ASTM D1895

Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Plastic Materials

Applicability: Applies to plastic materials in the forms of molding powders, granules, flakes, and cut fibers as commonly received for fabrication. The standard includes multiple test methods (A, B, and C) to accommodate the range of material forms and flow characteristics encountered, from free-flowing powders to coarser granules that require different funnel geometries.

Purpose: Measures three interrelated physical properties: apparent density (the mass per unit volume of loose material, reflecting how dense or airy the bulk material is), bulk factor (the ratio of the volume of loose material to the volume of the same mass in consolidated form, predicting shrinkage during processing), and pourability (the flow rate through a standardized orifice, indicating ease of handling in hoppers and feed systems). Results provide manufacturers and processors with practical indices for evaluating material handling behavior, designing storage and feed systems, and ensuring consistent volumetric delivery of material in production settings.