ASTM F668-99a

Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and Other Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers poly(vinyl chloride)-coated steel chain-link fabric, coated before weaving. Poly(vinyl chloride) hereinafter will be designated PVC.  
1.2 Fabric produced from three classes of wire coatings are covered as follows:  
1.2.1 Class 1 consists of PVC coating extruded over zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel wire.  
1.2.2 Class 2a consists of PVC coating extruded and adhered to zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel wire.  
1.2.3 Class 2b consists of PVC coating fused and adhered to zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel wire.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-1999
• ICS: 77.140.65 - Steel wire, wire ropes and link chains
• ICS: 91.090 - External structures
• Technical Committee: F14 - Fences
• Drafting Committee: F14.40 - Chain Link Fence and Wire Accessories

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F668-04 - Standard Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Other Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Referred By: ASTM F2000-19 - Standard Safety Performance Specification for Fences for Baseball and Softball Fields
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2409-10(2016) - Standard Guide for Fences for Non-Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2049-11(2017) - Standard Safety Performance Specification for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2611-15 - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Chain Link Security Fencing
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F626-14(2023) - Standard Specification for Fence Fittings
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F3000/F3000M-13(2022) - Standard Specification for Polymer Privacy Insert Slats for Chain Link Fabric and Privacy Chain Link Fabric Manufactured Containing Pre-Installed Privacy Slats
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F969-11(2016) - Standard Practice for Construction of Chain-Link Tennis Court Fence
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F1908-08(2018) - Standard Guide for Fences for Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2698-08(2018) - Standard Guide for Fences for Above-Ground and In-ground Skate Park Facilities
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2699-08(2018) - Standard Guide for Fences for Commercial and Public Outdoor Water Spray/Play Areas
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F1553-11(2022) - Standard Guide for Specifying Chain Link Fence
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F3558-22 - Standard Guide for Chain-Link Pickleball Court Fences
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F2814-09(2015) - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Ornamental Steel Picket Fence Systems for Security Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F 668 – 99a
Standard Specification for
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Other Organic Polymer-Coated
Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 668; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 1729 Practice for Visual Evaluation of Color Differences
of Opaque Materials
1.1 This specification covers polyvinyl chloride and other
F 552 Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
conforming organic polymer-coated steel chain-link fabric,
G 23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
coated before weaving. Polyvinyl chloride and other organic
(Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
polymer coating hereinafter will be designated as polymer
of Nonmetallic Materials
coating.
G 26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
1.2 Fabric produced from three classes of wire coatings are
(Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
covered as follows:
of Nonmetallic Materials
1.2.1 Class I consists of polymer coatings extruded over
2.2 U.S. Federal Standard:
zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5 % aluminum-
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipments (Civil Agencies)
mischmetal alloy-coated, or zinc-5 % aluminum-mischmetal
2.3 U.S. Military Standards:
alloy-coated steel wire.
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
1.2.2 Class 2a consists of polymer coating extruded and
MIL-STD-163 Steel Mill Products, Preparation for Ship-
adhered to zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5 %
ment and Storage
aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel wire.
1.2.3 Class 2b consists of polymer coating fused and ad-
3. Terminology
hered to zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or zinc-5 %
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms such as chain-link
aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel wire.
fence fabric, selvage, knuckle, twist, and diamond count, see
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Terminology F 552.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided
for information only.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for chain-link fence fabric purchased to this
2. Referenced Documents
specification shall include the following information:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.1 Quantity.
A 90/A 90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on
2 4.1.2 Class of polymer coating to be applied to the metallic-
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
coated core wire.
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
3 4.1.3 Color of coating (see Table 1).
of Steel Products
4.1.4 Size of mesh (see Table 2 ).
A 428/A 428M Test Method for Weight of Coating on
2 4.1.5 Finished outside diameter of metallic-coated core wire
Aluminum-Coated Iron or Steel Articles
or minimum breaking strength, or both (see Tables 2-4).
