ASTM F2203-13(2022)

Standard Test Method for Linear Measurement Using Precision Steel Rule

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a means for measuring linear dimensions. Accurate measurement of dimensions can be critical to meeting specifications and characterizing process performance.  
4.2 This test method should not be applied to tolerance ranges of less than 3 mm (1/8 in.) when it is preferable that test error does not exceed 30 % of tolerance range. See Precision and Bias Section for gauge repeatability and reproducibility results.  
4.3 This test method does not address acceptability criteria. These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer of the product.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of linear dimension of flexible packages and packaging materials. It is recommended for use with an allowable tolerance range of 3 mm (1/8 in.) or greater based on gauge repeatability and reproducibility presented in the Precision and Bias section.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 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: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 17.040.01 - Linear and angular measurements in general
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.20 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E171/E171M-11(2020) - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM E171/E171M-11(2015) - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E171/E171M-11 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E691-99 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM F2203-13(2022) Standard Test Method for Linear Measurement Using Precision Steel Rule provides a standardized approach to measuring linear dimensions of flexible packages and packaging materials. Developed by ASTM International, this test method ensures accurate and reliable length measurements, which are essential for meeting manufacturing specifications and maintaining quality control in packaging operations. The standard is applicable to both SI (metric) and inch-pound (imperial) units, emphasizing the importance of independent use of each measurement system for compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  • Covers linear measurement of flexible packaging materials with a recommended minimum tolerance range of 3 mm (1/8 in.)
  • Suitable for measurements where gauge repeatability and reproducibility are critical
• Measurement Accuracy
  • Addresses key sources of error, including parallax and operator technique
  • Establishes the limitations of the method regarding minimal tolerance ranges and error thresholds
• Apparatus and Calibration
  • Specifies use of a precision-tempered steel rule with clear, incremental divisions (such as 1/64 in., or 0.5 mm)
  • Calibration to a recognized industry standard is strongly recommended
• Sampling and Conditioning
  • Recommends sufficient sample size for reliable predictive results
  • Discusses sample preparation, including laying samples flat and free from tension, wrinkles, or folds
• Reporting and Documentation
  • Details requirements for traceability including lot number, sampling plan, conditioning, and deviations from standard procedures

Applications

ASTM F2203-13(2022) is widely used in the packaging industry for:

• Quality Assurance and Process Control
  • Ensures products conform to dimensional specifications
  • Supports statistical process control initiatives
• Product Development and Compliance
  • Facilitates characterization of new flexible packaging materials or designs
  • Assists manufacturers in meeting buyer or regulatory specifications
• Interlaboratory Consistency
  • Provides consistent methodology for measurements across multiple sites or supplier networks
  • Reduces subjectivity and inter-operator variability, improving data reliability

Typical items measured using this method include foil webs, paper webs, spunbonded olefin, printed packaging, and finished pouches. Measurements are necessary for web width, print repeat length, and finished dimensions, among other characteristics.

Related Standards

• ASTM E171/E171M – Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging
  Details methods for conditioning materials prior to testing, ensuring consistency in results.
• ASTM E691 – Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
  Provides guidance on determining and reporting the precision and reproducibility of measurement methods.
• ISO Standards Relevant to Dimensional Measurement
  Internationally recognized standards may offer complementary protocols for dimensional metrology.

Practical Value

Adherence to ASTM F2203-13(2022) delivers measurable benefits:

• Enhances confidence in product quality for flexible packaging manufacturers and end-users
• Supports compliance with international trade requirements established under the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee
• Minimizes disputes between suppliers and buyers by providing a common measurement protocol
• Facilitates continuous improvement through precise, repeatable data collection

Keywords: linear measurement, precision steel rule, flexible packaging materials, ASTM F2203, dimensional specification, quality control, packaging standards, reproducibility, measurement accuracy, SI units, inch-pound.

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: F2203 − 13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Linear Measurement Using Precision Steel Rule
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2203; 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 looking at a measurement gauge from different angles can
cause variation in the reporting of that measurement.
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of linear
dimension of flexible packages and packaging materials. It is
4. Significance and Use
recommended for use with an allowable tolerance range of
3mm ( ⁄8 in.) or greater based on gauge repeatability and 4.1 This test method provides a means for measuring linear
reproducibility presented in the Precision and Bias section. dimensions. Accurate measurement of dimensions can be
critical to meeting specifications and characterizing process
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
performance.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to 4.2 This test method should not be applied to tolerance
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be ranges of less than 3 mm ( ⁄8 in.) when it is preferable that test
error does not exceed 30 % of tolerance range. See Precision
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined. and Bias Section for gauge repeatability and reproducibility
results.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.3 This test method does not address acceptability criteria.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the These need to be jointly determined by the user and producer
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of the product.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 5. Apparatus
5.1 Precision Steel Rule:
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.1 Tempered steel rule in increments of ⁄64 in., 100ths, or
2.1 ASTM Standards: ⁄2 mm.
E171/E171M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible 5.1.2 Steel rule should be of sufficient length to measure full
Barrier Packaging dimension of interest.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to 5.1.3 It is recommended that a calibration be performed on
Determine the Precision of a Test Method the apparatus used and it is certified to a recognized industry
standard.
3. Terminology
6. Sampling
3.1 Definitions:
6.1 The number of samples tested should be adequate to be
3.1.1 linear dimension, n—the measurement of length,
width or relative positions. predictive of performance. Caution should be taken when
eliminating samples with defects as this can bias results.
3.1.2 parallax error, n—the error resulting from a change in
observational relationship to a fixed position. For example,
7. Conditioning
7.1 Conditioning of the samples will depend on the material
under evaluation. If conditioning before testing is appropriate,
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F02 on Primary
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.20 on normal, and desirable, refer to Specification E171/E171M.
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
8. Procedure
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F2203 – 13 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/F2203-13R22.
8.1 Review applicable specifications, drawings, or proce-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
dures. Specify unit of measure to be used and directions related
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
to precision requirements (for example, measure to nearest 0.5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. mm, round up or down to nearest 0.5 mm, to ⁄64 in., etc.).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2203 − 13 (2022)
TABLE 1 Description of Materials Measured in Round Robin
end point of the measurement. Determine the measurement by
Studies
subtracting the start point measurement from the end point.
Measurement Measurement Ruler Scaling
Record the number in the unit of measure and precision
Material Type
Set Characteristic Applied
required by specification.
A Foil Web Web Width in.
B Paper Web Web Width in.
9. Report
C Spunbonded Olefin Web Web Width mm
D Printed Foil Web Print Repeat Length in.
9.1 Report the following information:
E Printed Paper Web Print Repeat Length in.
9.1.1 Lot number and source of material, date, time, loca-
F Printed Spunbonded Olefin Print Repeat Length mm
Web tion and operator of test and complete identification of mate-
G Forming Film Web Web Width mm
rials being tested,
H Finished Pouch Dimension A in.
9.1.2 Any conditioning of the materials,
I Finished Pouch Dimension B in.
J Finished Pouch Dimension C in. 9.1.3 Any and all deviations from standard, and
K Finished Pouch Dimension D in.
9.1.4 The sampling plan and number of specimens tested
L Finished Pouch Dimension E in.
along with test results.
M Finished Pouch Dimension F in.
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 Precision—A research report describes a round robin
Depending upon the level of
...