ASTM F1306 - Standard Test Method for Slow Rate Penetration Resistance of Flexible Barrier Films and Laminates - PDF

ASTM F1306 Puncture Fixture – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)

 

ASTM F1306 is the standard test method for slow rate penetration resistance of flexible barrier films and laminates. A film is clamped over a circular opening and a small round-tipped probe is pushed through it at a slow, constant speed, measuring the force, penetration and energy needed to puncture it. It is widely used for flexible packaging (food, medical device and pharmaceutical pouches), lidding films, and battery separator films, to rank materials and check lot-to-lot puncture resistance.

Test Fixture and Probe

• Clamp: two plates that grip the film flat and taut around a circular test area 34.9 mm (1.375 in) in diameter, without slippage.

• Probe: 3.2 mm (1/8 in) diameter with a hemispherical (rounded) tip, mounted on the load cell and centered over the opening.

• Testing machine: a constant-rate universal testing machine. Forces are usually under 250 N, so a 50 N to 500 N load cell gives good resolution.

Specimens and Conditioning

• Cut specimens large enough to cover the clamp with margin for gripping, free of wrinkles, creases and visible defects.

• Condition at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 10% RH for at least 40 hours before testing (ASTM D618).

• Measure thickness with a micrometer.

• For laminates, mark which side faces the probe and test the same side every time (or test both sides and report each).

• Test at least five specimens.

Test Procedure

1. Clamp the specimen flat and taut over the 34.9 mm opening.

2. Bring the probe just into contact and zero the position.

3. Drive the probe through the film at 25 mm/min (1 in/min) until it ruptures.

4. Record the force–penetration curve.

Results

• Peak force to break (N or lbf)

• Penetration (elongation) at break: probe travel from first contact to rupture (mm or in)

• Energy to break: the area under the force–penetration curve (mJ or in·lbf)

Example: a 50 µm barrier laminate reaches a peak force of 18 N at 9 mm penetration. If the force rises roughly linearly, energy to break ≈ ½ × 18 N × 9 mm = 81 mJ; in practice the software integrates the actual curve.

Recommended Equipment

Universal Grip supplies the F1306 puncture fixture with the 34.9 mm clamp and 3.2 mm hemispherical probe, and Galdabini universal testing machines with software that reports peak force, penetration and energy to break automatically.

ASTM F1306 FAQ

What probe does ASTM F1306 use?

A 3.2 mm (1/8 in) diameter probe with a hemispherical tip. A sharp, conical or needle probe gives different results and is not the F1306 setup.

What test speed does ASTM F1306 use?

25 mm/min (1 in/min). The slow speed is what distinguishes it from high-speed puncture tests such as ASTM D5748.

What results does F1306 report?

Peak force to break, probe penetration (elongation) from first contact to break, and energy to break, the area under the force–penetration curve.

What load cell do I need for ASTM F1306?

Most films and laminates puncture below 250 N, so a 50 N to 500 N load cell on a single-column universal testing machine is usually enough.