D 1499 Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure
4 4.1.6 Height of fabric (see Table 1).
Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) for Exposure of Plastics
4.1.7 Type of selvage if nonstandard (see 12.1 and 12.2).
D 1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell Sys-
4.1.8 Diamond count if nonstandard (see 9.1 and Table 3).
tem
4.1.9 Certification, if required.
4.2 Any tests required other than those specifically covered
in this specification must be stipulated by the purchaser in the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-14 on Fences
order or contract.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.40 on Chain Link Fence and
Wire Accessories.
Current edition approved June 10, 1999. Published September 1999. Originally
published as F 668 – 81. Last previous edition F 668 – 99.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.06. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
3 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03. Available from the procuring activity or as directed by the contracting office or
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 668 – 99a
TABLE 1 Standard Polymer Colors
6. Manufacture
NOTE 1—Values are in Munsell units (see Test Method D 1535 and 6.1 Class 1 polymer-coated wire shall have the polymer
Practice D 1729).
coating extruded onto wire that conforms to the requirements
Green Olive Green Brown Black as shown in Table 4.
6.2 Class 2a polymer-coated wire shall have the polymer
Hue 8.8G 2.0G 7YR 1.8PB
Value 2.63 3.02 2.4 1.26
coating extruded and adhered to wire that is zinc-coated by the
Chroma 5.8 2.35 1.75 0.5
hot-dip method, zinc-coated by the electrolytic process, or
aluminum-coated by the hot-dip method.
6.3 Class 2b polymer-coated wire shall have the polymer
A
TABLE 2 Sizes of Wire and Mesh
coating fused and adhered to wire that is zinc-coated by the
NOTE 1—For custom fabric heights, see Section 11.
hot-dip method, zinc-coated by the electrolytic process, or
Specified
aluminum-coated by the hot-dip method. The use of a primer
Size
Diameter Size
prior to the application of a polymer coating may be recom-
Core
of Core of Mesh, Height of Fence Fabric, in.
Wire
mended by the polymer manufacturer.
Wire, in.
Gage
in.
NOTE 1—Under current practice, the fusion bonded process for PVC
0.192 6 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
wire coating requires the use of a primer to attain chemical bonding to the
0.192 6 1 ⁄4 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
substrate, in any event, the polymer manufacturer’s recommendation
0.148 9 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
should be followed.
0.148 9 1 ⁄4 96, 108, 120, 144
0.148 9 1 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
6.4 Type of metallic coating on the steel wire substrate shall
0.120 11 2 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72,
be the choice of the producer unless otherwise specified.
0.120 11 2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
0.120 11 1 ⁄4 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
7. Weave
0.120 11 1 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
0.120 11 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
7.1 The wire shall be woven throughout in the form of
0.120 11 ⁄2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
approximately uniform square mesh, having parallel sides and
0.120 11 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
B
0.105 12 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
horizontal and vertical diagonals of approximately uniform
B
0.105 12 ⁄2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
dimensions. The top and bottom of the fabric shall be knuckled
B
0.105 12 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
B
0.080 14 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144 or twisted as specified in Section 12.
B
0.080 14 ⁄2 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144
B 3
0.080 14 ⁄8 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 144 8. Size of Mesh
A
See Table X1.1 for metric equivalents.
8.1 The size of mesh shall conform to the requirements as
B
5 1 3
These wire sizes should only be used on ⁄8 in., ⁄2in., and ⁄8in. mesh fabrics.
shown in Table 2.
See Fig. 1 for criteria on mesh dimensions.
8.2 The permissible variation from the specified size of
mesh shall be 6 ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) for all mesh sizes over 1 in. (25
mm) and 6 ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) for all mesh sizes 1 in. (25 mm)
and under.
8.3 Size of mesh shall be determined by unrolling a roll of
fabric on a flat surface and exerting tension in accordance with
the requirements of 18.2, then measuring the minimum clear
distance between the wires forming the parallel sides of the
mesh.
