ASTM F147-87(2017)

Standard Test Method for Flexibility of Non-Metallic Gasket Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed to measure the ability of non-metallic gasket materials to withstand handling, as would be encountered before and during installation of cut gaskets.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flexibility of non-metallic gasket materials. It is designed for testing specimens cut from sheet goods or from the gasket in the finished form, as supplied for commercial use. Materials normally classified as rubber compounds are excluded since they are covered in Classification D2000.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2017
• ICS: 79.100 - Cork and cork products
• Technical Committee: F03 - Gaskets
• Drafting Committee: F03.20 - Mechanical Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F147-87(2009) - Standard Test Method for Flexibility of Non-Metallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F146-12 - Standard Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2012
• Refers: ASTM F104-11 - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM F104-03(2009) - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM F146-04 - Standard Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM F104-03 - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Refers: ASTM F104-02e1 - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM F146-01 - Standard Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM F104-00 - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Referred By: ASTM F146-12(2019)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F104-11(2020) - Standard Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM F147-87(2017): Standard Test Method for Flexibility of Non-Metallic Gasket Materials is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method establishes a procedure for evaluating the flexibility of non-metallic gasket materials, which are commonly used in industrial, automotive, and commercial sealing applications. The primary focus is to determine the ability of these gasket materials to withstand handling stresses experienced during fabrication, storage, and installation. Flexible gaskets are essential for ensuring leak-free joints in piping systems, engines, and machinery.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applies to non-metallic gasket materials in sheet or finished form used for commercial applications.
  • Excludes rubber compounds, which are covered under a different standard (ASTM D2000).
  • Addresses testing both with and across grain for materials with grain orientation.

• Test Procedures

  • Flexibility is assessed by bending a specimen 180° around a series of mandrels of varying diameters.
  • Specimens are conditioned to simulate shelf life through elevated-temperature exposure and to simulate low-temperature environments.
  • Flexibility is determined as the smallest mandrel diameter the material can be bent around without signs of cracking, breaking, or surface separation.

• Conditioning and Reporting

  • Specimens are conditioned according to related classification systems (referencing ASTM F104).
  • Tests may include post-immersion in fluids, simulating real-world handling scenarios (in conjunction with ASTM F146).
  • Reports include material identification, test conditions, flexibility factor, and minimum mandrel diameter.

• Significance

  • Ensures gasket materials are robust enough to be handled, installed, and maintained without damage, reducing the risk of leaks or failures in service.

Applications

The ASTM F147-87(2017) standard is widely utilized in industries that rely on reliable sealing solutions:

• Industrial and Plant Maintenance

  • Evaluation of sheet gasket materials for use in pipelines, pumps, and flanges.
  • Ensures longevity and safety by selecting materials that maintain flexibility during storage and installation.

• Automotive and Heavy Equipment

  • Testing flexibility of gaskets used in engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems.
  • Prevents premature gasket failure due to brittleness or improper handling at varying temperatures.

• Aerospace and Marine

  • Validation of gasket material performance under extreme temperature and fluid exposure conditions.

• Quality Control and Material Certification

  • Suppliers and manufacturers use this test to provide quality assurance documentation for customers.
  • Laboratories reference this method for comparative analysis of different gasket sheets and forms.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and specification, ASTM F147-87(2017) is often used alongside related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D2000 - Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive Applications (excludes rubber in F147).
• ASTM F104 - Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materials (provides conditioning guidance).
• ASTM F146 - Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials (often used to assess performance after fluid exposure).

Keywords

flexibility test, non-metallic gasket materials, ASTM F147, mechanical testing, gasket durability, quality assurance, industrial gaskets, sealing materials, flexibility factor

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Adopting ASTM F147-87(2017) in your testing and specification processes ensures that non-metallic gasket materials meet international standards for flexibility and handleability, supporting safe and reliable sealing solutions across industries.

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: F147 − 87 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Flexibility of Non-Metallic Gasket Materials
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF147;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
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 willbetestedbothwithandacrossgrainonmaterialwithgrain
orientation. An elevated-temperature exposure conditioning is
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flex-
used to simulate shelf life.Alow-temperature exposure condi-
ibility of non-metallic gasket materials. It is designed for
tioning is used to simulate handling at low-temperature envi-
testing specimens cut from sheet goods or from the gasket in
ronments. Tests may also be conducted after immersion in
the finished form, as supplied for commercial use. Materials
various fluids in accordance with Test Methods F146.
normally classified as rubber compounds are excluded since
they are covered in Classification D2000.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.1 This test method is designed to measure the ability of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. non-metallic gasket materials to withstand handling, as would
be encountered before and during installation of cut gaskets.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Apparatus
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1 Steel Die, 12.7 by 154.4 mm (0.5 by 6 in.).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.2 Circulating-Hot-Air Oven, maintained at 100 6 1°C
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
(212 6 2°F).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.3 Cold Box, capable of maintaining − 40 6 1°C (−40 6
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2°F).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.4 Mandrels, a series with diameters ranging from 4.8 to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
101.6 mm ( ⁄16 to 4 in.).
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 6. Test Specimens
D2000 Classification System for Rubber Products in Auto-
6.1 The specimens shall be cleanly die-cut to provide sharp
motive Applications
edges, free of tears, nicks, or abraded particles. The minimum
F104 Classification System for Nonmetallic Gasket Materi-
thickness for asbestos (Type 1) and synthetic (Type 7) fiber
als
containing materials shall be 0.4 mm (0.016 in.) and a
F146 Test Methods for Fluid Resistance of Gasket Materials
maximum thickness of 6.3 mm (0.250 in.). The minimum
thicknessforcork(Type2)compositionshallbe3.2mm(0.125
3. Summary of Test Method
in.) and 1.6 mm (0.062 in.) for cork-rubber materials, with a
3.1 A specimen of the material is bent 180° around a
maximum thickness of 4.8 mm (0.186 in.). The minimum
mandrel of appropriate size relative to its thickness. Materials
thickness for cellulose (Type 3) gasket materials shall be 0.127
mm (0.005 in.) and the maximum thickness shall be 1.6 mm
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F03 on Gaskets
(0.062 in.).The minimum thickness for flexible graphite (Type
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F03.20 on Mechanical Test
5) shall be 0.127 mm (0.005 in.) and a maximum of 0.8 mm
Methods.
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2017.PublishedJuly2017.Originallyapproved
(0.031 in.).
in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F147 – 87 (2009). DOI:
10.1520/F0147-87R17.
2 7. Conditioning
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the AST
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