ASTM D4385-19

Standard Practice for Classifying Visual Defects in Thermosetting Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Products

ABSTRACT
This practice focuses on the establishment of acceptance levels and criteria upon inspection of visual defects in thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods, bars, shapes, and sheets. Presented here is the definition of possible defects to serve as a guide for contracts, drawings, product specifications, and final inspection. This practice also categorizes different inspection requirements for three grades of product quality.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers acceptance criteria for visual acceptance of thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods, bars, shapes, and sheets.  
1.2 This practice presents definitions of possible defects to serve as a guide for contracts, drawings, product specifications, and final inspection.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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-2019
• ICS: 83.120 - Reinforced plastics
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.18 - Reinforced Thermosetting Plastics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4385-13 - Standard Practice for Classifying Visual Defects in Thermosetting Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3917-23 - Standard Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-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 D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3917-15a - Standard Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3917-15 - Standard Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3917-15e1 - Standard Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM D4385-19: Standard Practice for Classifying Visual Defects in Thermosetting Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Products establishes a comprehensive framework for the identification, classification, and acceptance criteria for visual defects in thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods, bars, shapes, and sheets. Developed by ASTM International, this standard serves as a valuable resource for manufacturers, purchasers, and inspectors, ensuring consistent quality and clarity in contracts, drawings, and product specifications related to pultruded plastic products.

This practice offers definitions and acceptance levels for commonly encountered surface and internal visual defects, catering to three grades of product quality. It provides clear criteria to determine whether observed defects are allowable, repairable, or cause for rejection, optimizing the inspection process and supporting reliable product performance in end-use applications.

Key Topics

• Visual Defect Identification: The standard provides detailed descriptions for a range of potential defects such as cracks, blisters, chips, mat discoloration, fiber blooming, craze, delamination, porosity, scuffing, and more.
• Acceptance and Rejection Criteria: Each defect type is accompanied by quantifiable criteria outlining what is considered acceptable, repairable, or unacceptable based on size, frequency, and location.
• Inspection Requirements: The standard defines inspection protocols, including the responsibility of the pultruder and agreements between purchaser and seller for methods and frequency of inspections.
• Product Grades: ASTM D4385-19 categorizes inspection requirements based on defined grades, aligning expectations for different levels of product quality.
• Defect Categories: Cosmetic versus structural defects are distinguished, ensuring that non-critical imperfections do not unnecessarily result in product rejection.

Applications

ASTM D4385-19 is widely applicable in industries that rely on thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded products, such as:

• Construction and Infrastructure: Ensuring safety and performance in composite structural components used in bridges, buildings, walkways, and marine applications.
• Transportation: Maintaining quality in lightweight yet durable rail, automotive, and aerospace parts manufactured from pultruded composites.
• Utilities and Industrial Solutions: Enhancing the reliability of electrical insulators, ladders, and grating products exposed to harsh environments.
• Quality Assurance and Purchasing: Assisting procurement teams, quality control inspectors, and engineers in verifying that delivered products meet the agreed-upon standards, reducing disputes and supporting clear communication.
• Product Development: Providing a reference for design engineers to specify acceptable visual quality in technical documentation, supporting innovation and consistency in new composite product lines.

By offering well-defined defect classification and acceptance criteria, ASTM D4385-19 helps streamline inspection processes, minimize subjective assessment, and maintain product integrity across various use cases.

Related Standards

• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics. Essential for understanding key terms referenced in ASTM D4385-19.
• ASTM D3917: Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes. Complements D4385-19 by specifying dimensional requirements.
• No ISO Equivalent: Currently, there is no direct ISO standard that corresponds to ASTM D4385-19 for visual defect classification in pultruded composite products.

For procurement, manufacturing, and inspection professionals working with reinforced plastic pultruded products, compliance with ASTM D4385-19 enhances quality assurance, reduces ambiguity in defect evaluation, and supports the delivery of high-performance, visually acceptable composite components.