5 1 3
FIG. 1 Mesh Dimensions for ⁄8-in., ⁄2-in., and ⁄8-in. Fabric
9. Diamond Count
9.1 Typical diamond count for each standard height is
shown in Table 3. Other diamond counts are permissible,
4.3 All rolls of fabric accepted by the purchaser shall be
provided that they are consistent within a lot. The purchaser
billed to him on the basis of the original footage of the rolls
has the option to specify the typical diamond count of 4.1.8.
before sampling, unless changed by contractual agreement.
10. Size of Wire
5. Materials
10.1 Chain-link fabric shall be fabricated from wire diam-
5.1 Base Metal—The base metal shall be steel of such
eters as necessary to meet the requirements of Table 2. The
quality and purity that, when drawn to the size of wire specified
diameter shall be determined as the average of two readings
and coated with an organic polymer, the finished fencing shall
taken at right angles to each other on the straight portion of the
be of uniform quality and have properties and characteristics as
parallel sides of the mesh and measured to the nearest 0.001 in.
prescribed in the specification.
(0.03 mm).
5.2 Wire used for the manufacture of fabric shall meet the 10.2 The permissible variation from the specified diameter
requirements of this specification and shall be capable of being of the core wire over 0.105 in. (2.67 mm) shall be 60.005 in.
woven into fabric without the polymer coating cracking or (0.13 mm). The permissible variation for the specified diameter
peeling. The polymer coating shall be formulated and produced on core wires 0.105 in. (2.67 mm) or less shall be 60.004 in.
properly to conform to the requirements of this specification. (0.10 mm).
F 668 – 99a
A
TABLE 3 Typical Diamond Count
NOTE 1—Other diamond counts are permitted (see Section 9 on Diamond Count).
NOTE 2— For fabric heights over 144 in., see Section 9.
Nominal
Height of Fence Fabric, in.
Size of
Diameter
Mesh, in.
36 42 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 144
Core Wire, in.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.192 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 34 ⁄2 41 ⁄2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.148 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 13 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 34 ⁄2 41 ⁄2
1 1 1 1 1 1
0.120 2 10 ⁄2 12 ⁄2 14 ⁄2 17 ⁄2 20 ⁄2 24 ⁄2
1 1 1 1 1 1
0.120 2 ⁄8 9 ⁄2 11 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 16 ⁄2 19 ⁄2
3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0.120 1 ⁄4 11 ⁄2 13 ⁄2 15 ⁄2 19 ⁄2 23 ⁄2 27 ⁄2 31 ⁄2 35 ⁄2 39 ⁄2 47 ⁄2
0.120 1 20 23 27 33 45 53 61 67 69
0.120 ⁄8
0.120 ⁄2
0.120 ⁄8
0.105 ⁄8
0.105 ⁄2 see Fig. 1
0.105 ⁄8
0.080 ⁄8
0.080 ⁄2
0.080 ⁄8
A
See Table X1.1 for metric equivalents.
TABLE 4 Breaking Strength of Core Wire
13.2 Specimens to establish conformance to this require-
Specified Diameter of Core Wire, in. Minimum Breaking Strength ment shall comprise individual pickets from a section of the
(mm)
fence fabric. The specimens shall be of sufficient length so as
lbf (N)
to be firmly gripped in the testing machine after straightening.
0.192 (4.88) 2170 (9650) Polymer coating may be removed from the sample by chemical
0.148 (4.76) 1290 (5740)
or mechanical means before testing. The actual gage length
0.120 (3.05) 850 (3780)
(distance between jaws) of the specimen shall be limited to the
0.105 (2.67) 650 (2890)
0.080 (2.03) 380 (1690) undeformed length of wire between the two adjacent bends.
