 2021. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
F610 – 10.F610/F610M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/F0610_F0610M-15.10.1520/F0610_F0610M-21.
*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
F610/F610M − 21
3.1.4 Show the quality of the weld line.
NOTE 2—A cold slug is a piece of material that enters the mold at a significantly lower temperature than the rest of the mass.
NOTE 3—A stress-free part will generally have better properties and higher strength than those with a high degree of stress. Stress-free parts will generally
react better when exposed to chemicals.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Circulating Air Oven, thermostatically controlled, capable of operating at 302302 °F 6 5.4°F6 °F or [150[150 °C 6 3°C]3 °C]
such that after insertion of the fittings to be tested the test temperature is regained within 15 min or less. (See Annex A1.)
NOTE 4—The oven should be vented to the outside of the building.
5. Conditioning
5.1 A specific conditioning period is not required although the fitting shall be at room temperature. This test can be performed on
a particular fitting any time after it has been produced.
6. Procedure
6.1 Select the fittings to be tested and examine them for the following, making proper notation for the report:
6.1.1 The condition and appearance of both inner and outer surfaces of the fitting,
6.1.2 The condition and appearance of the weld lines and areas adjacent to them,
6.1.3 The condition and appearance of the gate and area adjacent to it, and
6.1.4 The condition and appearance of the internal surface opposite the gate and gate area.
6.2 Place the fittings to be tested in the oven so that each fitting stands on one of its socket entrances and with sufficient separation
between individual specimens so that the hot air can flow freely between them. Record the time when the air in the oven recovers
to 302302 °F 6 5.4°F6 °F or [150[150 °C 6 3°C].3 °C]. After an additional time as indicated in Table 1 at this temperature,
remove the fittings, taking care not to distort or otherwise damage them.
6.2.1 When the fitting being tested has a body and branch wall that falls within two different exposure times, two fittings shall
be tested. One will be tested using the lower exposure time, and the other will be tested using the longer exposure time.
6.3 Allow the fittings to cool to room temperature naturally in the air. When cool enough to handle, examine them for the
following, making proper notation for the report:
6.3.1 The condition and appearance of both inner and outer surfaces of the fitting,
TABLE 1 Exposure Time
A
Minimum Wall Thickness, e Exposure Time,
in. [mm] min.
e # 0.118 [e # 3] 15
0.118 < e # 0.393 [3 < e # 10] 30
0.393 < e # 0.787 [10 < e # 20] 60
0.787 < e # 1.181 [20 < e # 30] 140
1.181 < e # 1.574 [30 < e # 40] 220
e > 1.574 [e > 40] 240
A
Minimum wall thickness refers to the standard’s specified minimum body wall
thickness for the fitting being tested. If a minimum wall thickness is not specified in
a standard, then the average body wall thickness shall be calculated to select the
appropriate exposure time.
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