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D3394-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Specimen Requirements and Conditioning
ASTM D3394-16 specifies test methods for porous, fibrous electrical insulating boards used for dielectric and structural purposes. These methods apply strictly to materials with a nominal thickness of at least 0.030 in. (0.76 mm). For thinner materials, Test Methods D202 should be consulted.
⚠️ Scope Limitation: These methods are not intended for testing vulcanized fibre or molded laminated sheets.
Standard conditioning is required per Practice D685 (Section 11). Specimens are prepared from samples obtained per Practice D3636 (Sections 6-9). Dimensional properties are measured per Sections 12-17.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Requirement | 📐 Section |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Thickness | 0.030 in. (0.76 mm) | 1.3 |
| Conditioning | ASTM D685 | 11 |
| Sampling | ASTM D3636 | 6 – 9 |
⚙️ Mechanical and Dielectric Test Procedures
The standard integrates several referenced ASTM methods. Dielectric strength is assessed in air (Sections 53-59) and in oil (Sections 60-65), using Test Method D149. Oil testing also references D2413 and D3426. Compressibility (Sections 79-85) and tensile properties (Sections 66-71, per D202) evaluate board integrity under mechanical stress.
💡 Units of Measurement: Values in inch-pound units are regarded as the standard. SI units in parentheses are mathematical conversions for information only per Section 1.5.
| 🎯 Test Property | ⚡ Primary Reference | 📌 Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength (Air) | ASTM D149 | 53 – 59 |
| Dielectric Strength (Oil) | D149, D2413, D3426 | 60 – 65 |
| Tensile Properties | ASTM D202 | 66 – 71 |
| Oil Absorption | Detailed in Section | 72 – 78 |
| Compressibility | Detailed in Section | 79 – 85 |
📊 Physical and Chemical Property Analysis
Apparent density (Sections 18-23) and moisture content (Sections 31-35, per D644) are fundamental physical properties. Aqueous extract characteristics (Sections 36-42) are tested per D202. Ash content (