Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D4385-19 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📋 Scope and Key Terminology
This practice, ASTM D4385-19, covers acceptance criteria for visual acceptance of thermosetting reinforced plastic pultruded rods, bars, shapes, and sheets. It defines possible defects to guide contracts, drawings, product specifications, and final inspection. Values are stated in inch-pound units as standard. There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard (Note 1).
Key terms from Section 3 are defined in accordance with ASTM D883 (Terminology Relating to Plastics) and specified for this standard as follows:
| 🟦 Term | 📖 Definition |
|---|---|
| Connection Areas | Areas of a pultruded member that form a connection and will not be visible after fabrication. |
| Fiber Blooming | Exposed reinforcements on the surface due to veil slippage or lack of resin, often blooming under UV light. |
| Internal Layer | Individual layers of unidirectional or transverse reinforcements laminated via pultrusion to achieve specific thickness. |
| Mat Discoloration | Yellowing of reinforcing mats caused by binder migration, resulting in visual streaks on the surface. |
| Test Requirement | Minimum design or specified values as per codes, standards, or customer requirements. |
🔍 Visual Defect Acceptance Criteria
Section 4 of the standard specifies that the pultruder is responsible for the method and frequency of inspection to maintain compliance, unless otherwise agreed. Dimensions and tolerances must follow the product drawing or ASTM D3917 (Specification for Dimensional Tolerance of Thermosetting Glass-Reinforced Plastic Pultruded Shapes). Allowable defects are those that do not affect serviceability and must be described by type, size, number, extent, and spacing.
💡 Key Point: Defects that by nature, number, or frequency do not affect serviceability are considered allowable. They must be fully documented to ensure consistent quality.
Classification of defects relies on the definitions provided in Section 3, including fiber blooming, mat discoloration, internal layer issues, and others