ASTM D4673-23

Standard Classification System for and Basis for Specification for Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Plastics and Alloys Molding and Extrusion Materials

ABSTRACT
This classification system covers only acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) materials and ABS alloys suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Some of these compositions may also be suitable for compression molding. Recycle ABS and alloys will be addressed in a separate standard. ABS materials, based on three or more monomers, are grouped rather than rigidly classified. These groups are then subdivided by class and then grades. Reinforced and lubricated versions of the ABS materials are classified. When the grade of the basic material is not known, or is not important, the use of "0" grade classification shall be used for reinforced materials in this system. The material composition shall be uniform and shall conform to the requirements specified. Test specimens and testing parameters for the materials shall conform to the requirements prescribed. The tensile strength at yield, modulus, Charpy impact, vicat softening point, heat deflection temperature, and glass content of glass-reinforced materials shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification system covers only ABS materials and ABS alloys suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Some of these compositions are also suitable for compression molding.  
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout (specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Materials are to be selected by personnel with expertise in the plastics field where the economics, the environment to be encountered, the inherent properties of the materials, the part design, the part performance required, and the manufacturing process to be employed all enter into the selection.  
1.3 The properties included in this classification system are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are addressed by using the suffixes given in Section 5.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 12, of this classification system: 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: This standard and ISO 19062 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• 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 D648-18 - Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1525-17 - Standard Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D790-17 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D790-15 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D790-15e1 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015

Overview

ASTM D4673-23: Standard Classification System for and Basis for Specification for Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Plastics and Alloys Molding and Extrusion Materials establishes a comprehensive classification framework for ABS plastics and ABS alloys used in injection molding and extrusion. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a systematic method for identifying and specifying ABS materials-including reinforced and lubricated versions-based on essential physical properties. The classification system is particularly valuable for industries requiring robust, reliable, and clearly defined ABS material specifications, enabling clear communication between material suppliers and users during the manufacturing and procurement processes.

Key Topics

• Material Coverage:
  • Focuses exclusively on ABS plastics and ABS alloys suitable for injection molding and extrusion processes.
  • Some grades may also be applicable for compression molding, with recycled materials covered under a separate standard.
• Classification Structure:
  • ABS materials are grouped by key compositional and performance attributes, then further subdivided by class and grade for precise identification.
  • Includes mechanisms for designating reinforced (e.g., glass- or carbon-fiber) and lubricated ABS types.
  • Allows for flexibility with an “other/unspecified” (grade “0”) category for innovative or undocumented grades.
• Property Requirements:
  • Specifies criteria such as tensile strength at yield, modulus, impact strength (Izod and Charpy), Vicat softening point, heat deflection temperature, and glass content in reinforced materials.
  • Prescribes standard test methods and specimen preparation practices.
• Specification Callout:
  • Provides a line callout system, enabling accurate description of ABS material compositions for downstream use in part or product fabrication.
  • Incorporates suffixes to address additional, specialized material requirements.
• Testing and Certification:
  • Specifies the use of standardized sampling, conditioning, and test protocols to ensure material uniformity and compliance.
  • Highlights the importance of certification and inspection for both lot acceptance and periodic verification.

Applications

The ASTM D4673-23 classification system plays a critical role in industries utilizing ABS plastics and ABS alloys for molding and extrusion, such as:

• Automotive Components: Dashboards, trim, housings, and internal systems often require specified impact and thermal performance.
• Consumer Electronics: Casings for devices, connectors, and structural parts benefit from consistent ABS material properties.
• Appliance Housings: ABS offers desirable balance of rigidity and toughness for white goods and consumer appliances.
• Construction: Molding and profile extrusion for interior finishes and fittings.
• Custom Molding: Any field needing precise plastic specifications, including reinforced or lubricated grades, for durable and manufacturable end-products.

This standard does not guide direct material selection, but ensures consistency and communication among technical staff, procurement specialists, and material suppliers. Material selection should consider economic, environmental, and performance factors unique to each application.

