ASTM D3308-12 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D3308-12 (2022) — Standard Specification for PTFE Resin Skived Tape. This specification defines the classification, physical requirements, dimensional tolerances, and test requirements for skived polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape produced by skiving from PTFE resin molding and extrusion materials.

Abstract

ASTM D3308 establishes requirements for PTFE skived tape supplied in a range of thicknesses and widths. The standard classifies products into four Types (I — premium; II — general purpose; III — commercial; IV — utility) and two Grades (Grade 1 — virgin resin; Grade 2 — may contain reprocessed resin). Sampled specimens are required to meet limits for dimensions, melting point, tensile properties (strength and elongation), specific gravity, dielectric strength, and electrical failure mode criteria. The edition D3308-12 has been reapproved in 2022.

General information

• Status: Published — reapproved 2022 (active specification)
• Publication date: Reapproved May 1, 2022 (original adoption/last full revision: 2012)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 83.140.10 — Films and sheets
• Edition / version: D3308-12 (Reapproved 2022)
• Number of pages: 3

Scope

This specification covers PTFE skived tape manufactured by skiving (continuous shaving from molded tubing or extruded forms) in thicknesses from 0.013 mm to 6.35 mm (0.0005 in to 0.250 in). It applies to four product Types and two Grades and specifies required tests and acceptance criteria for dimensional tolerances, melting point, tensile and elongation properties, specific gravity, dielectric strength, and acceptable failure modes for electrical tests. The standard references related ASTM and ISO test methods and practices for conditioning, dimensional measurement, mechanical testing, density determination, and terminology.

Key topics and requirements

• Product classification: Type I (premium), Type II (general purpose), Type III (commercial), Type IV (utility); Grade 1 (virgin resin) and Grade 2 (may include reprocessed resin).
• Thickness range covered: 0.013 mm to 6.35 mm (0.0005 in to 0.250 in) with specified width and thickness tolerances.
• Required physical tests: dimensional checks (length, width, thickness), melting point, tensile strength and elongation at break, specific gravity (relative density), dielectric strength, and evaluation of failure mode in electrical tests.
• Referenced test methods and practices: ASTM procedures for dielectric breakdown, thickness measurement, conditioning, tensile testing, density/specific gravity, tensile tests for thin sheeting, and terminology (for example D149, D374, D618, D638, D792, D882, D883, D1600, D4894, etc.).
• Sampling and lot definitions: the standard defines a "lot" (one production run or uniform blend) and prescribes sampling/acceptance criteria for lot testing.
• Notes on safety and equivalence: the test-section includes a hazard caveat; ISO 13000 series are noted as related but not technically equivalent in all details.

Typical use and users

PTFE skived tape specified by D3308 is used where chemical resistance, thermal stability, low friction, or electrical insulating properties are required — for example in electrical insulation, gasketing/sealing, chemical-processing equipment, aerospace and defense components, and industrial machinery. Typical users include PTFE tape manufacturers, quality/control laboratories, procurement and specification engineers, OEMs in electronics and aerospace, and defense procurement offices (the standard is approved for use by U.S. government agencies).

Related standards

ASTM D3308 references several ASTM standards and related ISO documents relevant to testing and terminology, including (but not limited to) ASTM D149 (dielectric breakdown), D374 (thickness of solid electrical insulating materials), D618 (conditioning plastics), D638/D882 (tensile properties), D792 (density/specific gravity), D883 and D1600 (terminology), D4894 (PTFE granular materials), and ISO 13000‑1 / ISO 13000‑2 (PTFE semi‑finished products).

Keywords

PTFE, skived tape, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluoropolymer, skiving, tape thickness, dielectric strength, tensile strength, specific gravity, Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, Grade 1, Grade 2, ASTM D3308

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3308 is a specification that defines requirements and tests for PTFE resin skived tape, covering types, grades, dimensional tolerances, and required physical and electrical properties.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers skived PTFE tape manufactured by skiving from molded or extruded PTFE materials in thicknesses from 0.013 mm to 6.35 mm, specifying classification, test methods, acceptance criteria and sampling rules for physical and electrical properties.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of PTFE skived tape, quality and test laboratories, procurement/specification engineers in electrical, aerospace, chemical processing and industrial sectors, and government/defense agencies that reference material specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation shown is D3308-12 with reapproval in 2022 (D3308‑12 (Reapproved 2022)). It is a current, reapproved edition rather than a new full revision (the base revision year remains 2012, reapproved in 2022).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D3308 is part of ASTM Committee D20 (Plastics) publications and relates to other PTFE and plastics test methods and specifications; it is also related to ISO 13000 series on PTFE semi‑finished products.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PTFE, skived tape, fluoropolymer, dielectric strength, tensile properties, thickness tolerances, Type I–IV, Grade 1–2.