Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5213-19 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
This specification covers polymeric resin film used for electrical insulation and dielectric applications, detailing material requirements, dimensional tolerances, and property values for films in sheet or strip form. The standard is part of ASTM D5213-19, which aligns with international principles and references key test methods for performance validation.
📐 Classification and Material Types
The standard defines several film types and grades, along with specific material items based on polymer chemistry. Type I is general-purpose film, while Type II is heat-sealable with coatings on one or both sides. Films are classified by base polymer as Items A through G, each with distinct properties for various electrical applications. Sheets are defined as material greater than 75 mm in width, and strips are 75 mm or less.
| 🔍 Type / Grade | 📦 Item | 🧪 Material Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type I – General Purpose | A | Poly(N,N’-p,p’-oxydiphenylene pyromellitimide) |
| Type I – General Purpose | B | Poly(N,N’-p,p’-oxydiphenylene biphenyltetracarboxylimide) |
| Type I – General Purpose | C | Poly(N,N’-p-phenylene biphenyltetracarboxylimide) |
| Type I – General Purpose | D | FEP-fluorocarbon |
| Type I – General Purpose | E | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) |
| Type I – General Purpose | F | Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) |
| Type I – General Purpose | G | Polyetherimide (PEI) |
| Type II – Heat Sealable, Grade 1 (One side coated) | — | Any Type I material with coating on one side |
| Type II – Heat Sealable, Grade 2 (Two sides coated) | — | Any Type I material with coating on both sides |
Note: Values are stated in SI units as the primary standard. Values in parentheses are for informational purposes only.
⚙️ Dimensional and Property Requirements
All film must be flexible and unsupported for Type I, while Type II must additionally meet heat-sealable coating specifications. Ordering per Section 5 requires stating type, grade, class, thickness, width, and roll dimensions. Thickness tolerances and property values are determined using referenced ASTM and IEC methods, ensuring consistency across items.
| ⚙️ Standard | 📐 Title | 🎯 Application |
|---|---|---|
| D149 | Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies | Measures dielectric strength of the film |
| D2305 | Test Methods for Polymeric Films Used for Electrical Insulation | General test methods for film properties |
| D3636 | Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials | Sampling procedures for quality control |
| D883 | Terminology Relating to Plastics | Defines plastic terms used |
| D1711 | Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation | Defines electrical insulation terms |
| IEC 60674-3 | Specification for Electrical Films for Electrical Purposes | International standard counterpart |
💡 Tip: For accurate compliance, include the full designation (Type, Grade, and Item) when specifying material per D5213-19. This ensures proper selection for your dielectric and insulation requirements.
📊 Key Measured Properties
Dielectric strength is evaluated using D149 at commercial power frequencies, while D2305 covers additional mechanical and electrical tests. Items A through C (polyimides) offer high thermal stability, Item D (FEP-fluorocarbon) provides low friction and chemical resistance, and Items E (PET), F (PEN), and G (PEI) serve general-purpose and high-performance needs. All films must meet Type I or Type II requirements, with heat-sealable variants (Type II) compliant for coated surfaces.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What are the primary film types covered in D5213-19?
The standard covers Type I (general purpose) and Type II (heat sealable) films, with Type II further divided into Grade 1 (one side coated) and Grade 2 (two sides coated).
💡 What is the difference between Type I and Type II films?
Type I is an unsupported, flexible film without coatings, while Type II meets all Type I requirements and additionally features a heat-sealable coating on one or both sides.
⚡ Which test methods are used to measure dielectric properties?
Dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength are measured using ASTM D149 at commercial power frequencies. General film properties are tested per ASTM D2305.
📌 How do I properly specify an order per D5213-19?
Orders should state the type, grade, class, thickness, width, and roll dimensions as per Section 5 of the standard.