Related Standards

ASTM D4673-23 references and aligns with numerous other international standards to ensure consistency across testing and specification, including:

• ASTM D256, D618, D638, D648, D790, D883, D1003, D1525, D3641, D3892, D4000, D5630, E29 – Test methods and terminology relevant to plastics characterization.
• ISO 75, ISO 179, ISO 291, ISO 294, ISO 306, ISO 527, ISO 3451, ISO 19062, ISO 20753 – International standards for properties measurement and specimen preparation for ABS plastics.

For specific applications involving other thermoplastics or recycled ABS, appropriate companion standards-such as those for polycarbonate, PVC alloys, and recycled materials-should be consulted.

---

Keywords: ABS plastics standard, ASTM D4673-23, ABS molding materials, ABS extrusion materials, ABS material classification, plastics specification, reinforced ABS, lubricated ABS, ABS mechanical properties, ASTM plastics standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4673 − 23
Standard Classification System for and Basis for Specification
for
Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Plastics and Alloys
Molding and Extrusion Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4673; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This classification system covers only ABS materials
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and ABS alloys suitable for injection molding and extrusion.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Some of these compositions are also suitable for compression
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
molding.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout
(specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out
2. Referenced Documents
plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
It is not intended for the selection of materials. Materials are to
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
be selected by personnel with expertise in the plastics field
where the economics, the environment to be encountered, the Impact Resistance of Plastics
inherent properties of the materials, the part design, the part D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
performance required, and the manufacturing process to be
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
employed all enter into the selection.
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
1.3 The properties included in this classification system are
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
those required to identify the compositions covered. Other
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics
als
important to specialized applications are addressed by using
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
the suffixes given in Section 5.
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
of Transparent Plastics
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of
only.
Plastics
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
test methods portion, Section 12, of this classification system:
tics
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli-
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
als
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 19062 address the same subject matter,
D5630 Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
but differ in technical content.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
This classification system is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
published in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4673–16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4673-23. 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
D4673 − 23
2.2 ISO Standards: ISO 19062-1 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
ISO 75-1 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of De- Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation
flection Under Load—Part 1: General Test Methods System and Basis for Specifications ISO 19062-2
ISO 75-2 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of De- ISO 19062-2 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
flection Under Load—Part 2: Plastics and Ebonite Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 2: Preparation of
ISO 179 Plastics—Determination of Charpy Impact Proper- Test Specimens and Determination of Properties
ties ISO 20753 Plastics—Test Specimens
ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning
and Testing
3. Terminology
