Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D581 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D581/D581M-12 defines the specifications for continuous glass filament greige braided tubular sleeving. This sleeving is widely utilized as electrical insulation as well as in structural and mechanical applications. The standard provides a comprehensive classification system for these essential industrial textiles, outlining material, dimensional, and performance requirements.
🧵 Material and Yarn Specifications
All sleeving under this specification must be constructed from electrical classification (E-glass) continuous filament glass yarns. These must fall within the specific chemical composition limits used for textile glass fiber products, as directed by Specification D578. The raw, unfinished state of the sleeving is classified as “greige goods,” meaning it has not undergone any coating, impregnation, or finishing processes. Terminology for glass fiber products is defined in ASTM D7018.
💡 Scope of Application: This greige sleeving serves as a base material suitable for electrical insulation and structural/mechanical reinforcement. Users requiring coated or treated sleeving should refer to the appropriate treated sleeving specifications for post-processing requirements.
📐 Tubing Classification and Dimensional Standards
The standard designates Type G (Glass Fiber Greige Braided Tubular Sleeving), which is produced in two distinct styles differentiated by their nominal wall thickness. These dimensions are critical for ensuring proper fit and performance in the intended insulating or mechanical application.
| ⚡ Type / Style | 🎯 Description | 📏 Wall Thickness (SI) | 📏 Wall Thickness (Inch-Pound) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type G | Glass fiber greige braided tubular sleeving | Base Type | Base Type |
| Style A | Nominal wall thickness sleeving | 0.20 mm | 0.008 in. |
| Style B | Nominal wall thickness sleeving | 0.15 mm | 0.006 in. |
⚠️ Important Note on Unit Systems: According to Section 1.3 of the standard, values stated in SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values in each system may not be exact equivalents. Each system must be used independently. Combining values from the two systems can result in non-conformance with the standard.
🧪 Testing Methods and Quality Assurance
Conformance to ASTM D581/D581M requires careful adherence to designated test methods for evaluating the physical properties of the braided sleeving. Key evaluations include methods for determining yarn number (D1907), twist (D1423), ignition loss (D4963), and fabric geometry (D3775). The standard mandates conditioning of test specimens in accordance with Practice D1776 prior to testing. Sampling for inspection is governed by the ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 standard, utilizing specific statistical sampling procedures to ensure the validity of the quality assessment.
| 📌 Standard | 🎯 Title and Scope |
|---|---|
| D578 | Specification for Glass Fiber Strands |
| D350 | Test Methods for Flexible Treated Sleeving Used for Electrical Insulation |
| D1776 | Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles |
| D4963 | Test Method for Ignition Loss of Glass Strands and Fabrics |
| ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 | Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📌 What is the primary application of this greige braided sleeving?
The sleeving is designed for use as electrical insulation and for structural and mechanical applications. It serves as a base specification for unfinished tubular braids made from continuous E-glass filaments.
💡 What is the difference between Style A and Style B sleeving?
The primary difference is the wall thickness. Style A has a nominal wall thickness of 0.20 mm [0.008 in.], while Style B has a thinner nominal wall thickness of 0.15 mm [0.006 in.].
🔍 What type of glass fiber is required for this specification?
Only electrical classification (E-glass) continuous filament glass yarns are permitted. The yarns must comply with the chemical composition and requirements outlined in ASTM Specification D578.
⚡ What are the key referenced standards for testing?
Key testing standards referenced include D578 for strands, D4963 for ignition loss, D1776 for conditioning, and ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 for sampling procedures.