Overview
ISO 6414:2020 - Technical product documentation (TPD) - Technical drawings for glassware provides standardized rules and graphical conventions for creating unambiguous technical drawings of glassware used in laboratories and other technical fields. The standard covers representation, sectioning, dimensioning and special indications for components such as thin‑walled tubes, sintered (fritted) filters, joints and composite or jacketed vessels. Optical parts are explicitly excluded.
Key topics and requirements
- General representation: Glassware is normally drawn as opaque (non‑transparent) following ISO 128-34 principles; inner components or calibration markings may be shown through transparency for observation (e.g., jacketed vessels).
- Sections and hatching: Small sections may be blackened when outlines are within 3 mm; differing materials (glass/metal seals) must use distinct hatching.
- Interchangeable ground joints: Conical joints follow ISO 383 designation rules (e.g., “19/26” code); spherical joints follow ISO 641 designations (e.g., “S13”), and detailed surface finish/dimensions for these joint areas need not be repeated on drawings.
- Thin walls and diameter indication: Thin walls are shown in section by lines thicker than visible outlines; external and internal diameters are specified per ISO 129-1 conventions, with options for indicating “int.” when wall thickness is not required.
- Tubes and coiled tubing: Tube ends with special features (holes, closed ends) must be drawn in section; coiled tubes may be represented in a simplified form with functional dimensioning.
- Sintered (fritted) filters: Represented in section by random clear dotting; porosity and filter details are referenced to ISO 4793.
- Joints and removable parts: Fused and cemented joints have prescribed section symbols; adhesives should be specified when used; removable items (stopcocks, stirrers, gland assemblies) must be shown spaced to avoid ambiguity.
- Composite glassware: Complex sealed assemblies may be simplified by separating detailed components for clarity.
Applications and users
ISO 6414 is essential for:
- Technical drafters and CAD engineers preparing drawings for labware manufacturers
- Chemical and pharmaceutical equipment designers specifying glass components
- Quality and manufacturing engineers ensuring interchangeability and correct assembly
- Procurement, regulatory and conformity-assessment teams requiring clear product documentation
Using ISO 6414 improves manufacturability, reduces drawing ambiguity, ensures compatibility with standardized ground joints, and streamlines communication between designers, manufacturers and laboratories.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 6414:2020, technical drawings for glassware, laboratory glassware drawings, thin‑walled glassware, interchangeable ground joints, sintered filters, TPD.