ASTM D7193-17(2022)

Standard Specification for Unsintered Pigmented Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Extruded Film or Tape

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers unsintered, pigmented, extruded films or tapes manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene, in nominal thicknesses from 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) to 0.51 mm (0.020 in.), which are ≥99 % virgin PTFE in composition prior to introducing pigments.
Note 1: For unsintered non-pigmented products refer to Specification D6585.  
1.1.1 The use of recycled PTFE for production of unsintered extruded films or tapes has not been identified at this time. When commercial usable processes and materials are available, this specification will be revised to include recycled materials.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are detailed in IEEE/ASTM SI-10 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: Although this specification and ISO 13000-1 (1997) and ISO 13000-2 (1997) differ in approach or detail, data obtained relating to specific properties, using either are technically equivalent.
Note 3: This specification is intended to be a complement to Specification D6585, as the materials covered herein vary significantly enough due to their additives to warrant a stand-alone set of requirements.  
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-2022
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1711-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6040-18(2023) - Standard Guide to Standard Test Methods for Unsintered Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Extruded Film or Tape
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D149-20 - Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• 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 D6040-18 - Standard Guide to Standard Test Methods for Unsintered Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Extruded Film or Tape
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-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 D1711-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015

Overview

ASTM D7193-17(2022) specifies requirements for unsintered, pigmented, extruded films and tapes manufactured from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This standard covers products with nominal thicknesses ranging from 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) to 0.51 mm (0.020 in.), comprising at least 99% virgin PTFE before the addition of pigments. These PTFE extruded films and tapes are valued for their unique chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and versatile use across industrial sectors.

This specification is particularly relevant to manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users seeking to ensure product quality and reliability in applications requiring colored PTFE films and tapes. It supplements ASTM D6585, which addresses unsintered, non-pigmented PTFE film or tape products.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Requires ≥99% virgin PTFE content prior to pigment introduction; recycled PTFE is not currently included.
• Product Types: Defines three types based on application and density:
  • Type I: Thread Seal Tape
  • Type II: Low Density Tape
  • Type III: Wire and Cable Tape
• Classification & Grades: Detailed tables classify tapes by density, thickness, tensile strength, and elongation.
• Performance Requirements:
  • Tensile strength and elongation tested per ASTM D882
  • Dielectric breakdown strength is tested according to ASTM D149
  • Optional electrical properties per ASTM D150 and D257 when specified by contract
• Dimensional Tolerances: Strict standards for thickness and width tolerances to ensure consistency
• Sampling and Testing: Products must be sampled and tested using proper statistical methods; conditioning prior to testing must meet defined requirements
• Packaging and Labeling: Containers must be marked with type, thickness, lot number, and manufacturer for traceability
• International Compatibility: Data from this standard are technically equivalent to those obtained via ISO 13000-1 and ISO 13000-2

Applications

Unpigmented and pigmented PTFE extruded films and tapes are used in a wide range of industries, leveraging the chemical stability, electrical insulation, and mechanical durability of PTFE:

• Plumbing and Pipe Sealing: Thread seal tapes (Type I) are commonly used for sealing threaded pipe joints to prevent leaks
• Electrical Insulation: Wire and cable tapes (Type III) provide insulation and protection for electrical wiring in demanding environments
• Industrial Gaskets and Spacers: Low density tapes (Type II) serve as gaskets or spacers where flexibility and chemical resistance are required
• Color-Coding Applications: Pigmented films allow for easy identification or compliance with color-specific industry standards
• Aerospace and Automotive: Utilized where non-stick, high-performance, and identified materials are critical

The versatility of pigmented PTFE film or tape makes it a standard choice for critical sealing, insulation, and identification tasks in challenging operational environments.

Related Standards

Organizations utilizing ASTM D7193-17(2022) may also refer to the following related standards to ensure comprehensive quality control and compatibility:

• ASTM D6585: Specification for unsintered, non-pigmented PTFE extruded film or tape
• ASTM D882: Test method for tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting
• ASTM D149, D150, D257: Test methods for dielectric strength and electrical properties of insulating materials
• ASTM D6040: Guide to PTFE extruded film or tape test methods
• ISO 13000-1 and ISO 13000-2: International standards for requirements and test methods for semi-finished PTFE products
• GSA A-A-58092: Specification for anti-seize PTFE tape, often referenced for military or government procurement

Summary

By adopting ASTM D7193-17(2022), stakeholders ensure the manufacture, testing, and supply of reliable unsintered pigmented PTFE films and tapes meeting stringent quality benchmarks for industrial, electrical, and commercial applications. This standard enhances confidence in product performance, safety, and compliance across the global supply chain.

