ASTM D7310-20

4.1 Defects in film are not acceptable to the end-user as there is a reduction in the fitness-for-use in many applications. This document is intended to be a practice to assist users in the inspection, quantification and observation of defects.

4.2 This practice is applicable in a laboratory environment, continuous inspection as a quality control or as a research tool. It is also appropriate for use in any commercial process used to produce film including extrusion, calendaring, etc.

4.3 This practice is also suitable for use as an evaluation or screening tool for materials intended to be used in other processes where defects of this nature are critical, such as fiber spinning non-woven, etc.

4.4 Results achieved by different equipment’s even from the same vendor in different laboratories are not directly comparable and may result in a bias that cannot be fully addressed through consistent operating conditions, and results may shift as analyzer components are upgraded for a given analyzer. Additionally, results may not be directly comparable between different product types. All results should be considered as relative values rather than absolute.

4.5 For support in a basic interpretation of the different results the following points may be helpful for comparison.

1.1 This practice intends to provide standardized approaches and criteria for the observation and reporting of defects in various types of plastic film, by means of an optical scanning system. Scope includes the in situ inspection of defects in films fabricated for specific applications as well as preparation of a suitable film sample to characterize defects within plastic granules followed by inspection of the film sample.

1.2 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.

1.3 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.