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D1968-22 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📜 Purpose and Scope of ASTM D1968‑22
ASTM D1968‑22 is the definitive standard providing uniform terminology relating to paper and paper products. Originally approved in 1990, this standard is issued under the fixed designation D1968, with the current edition approved on April 15, 2022, superseding D1968‑19. Developed by ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and Subcommittee D10.27 on Fiberboard Shipping Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials, the standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The scope of this standard is clearly defined: it contains terms related strictly to paper and paper products. Furthermore, it was developed in accordance with the internationally recognized principles on standardization established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring its relevance for global trade and regulatory compliance.
📋 Relationship to Key Test Methods
D1968‑22 functions as the master glossary for a vast suite of ASTM paper testing standards. By defining essential terms in one location, it eliminates ambiguity in the specifications and test reports generated using standards such as D828 for tensile properties and D2176 for folding endurance. It is critical for technical writers and quality professionals to understand that this terminology standard provides the definitions, while the specific methods listed in Section 2 provide the procedures. Many of the test methods originally associated with these terms are now withdrawn, yet the terminology itself remains active and authoritative.
| 🟦 Standard | 📏 Title | ⚡ Status |
|---|---|---|
| D528 | Test Method for Machine Direction of Paper and Paperboard | Withdrawn 2010 |
| D685 | Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing | Active |
| D828 | Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard (Constant-Rate-of-Elongation) | Active |
| D2176 | Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper and Plastics Film by the M.I.T. Tester | Active |
| D985 | Test Method for Brightness of Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard (Directional Reflectance at 457 nm) | Withdrawn 2010 |
💡 Technical Tip: Many of the test methods referenced in D1968‑22, such as D528 for machine direction and D589 for opacity, have been withdrawn by ASTM. The terminology standard itself remains the authoritative source for the core definitions. When updating a quality manual or specification, always verify the current status of a referenced standard to ensure you are using the appropriate replacement method.
⚙️ Practical Application in Industry
For professionals involved in the specification, manufacturing, and testing of paper and paper products, D1968‑22 is an indispensable tool. It ensures that terms like “water-soluble acidity” (D548), “copper number” (D919), or “blocking resistance” (D918) are understood uniformly across different laboratories and companies. The standard supports robust quality assurance programs by providing the exact language needed for contracts, specifications, and regulatory compliance, particularly for materials entering federally regulated supply chains. Adhering to the terminology in this standard ensures that test results are comparable across different testing environments and international borders.
| 📐 Standard Information | 🎯 Detail |
|---|---|
| Designation | D1968 – 22 |
| Original Approval | 1990 |
| Last Previous Edition | D1968 – 19 |
| Jurisdiction | Committee D10 / Subcommittee D10.27 |
| Scope | Terms relating to paper and paper products |
✅ Application Best Practice: When drafting procurement specifications for paper and paper products, directly cite D1968‑22 for terminology. Linking this to the appropriate active test methods (e.g., D828 for tensile strength or D2176 for folding endurance) creates a legally and technically robust framework that aligns with WTO TBT international standardization principles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the main purpose of ASTM D1968‑22?
D1968‑22 is a Standard Terminology document. Its sole purpose is to provide uniform and precise definitions for terms related to paper and paper products. It standardizes language across the industry, from raw material suppliers to end-users and testing laboratories.
💡 Which standards committee manages D1968‑22?
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging. It is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Fiberboard Shipping Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials.
⚡ Does D1968‑22 contain actual testing instructions?
No. D1968‑22 strictly defines the terminology. The specific testing instructions are contained in the standards cited in its Referenced Documents section (e.g., D828 for tensile properties, D2176 for folding endurance). This terminology standard provides the linguistic context for these test methods.
📌 Why are withdrawn test methods listed in the standard?
The standard lists historical methods to show the lineage of the terminology. Many of the terms defined in D1968 originated in these withdrawn standards (e.g., D528, D589). Users must always check the current status of a referenced standard before performing a procedure to see if a newer replacement exists.