ASTM D1895

Introducing ASTM D1895 – Industrial Physics

ASTM D1895 is a global ASTM international standard method to measure the apparent density, bulk factor, and pourability of plastic materials.  

This ASTM test is a great choice for bulk density testing of molding powders and materials ranging from fine powders, chemical substances and granules. This ASTM standard approach is also suitable for mineral components like soil and gravel, through to large flakes and cut fibers.   

Bulk density is defined as the a of many material particles divided by the total volume they occupy. This ASTM D1895 test enables you to evaluate the performance and both packaging and fabrication uses of plastic materials. And determine the handling properties and readiness of the material, as well as ensuring the delivery of uniform weights. 

The ASTM D1895 testing process

In simple terms your ASTM D1895 test involves pouring your sample material into a closed measuring cup. The weight is measured in grams and the accumulated materials in the funnel are mixed with an anti-static agent to eliminate electrostatic charges.  

Next you open the cup and measure the height of the material after it’s dropped into a measuring cylinder. Using a scale, you can then inspect the size of the loose material. 

Bulk density is not an intrinsic property of a material: it’s changeable depending on how the material is handled. A powder poured into a cylinder will have a certain bulk density, but if this container is disturbed, its particles will move. You’ll find they typically settle closer together which will lead to a higher bulk density recording.  

Because of this, a powder’s bulk density in an ASTM test is usually referred to as ‘freely settled’ (or poured density) or ‘tapped’ density (the bulk density of the powder after a specified compaction process.

The ASTM D1895 test method considers SI units to be the standard measurement. 

ASTM D1895 method A

Mainly used to measure the apparent density of fine granules that can be poured readily through a “V” shaped funnel. The material under test is allowed to flow into a cylindrical cup with a known volume of 100cm3. 

Using this ASTM D1895 approach you can carry out apparent density, bulk factor and pourability testing.  

ASTM D1895 method B

Primarily used to measure the apparent density of larger coarse granular materials, dice or pellets that can’t be poured effectively through the method A funnel. The material under test is allowed to flow into a cylindrical cup with a known volume of 400cm3. 

As with method A, using this ASTM D1895 approach you can carry out apparent density, bulk factor and pourability testing.  

ASTM D1895 method C

ASTM D1895 method C is the approach for coarse flakes, strands, chips and cut fibers. Basically…anything that can’t be poured using test methods A and B!

These types of materials are bulky when poured loosely and are usually compressed to lessen the bulk. This makes a measure of their bulk density under a small compression load very useful.

For this ASTM test a measuring cylinder of 1000 cm3 is appropriate, with a scaled weight plunger with one-millimeter graduations on the outside. Lead shot is used to increase the plunger weight to 2300g to compress the material under test. 

The ASTM D1895 method C is only suitable for apparent density testing.  

ASTM D1895 testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM D1895 testing?
Bulk density apparatus  

Pour your eyes over our reliable instruments. They’re custom-built to measure apparent density, bulk factory and the pourability of plastic materials, such as molding powders.  

We design and manufacture the best-in-class bulk density testing devices to the most stringent ASTM and ISO standard requirements. We make four different models of bulk density apparatus. Each of them is custom built to match the needs of each of the relevant international ASTM or ISO standard approaches. 

Need bulk density testing solutions? Get in touch

We’ve learnt a thing or two about apparent bulk density testing over the decades. Now Industrial Physics is recognized as a brand that likes to bring reliable bulk density testing equipment to market. 

We like to share our knowledge and we’re here to help you to answer your questions about apparent bulk density testing. Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects. For example, there’s this blog that tells us that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to bulk density testing.   

Get in touch today to find out more about the apparent bulk density testing equipment we can offer!

Your global test and measurement partner for ASTM D1895