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: D4385 − 19
Standard Practice for
Classifying Visual Defects in Thermosetting Reinforced
Plastic Pultruded Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4385; 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 practice covers acceptance criteria for visual ac- 3.1 Definitions—The definitions in this practice are in ac-
cordance with Terminology D883.
ceptance of thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods,
bars, shapes, and sheets.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 connection areas—areas associated with a pultruded
1.2 This practice presents definitions of possible defects to
member that form a connection in some form or fashion that
serve as a guide for contracts, drawings, product specifications,
will not be visible after fabrication.
and final inspection.
3.2.2 fiber blooming—exposed reinforcements on the sur-
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
face of a profile as a result of veil slippage or lack of resin.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Such defects will cause the exposed fiber to “bloom” when
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
exposed to ultraviolet light.
and are not considered standard.
3.2.3 internal layer—refers to individual layers of unidirec-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tional or transverse reinforcements in the form of roving/tows,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
continuous filament, woven or stitched mats formed and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
laminated via the pultrusion process to produce a specific
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
thickness of or as part of a pultruded profile. A stitched or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
woven mat is made up of individual layers of roving woven or
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
stitched together to form a single mat
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.4 mat discoloration—a discoloration (typically yellow-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ing) of the reinforcing mats caused by binder migration. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
discoloration can cause visual streaks on the surface of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
pultrusion.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.5 test requirement—minimum design, characteristic or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
specified values as dictated and or specified by codes,
standards, industry, end customers, the manufacturer or the
2. Referenced Documents
Engineer of Record.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics 4. Acceptance Criteria
D3917 Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermo-
4.1 The method and frequency of inspection shall be the
setting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
responsibility of the pultruder as deemed necessary to maintain
compliance to this specification, unless the purchaser and seller
agree on other terms.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
4.2 Dimensions and Tolerances—Refer to specifications in
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.18 on Reinforced Thermosetting
Plastics. accordance with product drawing or in accordance with Speci-
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally
fication D3917.
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4385 - 13. DOI:
10.1520/D4385-19.
4.3 Allowable Defects—Defects that by nature, number, or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
frequency of occurrence do not affect the serviceability of the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
product. Allowable defects shall be fully described as to the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. type, size, number, extent allowed, and spacing. Defects in
*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
D4385 − 19
excess of those listed as allowable defects in the product cation. Any defect not meeting the requirements of this
specifications, drawings, or contracts, for the products, shall be standard,shallbecauseforrejection.Anydefectnotcoveredin
cause for rejection.
this specification shall be resolved between the purchaser and
the seller and shall be fully described in the specification and
4.4 Repairable Defects—Visual defects (for example, chips,
contractual documents.
exposed reinforcement, fiber bridging, fiber prominence, and
scuffing) that do not affect the structural serviceability that are
6. Keywords
permitted to be repaired if agreed upon between the manufac-
turer and the purchaser. The repair procedure shall be docu-
6.1 pultrusion; structural shapes; visual
mented and contractually agreed upon by all parties involved.
5. Acceptance Levels
5.1 Visual Inspection—Each sample selected in accordance
with 4.1 shall be checked visually without the aid of magnifi-
TABLE 1 Acceptance Criteria
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Black Marking Black smudges on the surface of the pultruded A single smudge shall fit ina1in.(25.4mm)
product that are unremovable by cleaning, diameter circle. Multiple smudges are permitted.
scrubbing, or wiping with solvent.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Blister A rounded elevation of the pultruded profile surface Permitted if formed between the surfacing veil layer
with boundaries that has the potential to be sharply and balance of laminate, width is no greater than 80
defined. % of surface width, but limited to 1.25 in. (31.75
mm) in diameter and length is not over 8 in. (20.32
It is possible that blisters will exist within the cm). Not more than two per 10 ft (3.048 m) of
pultrusion as a hollow delaminated area (gas-filled) length. Popcorn blisters less than 0.060 in. (1.524
under a raised portion of the surface. mm) in diameter and 0.010 in. (0.254 mm) high are