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:D7193 −17 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Unsintered Pigmented Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Extruded Film or Tape
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7193; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers unsintered, pigmented, ex-
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
truded films or tapes manufactured from
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
polytetrafluoroethylene, in nominal thicknesses from 0.025
at Commercial Power Frequencies
mm (0.001 in.) to 0.51 mm (0.020 in.), which are≥99 % virgin
D150 Test Methods forAC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
PTFE in composition prior to introducing pigments.
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
NOTE 1—For unsintered non-pigmented products refer to Specification
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
D6585.
Insulating Materials
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.1.1 TheuseofrecycledPTFEforproductionofunsintered
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
extruded films or tapes has not been identified at this time.
Sheeting
When commercial usable processes and materials are
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
available, this specification will be revised to include recycled
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
materials.
tics
1.2 ThevaluesstatedinSIunitsaredetailedinIEEE/ASTM
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
SI-10 are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
parentheses are for information only.
D6040 Guide to Standard Test Methods for Unsintered
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Extruded Film or Tape
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D6585 Specification for Unsintered Polytetrafluoroethylene
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(PTFE) Extruded Film or Tape
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Determine Conformance with Specifications
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International
NOTE 2—Although this specification and ISO 13000-1 (1997) and
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
ISO 13000-2 (1997) differ in approach or detail, data obtained relating to
2.2 ISO Standards:
specific properties, using either are technically equivalent.
ISO 13000-1 Plastics—Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
NOTE 3—This specification is intended to be a complement to Speci-
fication D6585, as the materials covered herein vary significantly enough
Semi-Finished Products—Part 1: Requirements and Des-
due to their additives to warrant a stand-alone set of requirements.
ignation
ISO 13000-2 Plastics—Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Semi-Finished Products—Part 2: Preparation of Test
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Specimens and Determination of Properties
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.3 GSA Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical A-A-58092 Tape, Anti-Seize Polytetrafluoroethylene
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic the ASTM website.
Materials. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7193 - 17. DOI: Available from General Services Administration, Engineering and Commodity
10.1520/D7193-17R22. Management Division (9FTE-10), 400 15th St. SW, Auburn, WA 98001
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7193−17 (2022)
3. Terminology digitsasprovidedinSectionB8.ofthe Form & Style forASTM
Standards,April2004Edition.Provisionfor“SpecialNotes”is
3.1 Definition—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
included so that other information can be provided when
nologies D883, D1711, and Test Methods D257; and abbrevi-
required. This example relates to wire and cable tape with the
ated terms are in accordance with Terminology D1600, unless
added requirement that it be royal blue in color. When special
otherwise specified.
notes are used, they shall be preceded by a comma.
3.2 lot, n—one production run or a uniform blend of two or
5. Performance Requirements
more production runs
5.1 Basic requirements from the property tables are always
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
in effect unless superseded by specific suffix requirements,
3.3.1 film, n—full width material received as finished film.
which always take precedence.
3.3.2 tape, n—material that has been slit from the finished
film. 5.2 The materials shall conform to the requirements in
Tables 1-4 and suffix requirements as they apply.
3.3.3 tensile strength at yield, n—from Test Methods D882.
5.3 Thedielectricbreakdownstrengthofunsinteredsamples
3.3.4 pigment—liquid or dry matter used as an additive, to
shall be tested in accordance with Test Method D149. The
alter the color of finished film or tape.
required values are to be agreed upon between producer and
4. Classification consumer.
4.1 This specification covers three types of unsintered,
5.4 If invoked by contract, or to gain understanding of the
pigmented, extruded PTFE tapes: electrical performance consistency of a particular material
4.1.1 Type I—Thread Seal Tape (TST) with an apparent
dielectric constant and volume resistivity shall be tested in
density of 0.50-1.60 g/cm . accordance with Test Methods D150 and D257, as seen in the
4.1.2 Type II—Low Density Tape with an apparent density
guidelines found in Guide D6040.
of 0.60-0.80 g/cm .
5.5 The width tolerance of slit tape shall be in accordance
4.1.3 Type III—Wire and Cable Tape with an apparent
with Table 4 unless otherwise specified by contract.
density of 1.40-1.65 g/cm .
6. Sampling
NOTE 4—Other products that do not fall into these density ranges are
6.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with an adequate
available. The values vary on these products and must be agreed to
between supplier and purchaser.
statistical sampling procedure.
4.2 Grades of tape are identified in Tables 1-3.
7. Conditioning
NOTE 5—Other products that do not fall into these ranges are available.
7.1 For those tests where conditioning is required, condition
4.3 Aline callout system is used to specify materials in this
the test specimens in accordance with Procedure A of Practice
specification. The system uses pre-defined cells to refer to
D618, except th
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