ISO 294 Plastics—Injection Moulding Test Specimens of
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of technical terms used in this
Thermoplastics Materials
classification system are in accordance with Terminology
ISO 306 Plastics—Thermoplastic Materials—Determination
D883. For definitions of abbreviations used in this test method,
of Vicat Softening Temperature (VST)
refer to Terminology D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
ISO/DIS 527-1 Plastics—Determination of Tensile
Properties—Part 1: General Principles
4. Classification
ISO/DIS 527-2 Plastics—Determination of Tensile
4.1 ABS materials, based on three or more monomers, are
Properties—Part 2: Testing Conditions for Moulding and
grouped rather than rigidly classified. These groups are then
Extrusion Plastics
subdivided by class and then grades. In cases in which a resin
ISO 3451-1 Plastics—Determination of Ash—Part 1: Gen-
meets the requirements of more than one group, the supplier
eral Methods
will determine the specific callout(s). Table ABS has both
3 ASTM procedure method and ISO procedure versions for
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. callout under the preferred test system.
A
TABLE ABS ASTM/ISO Values, Requirements, Natural Color Only
NOTE 1—For property test parameters, see Section 12.
Modulus,
Softening
Tensile Impact
MPa,
Temperature
Strength,
Test
B
MPa,
Test ISO 306,
Method
Izod
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
Test
C
Flexural Method °C, 50°/h
Charpy
J/m,
Method
2 D
D790/ D1525,
Test kJ/m ,
D638/
Method ISO 179
Tensile °C, 120°/h
ISO 527
D256
ISO 527
01 Molding 1 medium impact 1 45 2600 40 - 90 85
2 40 2400 125 6 90 85
3 40 2200 150 8 90 85
4 35 2200 80 5 90 85
5 32 1600 70 3 90 85
0 other
2 high impact 1 35 2100 200 13 90 85
2 35 2000 250 16 90 85
3 30 1700 275 19 90 85
4 30 1700 325 25 90 85
5 25 1500 400 30 90 85
6 30 1600 184 12 90 85
0 other
3 high heat 1 45 2300 100 5 115 110
2 40 2000 125 6 110 105
3 40 2400 125 6 105 100
4 35 2000 150 10 105 100
5 35 2100 80 3 105 100
6 34 1700 65 2 98 93
7 32 1800 50 - 105 100
0 other
E
4 plating 1 45 2500 150 8 105 100
2 40 2600 80 3 105 100
3 40 2200 200 13 100 95
4 35 2000 200 13 95 90
5 34 2200 80 3 93 88
0 other
F
5 clear 1 40 2300 80 3 85 80
0 other
G
6 additive FR 1 40 2200 200 13 85 80
2 40 2000 150 8 85 80
3 35 2400 80 3 90 85
4 30 2000 150 8 90 85
5 25 1800 80 3 85 80
0 other
D4673 − 23
Modulus,
Softening
Impact
Tensile
MPa,
Temperature
Strength,
Test
B
MPa, Test ISO 306,
Method
Izod
Group Description Class Description Grade Description
Test
Flexural C Method °C, 50°/h
Charpy
J/m,
Method
2 D
D1525,
D790/ Test kJ/m ,
D638/
Method ISO 179
Tensile °C, 120°/h
ISO 527
D256
ISO 527
0 other 0 other
02 Extrusion 1 medium impact 1 50 2600 80 3 95 90
2 45 2400 80 3 90 85
3 40 2200 150 8 90 85
4 40 2000 80 3 90 85
5 35 2200 125 6 90 85
0 other
2 high impact 1 35 2400 200 13 90 85
2 35 2200 325 25 90 85
3 30 2000 275 19 90 85
4 30 2000 360 28 90 85
5 25 1800 400 30 90 85
6 25 1800 440 34 90 85
0 other
3 FR 1 40 2300 280 19 90 85
2 35 2000 275 19 90 85
3 35 2000 210 17 85 80
0 other 0 other
03 Alloys ABS/PVC 1 1 50 2700 80 5 100 95
2 40 1800 200 13 90 85
3 40 1800 275 19 80 75
4 35 2000 400 30 70 65
5 50 2100 440 34 110 105
6 35 2000 475 38 70 65
7 45 2400 200 13 80 75
0 other
0 other 0 other
04 Alloys ABS/PC 1 medium impact 1 55 2200 360 28 115 110
2 55 2400 325 25 110 105
3 50 2200 275 21 120 115
4 45 2100 275 21 110 105
5 40 1900 70 3 105 100
0 other
2 high impact 1 55 2400 400 30 125 120
2 50 2300 400 30 115 110
3 50 2200 475 39 125 120
4 48 2100 275 21 110 105
5 45 2000 255 19 119 114
0 other
3 high heat 1 60 2400 275 21 140 135
2 55 2400 400 30 130 125
3 55 2000 500 41 125 120
4 50 2300 360 28 135 130
5 45 2100 600 50 130 125
6 45 2000 325 25 128 123
7 45 2000 325 25 119 114
0 other
4 plating 1 50 2300 440 36 130 125
2 45 2200 400 30 120 115
3 45 2100 360 28 110 105
0 other
5 additive FR 1 60 2400 125 6 110 105
2 55 2400 200 13 110 105
3 55 2400 400 30 90 85
4 50 2000 440 36 110 105
5 45 2100 275 21 110 105
6 40 2000 440 36 110 105
0 other
0 other 0 other
A
All cell values are minimums.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
C −3
J/m × 18.73 × 10 = ft·lbf ⁄in.
D 2 2
kJ/m × 0.476 = ft·lbf ⁄in. . Test configuration 1aE.
E
Plating grades are those specifically recommended for plating or sputtering applications.
F
Clear ABS has a light transmission of 70 % minimum. Test Method D1003 is allowed to be used.
G
Specific flammability requirements shall be specified by the user.