permitted.
Note—The rounded elevation somewhat resembles Blisters are not permitted within connection areas
in shape a blister on the surface of human skin. intended for bonding purposes.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Burn or Thermal Decomposition A discoloration, distortion, or destruction of the Not acceptable.
pultruded surface as a result of thermal
decomposition.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Chips (Gouges) Minor damage to the pultruded surface that removes Not over 0.393 in. (10 mm) wide or long. Not more
material but does not cause a crack or craze. than five per 10 ft (3.048 m) length. Chips that
penetrate past the depth of the surface veil are not
permitted.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Crack A visual separation that penetrates down from the Not acceptable.
pultruded surface to the equivalent of one full ply or
more reinforcement 0.02 in. (0.508 mm). Reference
Internal Shrinkage Cracks.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Crater A small, shallow pultrusion surface imperfection. Acceptable if it does not reduce the part thickness
below the minimum specification.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Craze Multiple fine separation cracks at the pultruded Acceptable and can be over the entire length of the
surface not penetrating into the reinforcement or to part.
the equivalent depth of one ply of reinforcement.
Note—This condition is usually due to resin
shrinkage during cure in resin-rich areas.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Delamination The separation of two or more layers or plies of Not acceptable.
reinforcing material within a pultrusion.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Die Parting Line A lengthwise flash or depression on the surface of a The line projection caused by the die parting line
pultruded plastic part. The die parting line is not part shall not extend past the product’s surface by more
of the dimensional tolerance. than 0.02 in. (0.508 mm). It shall not create a sharp
feeling or have loose reinforcement fibers.
Note—The die parting line is associated with the
area where separate pieces of the die join together
to form the cavity.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Discoloration A streak or other pattern on the surface that causes Spots of any color not over 0.75 in. (19.05 mm) in
a noticeable change of color from the rest of the diameter or eight per 10 ft (3.048 m) of length are
pultruded surface that has not been exposed to the permitted. Streaks or longitudinal stains permitted if
weather. not over 0.75 in. (19.05 mm) wide, 10 in. (25.4 cm)
long, or more than six per 10 ft (3.048 m) of length.
Continuous discolorations caused by a veil overlap
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability. or resin rich areas are permitted. Mat discolorations
are not rejectable.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Dry Fiber (Lack of Resin Fillout) A condition in which fibers are not fully saturated by Not acceptable.
resin during pultrusion.
Note—This does not include surfacing veil.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Dullness A lack of normal pultruded surface gloss or shine. Determine cause of condition and reference the
“Insufficient Cure” section or “Stop Mark” section for
direction.
Note—This condition can be caused by insufficient
cure (typically in large areas), or a stop mark, (more
defined and abbreviated in size), which result in a
dull area on a pultruded profile.
Note—Where the condition has been determined to
have been caused by insufficient cure, reference the
“Insufficient Cure” section for direction and
disposition. Where it has been determined as
associated with a stop mark, the condition is purely
cosmetic in nature and does not affect the structural
serviceability, reference the “Stop Mark” section.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Exposed Reinforcement/Veil Slippage The underlying layer of roving not covered by Permitted if surfacing material covers all but 0.4375
surface material in a pultrusion. in. (11.112 mm) from each free edge, but not to
exceed 25 % of the width of the surface being
inspected or 10 % of the circumference of a round
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability. Can lead to product. It is acceptable to use carrier rovings on
the inside surface of the tube. Exposed rovings in
fiber blooming when exposed to sunlight.
the connection areas are acceptable.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Fiber Bridging Reinforcing fiber material that is found bridging Permitted if reinforcing fibers are encapsulated by
across on an inside radius of a pultruded shape. resin, no corner cracks exist, and there is no
evidence of delamination.
Note—This condition is caused by shrinkage
stresses around such a radius during cure.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability if Acceptance
Criteria are met.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Fiber Prominence A visible and measurable pattern of the reinforcing Permitted if reinforcing fibers are encapsulated by
material on the surface of a pultruded plastic part. resin.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability if fibers are
encapsulated by resin.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Folded Reinforcement An unintentional or unspecified misalignment of mat Permitted if properties meet the minimum
or fabric reinforcing material in relation to the mechanical and physical properties as published by
contour of a pultruded section. manufacturer or properties agreed upon between
pultruder and purchaser. Other visual requirements
Note—It is possible that such folds will affect the caused by mat folds must satisfy the specification.
surface appearance of the pultrusion and will be
visible in a cut cross section of the product.
Note—It
...