14. Weight of Zinc, Aluminum, or Zinc-5 % Aluminum-
Mischmetal Alloy Coatings
11. Height of Fabric
14.1 The weight of zinc or aluminum coating shall conform
11.1 Chain-link fabric, unless otherwise specified by the
to Table 5.
purchaser, shall be furnished in the standard heights shown in
14.2 The weight of coating shall be determined on an
Table 2. Custom order fabric is available in heights to and
individual piece of wire removed from the fabric. This speci-
including 240 ft. (6.56 m). The height of the fabric shall be the
men may be any length of wire over 12 in. (305 mm) and shall
overall dimension from the ends of twists or knuckles. Permis-
include both bends and straight sections, but shall not include
sible variations from the specified height shall be 61 in. (25
either twists or knuckles.
mm) for standard selvage on fabric with mesh sizes 1 in. (25
14.3 The weight of zinc or zinc-5 % aluminum-mischmetal
mm) and over and 6 ⁄2in. (13 mm) for all fabric with mesh
alloy coating shall be determined by the method contained in
sizes less than 1 in. (25 mm).
Test Method A 90/A 90M after stripping the polymer coating
as outlined in Section 15.
12. Selvage
14.4 The weight of aluminum coating shall be determined
12.1 Fabric with 2-in. (50.8-mm) or 2 ⁄8-in. (54.0-mm)
by the method contained in Test Method A 428, after stripping
mesh, in heights less than 72 in. (1829 mm), shall be knuckled
the polymer coating as outlined in Section 15.
at both selvages. Fabric 72 in. (1829 mm) high and over shall
15. Thickness of Polymer Coating
be knuckled at one selvage and twisted at the other. These are
15.1 The thickness of the polymer coating shall be in
the standard selvages. Other selvage combinations will be
accordance with Table 6.
supplied only if specified by the purchaser.
NOTE 2—Caution: Twisted selvages for fences under 72 in. (1829 mm)
TABLE 5 Weight of Zinc, Aluminum, or Zinc-5 % Aluminum-
in height are not recommended because of consumer safety consider-
Mischmetal Alloy Coatings
ations.
Minimum Weight of
Specified Diameter of Minimum Weight of
Zinc or Zinc-5 % Aluminum-
12.2 The selvages of fabrics with meshes of less than 2 in.
Core Wire, Aluminum Coating,
Mischmetal Alloy Coating,
2 2
in. (mm) oz/ft (g/m )
2 2
(50.8 mm) shall be knuckled on both edges.
oz/ft (g/m )
0.192 (4.88) 0.40 (122) 0.20 (61)
13. Breaking Strength
0.148 (3.76) 0.30 (92) 0.20 (61)
0.120 (3.05) 0.30 (92) 0.20 (61)
13.1 Wire constituting the fabric shall meet the minimum
0.105 (2.67) 0.30 (92) 0.20 (61)
breaking strength shown in Table 4, as determined in accor-
0.080 (2.03) 0.25 (76) 0.20 (61)
dance with Test Methods and Definitions A 370.
F 668 – 99a
TABLE 6 Thickness of Polymer Coating
16.3.2 Shrinkage of the polymer coating is greater than ⁄16
Class 1, Class 2a, Class 2b, in./ft (5.2 mm/m) of wire.
in. (mm) in. (mm)
16.3.3 There is a significant change in color or gloss of the
Minimum thickness at any point 0.015 (0.38) 0.006 (0.15)
polymer surface as determined by visual inspection.
Maximum thickness at any point 0.025 (0.64) 0.010 (0.25)
16.4 Mandrel Bend:
16.4.1 Polymer-coated wire when subjected to a single bend
at −20°F (−29°C) around a mandrel no larger than ten times the
15.2 The thickness of polymer coating shall be determined
diameter of the wire shall not exhibit breaks or cracks in the
on an individual piece of wire removed from the fabric. This
polymer coating.
specimen may be any length of wire over 12 in. (305 mm) and
16.4.2 The mandrel bend test shall be performed on an
shall include both bends and straight sections, but shall not
individual piece of
...