NOTE 2—An example of this classification system is as follows:
D4673 − 23
The designation ABS0111 would indicate:
4.2.1 A single letter shall be used for the major reinforce-
ABS = acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene,
ment or combination, or both, along with two digits that
01 (group) = injection-molding resin,
indicate the percentage of addition by mass, with the tolerance
1 (class) = medium impact, and
as seen in Table 1.
1 (grade) = requirements given in Table ABS.
NOTE 3—This part of the system uses percent of reinforcements or
4.1.1 To facilitate the incorporation of future or special
additives, or both, in the callout of the modified basic material. The types
materials, the “other/unspecified” category (0) for group, class,
and percentages of reinforcements and additives are shown on the
and grade is shown in Table ABS. The basic properties can be
supplier’s technical data sheet unless this information is proprietary in
obtained from Cell Table A, B, and C as they apply.
nature. If necessary, additional callout of these reinforcements and
additives can be accomplished by the use of the suffix part of the system
4.2 Reinforced and lubricated versions of the ABS materials
as described in Section 5.
are classified in accordance with Table ABS and Cell Table A
or where Cell Table A does not reflect the required properties 4.2.2 Specific requirements for reinforced, filled, or lubri-
of the ABS material, Cell Table B. Table ABS specifies the cated materials shall be shown by a six-character designation.
unreinforced material and Cell Table A specifies the properties The designation shall consist of the letter A and the five digits
by either ASTM or ISO procedures after the addition of comprising the cell numbers for the property requirements in
reinforcements or lubricants at the nominal level indicated. the order in which they appear in Cell Table A.
A B
TABLE 1 Reinforcement-Filler Symbols and Tolerances
Symbol Material Tolerance
C Carbon- and graphite-fiber reinforced ±2 %
G Glass-reinforced ±2 %
L Lubricants (for example, depends on material and
PTFE), graphite, silicone process—to be specified
and molybdenum disulfide
M Mineral-reinforced ±2 %
R Combinations of reinforcements or ±3 % for the total
fillers, or both reinforcement
A
Ash content of filled, or reinforced material, or both, is determined using either
Test Method D5630 or ISO 3451-1 where applicable.
B
Additional symbols will be added to this table as required.
CELL TABLE A Reinforced ABS/Alloys
(For property test parameters, see Section 12.)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Grade
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A
1 Tensile strength, MPa , min
B
Test Method D638 unspecified 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
B
ISO 527, 1, 2 unspecified 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
2 Modulus, MPa, min
B
Test Methods D790, Flexural unspecified 3000 4000 5000 6000 7500 9000 11 000 15 000
B
ISO 527 Tensile, chord unspecified 3000 4000 5000 6000 7500 9000 11 000 15 000
3 Impact, min
C B
Test Method D256, Izod, J/m unspecified 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 140
2D B
ISO 179, Charpy, kJ/m unspecified 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10
4 Heat deflection temperature, °C, min
B
Test Method D648 unspecified 65 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
B
ISO 75 unspecified 65 85 89 94 98 103 108 112
5 To be determined unspecified . . . . . . . .
A
MPa × 145 = psi.
B
To be specified.
C −3
J/m × 18.73 × 10 = ft·lbf ⁄in.
D 2 2
kJ/m × 0.476 = ft lbf ⁄in . Test configuration 1aE.
CELL TABLE B Unreinforced ABS
(For property test parameters, see Section 12.)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Grade
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A
1 Tensile strength, MPa , min
B
Test Method D638 unspecified 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
B
ISO 527, 1, 2 unspecified 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
2 Modulus, MPa, min
B
Test Methods D790, Flexural unspecified 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800
B
ISO 527, Tensile, chord unspecified 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800
3 Impact, min
C B
Test Method D256, Izod, J/m unspecified 30 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
D4673 − 23
CELL TABLE B Unreinforced ABS
(For property test parameters, see Section 12.)
Cell Limits
Designatio
...