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: D4385 − 13 D4385 − 19
Standard Practice for
Classifying Visual Defects in Thermosetting Reinforced
Plastic Pultruded Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4385; 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 acceptance criteria for visual acceptance of thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods, bars,
shapes, and sheets.
1.2 This practice presents definitions of possible defects to serve as a guide for contracts, drawings, product specifications, and
final inspection.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.5 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:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D3917 Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes
3. Terminology
3.1 mat discoloration—a yellowing of the reinforcing mats caused by binder migration. The discoloration can cause visual
streaks on the surface of the pultrusion.
3.1 Definitions—The definitions in this practice are in accordance with Terminology D883.
3.2 test requirement—minimum design, characteristic or specified values as dictated and or specified by codes, standards,
industry, end customers, the manufacturer or the Engineer of Record.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 connection areas—areas associated with a pultruded member that form a connection in some form or fashion that will not
be visible after fabrication.
3.2.2 fiber blooming—exposed reinforcements on the surface of a profile as a result of veil slippage or lack of resin. Such defects
will cause the exposed fiber to “bloom” when exposed to ultraviolet light.
3.2.3 internal layer—refers to individual layers of unidirectional or transverse reinforcements in the form of roving/tows,
continuous filament, woven or stitched mats formed and laminated via the pultrusion process to produce a specific thickness of
or as part of a pultruded profile. A stitched or woven mat is made up of individual layers of roving woven or stitched together to
form a single mat
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.18 on Reinforced Thermosetting Plastics.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2013Nov. 1, 2019. Published December 2013December 2019. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20102013
as D4385 - 10.D4385 - 13. DOI: 10.1520/D4385-13.10.1520/D4385-19.
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
D4385 − 19
3.2.4 mat discoloration—a discoloration (typically yellowing) of the reinforcing mats caused by binder migration. The
discoloration can cause visual streaks on the surface of the pultrusion.
3.2.5 test requirement—minimum design, characteristic or specified values as dictated and or specified by codes, standards,
industry, end customers, the manufacturer or the Engineer of Record.
3.3 connection areas—areas associated with a pultruded member that form a connection in some form or fashion that will not
be visible after fabrication.
3.4 fiber blooming—exposed reinforcements on the surface of a profile as a result of veil slippage or lack of resin. Such defects
can cause the exposed fiber to “bloom” when exposed to ultraviolet light.
3.5 internal layer—refers to individual layers of unidirectional or transverse reinforcements in the form of roving/tows,
continuous filament, woven or stitched mats formed and laminated via the pultrusion process to produce a specific thickness of
or as part of a pultruded profile. A stitched or woven mat is made up of individual layers of roving woven or stitched together to
form a single mat
4. Acceptance Criteria
4.1 The method and frequency of inspection shall be the responsibility of the pultruder as deemed necessary to maintain
compliance to this specification, unless the purchaser and seller agree on other terms.
4.2 Dimensions and Tolerances—Pultruded shapes shall be inspected for conformance with dimensions and tolerances specified
on the Refer to specifications in accordance with product drawing or by in accordance with Specification D3917. Products with
any dimensions exceeding the specified limits shall be rejected.
4.3 Allowable Defects—Defects that by nature, number, or frequency of occurrence do not affect the serviceability of the
product. Allowable defects shall be fully described as to the type, size, number, extent allowed, and spacing. Defects in excess of
those listed as allowable defects in the product specifications, drawings, or contracts, for the products, shall be cause for rejection.
4.4 Repairable Defects—Visual defects (for example, chips, exposed reinforcement, fiber bridging, fiber prominence, and
scuffing) that do not affect the structural serviceability that are permitted to be repaired if agreed upon between the manufacturer
and the purchaser. The repair procedure shall be documented and contractually agreed upon by all parties involved.
5. Acceptance Levels
5.1 Visual Inspection—Each sample selected in accordance with 3.14.1 shall be checked visually without the aid of
magnification. Any defect not meeting the requirements of this standard, shall be cause for rejection. Any defect not covered in
this specification shall be resolved between the purchaser and the seller and shall be fully described in the specification and
contractual documents.
6. Keywords
6.1 pultrusion; structural shapes; visual
TABLE 1 Acceptance Criteria
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Black Marking Black smudges on the surface of the pultruded A single smudge shall fit in a 1 in. (25.4 mm)
product that cannot be removed by cleaning, diameter circle. Multiple smudges are permitted.
scrubbing, or wiping with solvent.
Black Marking Black smudges on the surface of the pultruded A single smudge shall fit in a 1 in. (25.4 mm)
product that are unremovable by cleaning, diameter circle. Multiple smudges are permitted.
scrubbing, or wiping with solvent.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Blister A rounded elevation of the pultruded profile surface Permitted if formed between the surfacing veil layer
with boundaries that has the potential to be sharply and balance of laminate, width is no greater than 80
defined. % of surface width, but limited to 1.25 in. (31.75
mm) in diameter and length is not over 8 in. (20.32
