1.1 This standard provides a classification system for tabulating the properties of unfilled, single-layer plastic films.

1.2 The classification system and subsequent line call-out (specification) is intended to be a means of identifying plastic films used for applications including industrial, packaging, construction, and agriculture. It is not intended for the selection of materials to be used in films. This selection should be made by those having expertise in the plastics field after careful consideration of the end-use requirements, the environment to which the films will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the inherent properties of the material not covered in this document, and the economic factors.

1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that plastic films can be arranged into broad generic families based on materials with similar composition using basic film properties. A system is thus established which, together with values describing additional requirements, permits as complete a description as desired of the selected film.

1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification for a particular film product, the latter shall take precedence.

1.5 This classification system applies to commercial products and, as such, there is no control over the manufacturing parameters employed in producing the film. It shall be the responsibility of those developing the specification documents utilizing this classification system to identify the critical parameters and values to be used for the cell classifications and suffix requirements.

1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7 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.

1.8 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.