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: D4673 − 16 D4673 − 23
Standard Classification System for and Basis for Specification
for
Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Plastics and Alloys
Molding and Extrusion Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4673; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This classification system covers only ABS materials and ABS alloys suitable for injection molding and extrusion. Some of
these compositions are also suitable for compression molding. Recycle ABS and alloys will be addressed in a separate standard.
1.2 This classification system and subsequent line callout (specification) are intended to provide a means of calling out plastic
materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Materials are to be selected
by personnel with expertise in the plastics field where the economics, the environment to be encountered, the inherent properties
of the materials, the part design, the part performance required, and the manufacturing process to be employed all enter into the
selection.
1.3 The properties included in this classification system are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other
requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are addressed by using the
suffixes given in Section 5.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 12, of this classification system: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 2580 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 19062 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This classification system is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016Jan. 1, 2023. Published April 2016January 2023. Originally published in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20082016 as
D4673–02(2008).D4673–16. DOI: 10.1520/D4673-16.10.1520/D4673-23.
*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
D4673 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D3641 Practice for Injection Molding Test Specimens of Thermoplastic Molding and Extrusion Materials
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D5630 Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 75-1 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of Deflection Under Load—Part 1: General Test Methods
ISO 75-2 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of Deflection Under Load—Part 2: Plastics and Ebonite
ISO 179 Plastics—Determination of Charpy Impact Strength of Rigid MaterialsProperties
ISO 291 Plastics—Standard AtmosphereAtmospheres for Conditioning and Testing
ISO 294 Plastics—Injection Moulding Test SpecimenSpecimens of Thermoplastics Materials
ISO 306 Plastics—Determination Plastics—Thermoplastic Materials—Determination of Vicat Softening Temperature (VST)
ISO/DIS 527-1 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—Part 1: General Principles
ISO/DIS 527-2 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—Part 2: Testing Conditions for Moulding and Extrusion Plastics
ISO 3451-1 Plastics—Determination of Ash—Part 1: General Methods
ISO 19062-1 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Moulding and Extrusion Materials—Part 1: Designation System and Basis
for Specifications ISO 19062-2
ISO 2580-2ISO 19062-2 Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/StyreneAcrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Moulding and Extrusion
Materials, Part Materials—Part 2: Preparation of Test Specimens and Determination of Properties
ISO 20753 Plastics—Test Specimens
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of technical terms used in this classification system are in accordance with Terminology D883. For
definitions of abbreviations used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
4. Classification
4.1 ABS materials, based on three or more monomers, are grouped rather than rigidly classified. These groups are then subdivided
by class and then grades. In cases in which a resin meets the requirements of more than one group, the supplier will determine