It is possible that blisters will exist within the cm). Not more than two per 10 ft (3.048 m) of
pultrusion as a hollow delaminated area (gas-filled) length. Popcorn blisters less than 0.060 in. (1.524
under a raised portion of the surface. mm) in diameter and 0.010 in. (0.254 mm) high are
permitted.
Note—The rounded elevation somewhat resembles Blisters are not permitted within connection areas
in shape a blister on the surface of human skin. intended for bonding purposes.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Burn or Thermal Decomposition A discoloration, distortion, or destruction of the Not acceptable.
pultruded surface as a result of thermal
decomposition.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Chips (Gouges) Minor damage to the pultruded surface that removes Not over 0.393 in. (10 mm) wide or long. Not more
material but does not cause a crack or craze. than five per 10 ft (3.048 m) length. Chips that
penetrate past the depth of the surface veil are not
permitted.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Crack A visual separation that penetrates down from the Not acceptable.
pultruded surface to the equivalent of one full ply or
more reinforcement 0.02 in. (0.508 mm). Reference
Internal Shrinkage Cracks.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Crater A small, shallow pultrusion surface imperfection. Acceptable if it does not reduce the part thickness
below the minimum specification.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Craze Multiple fine separation cracks at the pultruded Acceptable and can be over the entire length of the
surface not penetrating into the reinforcement or to part.
the equivalent depth of one ply of reinforcement.
Note—This condition is usually due to resin
shrinkage during cure in resin-rich areas.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Delamination The separation of two or more layers or plies of Not acceptable.
reinforcing material within a pultrusion.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Die Parting Line A lengthwise flash or depression on the surface of a The line projection caused by the die parting line
pultruded plastic part. The die parting line is not part shall not extend past the product’s surface by more
of the dimensional tolerance. than 0.02 in. (0.508 mm). It shall not create a sharp
feeling or have loose reinforcement fibers.
Note—The die parting line is associated with the
area where separate pieces of the die join together
to form the cavity.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Discoloration A streak or other pattern on the surface that causes Spots of any color not over 0.75 in. (19.05 mm) in
a noticeable change of color from the rest of the diameter or eight per 10 ft (3.048 m) of length are
pultruded surface that has not been exposed to the permitted. Streaks or longitudinal stains permitted if
weather. not over 0.75 in. (19.05 mm) wide, 10 in. (25.4 cm)
long, or more than six per 10 ft (3.048 m) of length.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does Continuous discolorations caused by a veil overlap
not affect the structural serviceability. or resin rich areas are permitted. Mat discolorations
are not rejectable.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Dry Fiber (Lack of Resin Fillout) A condition in which fibers are not fully saturated by Not acceptable.
resin during pultrusion.
Note—This does not include surfacing veil.
Note—This defect affects the structural
serviceability.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Dullness A lack of normal pultruded surface gloss or shine. Determine cause of condition and reference the
“Insufficient Cure” section or “Stop Mark” section for
direction.
Note—This condition can be caused by insufficient
cure (typically in large areas), or a stop mark, (more
defined and abbreviated in size), which result in a
dull area on a pultruded profile.
Note—Where the condition has been determined to
have been caused by insufficient cure, reference the
“Insufficient Cure” section for direction and
disposition. Where it has been determined as
associated with a stop mark, the condition is purely
cosmetic in nature and does not affect the structural
serviceability, reference the “Stop Mark” section.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Exposed Reinforcement/Veil Slippage The underlying layer of roving not covered by Permitted if surfacing material covers all but 0.4375
surface material in a pultrusion. in. (11.112 mm) from each free edge, but not to
Exposed Reinforcement/Veil Slippage The underlying layer of roving not covered by exceed 25 % of the width of the surface being Permitted if
surface material in a pultrusion. inspected or 10 % of the circumference of a round of the circumference
product. Carrier rovings can be used on the inside acceptable.
surface of a tube without rejection. Connection
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability. Can lead to areas can have exposed rovings.
fiber blooming when exposed to sunlight.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile not meeting the specification.
Fiber Bridging Reinforcing fiber material that is found bridging Permitted if reinforcing fibers are encapsulated by
across on an inside radius of a pultruded shape. resin, no corner cracks exist, and there is no
evidence of delamination.
Note—This condition is caused by shrinkage
stresses around such a radius during cure.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability if Acceptance
Criteria are met.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
D4385 − 19
TABLE 1 Continued
Name Definition Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Fiber Prominence A visible and measurable pattern of the reinforcing Permitted if reinforcing fibers are encapsulated by
material on the surface of a pultruded plastic part. resin.
Note—This defect is cosmetic in nature and does
not affect the structural serviceability if fibers are
encapsulated by resin.
Note: Photo shown depicts profile meeting the specification.
Folded Reinforcement An unintentional or unspecified misalignment of mat Permitted if properties meet the minimum
or fabric reinforcing material in relation to the mechanical and physical
...