the specific callout(s). Table ABS has both ASTM procedure method and ISO procedure versions for callout under the preferred
test system.
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.
D4673 − 23
A
TABLE ABS ASTM/ISO Values, Requirements, Natural Color Only
NOTE 1—For property test parameters, see Section 12.
Softening,
Modulus,
Impact
Test
Tensile
MPa,
Method
Strength,
Test
Test ISO 306,
B D1525,
MPa,
Method
Izod
Group Description Class Description Grade Description °C, 120°/h Method °C, 50°/h
Test
C
Flexural Charpy
J/m,
D1525,
Method Temperature orSoften-
2 D
D790/
Test kJ/m ,
D638/
ing °C, 120°/h
Method ISO 179
Tensile
ISO 527
ISO 306,Temperature
D256
ISO 527
°C, 50°/h
01 Molding 1 medium impact 1 45 2600 40 - 90 85
2 40 2400 125 6 90 85
3 40 2200 150 8 90 85
4 35 2200 80 5 90 85
5 32 1600 70 3 90 85
0 other
2 high impact 1 35 2100 200 13 90 85
2 35 2000 250 16 90 85
3 30 1700 275 19 90 85
4 30 1700 325 25 90 85
5 25 1500 400 30 90 85
6 30 1600 184 12 90 85
0 other
3 high heat 1 45 2300 100 5 115 110
2 40 2000 125 6 110 105
3 40 2400 125 6 105 100
4 35 2000 150 10 105 100
5 35 2100 80 3 105 100
6 34 1700 65 2 98 93
7 32 1800 50 - 105 100
0 other
E
4 plating 1 45 2500 150 8 105 100
2 40 2600 80 3 105 100
3 40 2200 200 13 100 95
4 35 2000 200 13 95 90
5 34 2200 80 3 93 88
0 other
F
5 clear 1 40 2300 80 3 85 80
0 other
G
6 additive FR 1 40 2200 200 13 85 80
2 40 2000 150 8 85 80
3 35 2400 80 3 90 85
4 30 2000 150 8 90 85
5 25 1800 80 3 85 80
0 other
0 other 0 other
02 Extrusion 1 medium impact 1 50 2600 80 3 95 90
2 45 2400 80 3 90 85
3 40 2200 150 8 90 85
4 40 2000 80 3 90 85
5 35 2200 125 6 90 85
0 other
2 high impact 1 35 2400 200 13 90 85
2 35 2200 325 25 90 85
3 30 2000 275 19 90 85
4 30 2000 360 28 90 85
5 25 1800 400 30 90 85
6 25 1800 440 34 90 85
0 other
3 FR 1 40 2300 280 19 90 85
2 35 2000 275 19 90 85
3 35 2000 210 17 85 80
0 other 0 other
03 Alloys ABS/PVC 1 1 50 2700 80 5 100 95
2 40 1800 200 13 90 85
3 40 1800 275 19 80 75
4 35 2000 400 30 70 65
5 50 2100 440 34 110 105
6 35 2000 475 38 70 65
7 45 2400 200 13 80 75
0 other
0 other 0 other
04 Alloys ABS/PC 1 medium impact 1 55 2200 360 28 115 110
2 55 2400 325 25 110 105
3 50 2200 275 21 120 115
D4673 − 23
Softening,
Modulus,
Impact
Test
Tensile
MPa,
Method
Strength,
Test
Test ISO 306,
B D1525,
MPa,
Method
Izod
Group Description Class Description Grade Description °C, 120°/h Method °C, 50°/h
Test
C
Flexural Charpy
J/m,
D1525,
Method Temperature orSoften-
2 D
D790/
Test kJ/m ,
D638/
ing °C, 120°/h
Method ISO 179
Tensile
ISO 527
ISO 306,Temperature
D256
ISO 527
°C, 50°/h
4 45 2100 275 21 110 105
5 40 1900 70 3 105 100
0 other
2 high impact 1 55 2400 400 30 125 120
2 50 2300 400 30 115 110
3 50 2200 475 39 125 120
4 48 2100 275 21 110 105
5 45 2000 255 19 119 114
0 other
3 high heat 1 60 2400 275 21 140 135
2 55 2400 400 30 130 125
3 55 2000 500 41 125 120
4 50 2300 360 28 135 130
5 45 2100 600 50 130 125
6 45 2000 325 25 128 123
7 45 2000 325 25 119 114
0 other
4 plating 1 50 2300 440 36 130 125
2 45 2200 400 30 120 115
3 45 2100 360 28 110 105
0 other
5 additive FR 1 60 2400 125 6 110 105
2 55 2400 200 13 110 105
3 55 2400 400 30 90 85
4 50 2000 440 36 110 105
5 45 2100 275 21 110 105
6 40 2000 440 36 110 105
0 other
0 other 0 other
A
All cell values are minimums.
B
MPa × 145 = psi.
C −3
J/m × 18.73 × 10 = ft·lbf ⁄in.
D 2 2
kJ/m × 0.476 = ft·lbf ⁄in. . Test configuration 1aE.
E
Plating grades are those specifically recommended for plating or sputtering applications.
F
Clear ABS has a light transmission of 70 % minimum. Test Method D1003 is allowed to be used.
G
Specific flammability requirements shall be specified by the user.
NOTE 2—An example of this classification system is as follows:
The designation ABS0111 would indicate:
ABS = acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene,
01 (group) = injection-molding resin,
1 (class) = medium impact, and
1 (grade) = requirements given in Table ABS.
4.1.1 To facilitate the incorporation of future or special materials, the “other/unspecified” category (0) for group, class, and grade
is shown in Table ABS. The basic properties can be obtained from Cell Table A, B, and C as they apply.
4.2 Reinforced and lubricated versions of the ABS materials are classified in accordance with Table ABS and Cell Table A or
where Cell Table A does not reflect the required properties of the ABS material, Cell Table B. Table ABS specifies the unreinforced
material and Cell Table A specifies the properties by either ASTM or ISO procedures after the addition of reinforcements or
lubricants at the nominal level indicated.
4.2.1 A single letter shall be used for the major reinforcement or combination, or both, along with two digits that indicate the
percentage of addition by mass, with the tolerance as seen in Table 1.
NOTE 3—This part of the system uses percent of reinforcements or additives, or both, in the callout of the modified basic material. The types and
percentages of reinforcements and additives are shown on the supplier’s technical data sheet unless this information is proprietary in nature. If necessary,
additional callout of these reinforcements and additives can be accomplished by the use of the suffix part of the system as described in Section 5.
D4673 − 23
A B
TABLE 1 Reinforcement-Filler Symbols and Tolerances
Symbol Material Tolerance
C Carbon- and graphite-fiber reinforced ±2 %
G Glass-reinforced ±2 %
L Lubricants (for example, depends on material and
PTFE), graphite, silicone process—to be specified
and molybdenum disulfide
M Mineral-reinforced ±2 %
R Combinations of reinforcements or ±3 % for the total
fillers, or both reinforcement
A
Ash content of filled, or reinforced material, or both, is determined using either
Test Method D5630 or ISO 3451-1 where applicable.
B
Additional symbols will be added to this table as required.
4.2.2 Specific requirements for reinforced, filled, or lubricated materials shall be shown by a six-character designation. The
designation shall consist of the letter A and the five digits comprising the cell numbers for the property requirements in the order
in which they appear in Cell Table A.
CELL TABLE A Reinforced ABS/Alloys
(For property test parameters, see Section 12.)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Grade
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A
1 Tensile strength, MPa , min
B
Test Method D638 unspecified 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
B
ISO 527, 1, 2 unspecified 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
2 Modulus, MPa, min
B
Test Methods D790, Flexural unspecified 3000 4000 5000 6000 7500 9000 11 000 15 000
B
ISO 527 Tensile, chord unspecified 3000 4000 5000 6000 7500 9000 11 000 15 000
3 Impact, min
C B
Test Method D256, Izod, J/m unspecified 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 140
2D B
ISO 179, Charpy, kJ/m unspecified 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10
4 Heat deflection temperature, °C, min
B
Test Method D648 unspecified 65 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
B
ISO 75 unspecified 65 85 89 94 98 103 108 112
5 To be determined unspecified . . . . . . . .
A
MPa × 145 = psi.
B
To be specified.
C −3
J/m × 18.73 × 10 = ft·lbf ⁄in.
D 2 2
kJ/m × 0.476 = ft lbf ⁄in . Test configuration 1aE.
CELL TABLE B Unreinforced ABS
(For property test parameters, see Section 12.)
Cell Limits
Designation
Property
Grade
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A
1 Tensile strength, MPa , min
B
Test Method D638 unspecified 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
B
ISO 527, 1, 2 unspecified 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
2 Modulus, MPa, min
B
Test Methods D790, Flexural unspecified 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800
B
ISO 527, Tensile, chord unspecified 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800
3 Impact, min
C B
Test Method D256, Izod, J/m unspecified 30 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
2D B
ISO 179, Charpy, kJ/m unspecified 1 5 9 13 19 22 25 30
4 Softening temperature, °C, min
B
Test Method D1525 unspecified 75 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
B
ISO 306 unspecified 70 85 90 95 100 105 110 11
...