Overview

EN ISO 2507:2026 defines a standardized method for determining the Vicat softening temperature (VST) of thermoplastics pipes and fittings. This European Standard, developed by CEN and aligned with ISO 2507:2026, specifies the general test method and specific test conditions for products based on vinyl chloride (PVC-U, PVC-C, PVC-HI) and acrylonitrile (ABS, ASA). The VST test is vital for assessing the thermal performance of plastic piping materials in a consistent and comparable way.

The standard adopts method B 50 of ISO 306:2022, using a force of 50 N and a heating rate of 50 °C/h. It gives detailed instructions for specimen preparation from pipes and fittings, ensuring that laboratory results reflect real-world material behavior.

Key Topics

Vicat Softening Temperature (VST): The temperature at which a flat-ended indenter penetrates a plastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under specified force and heating rate.
Applicable Materials:
- Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
- Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-C)
- High-impact poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-HI)
- Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS)
- Acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic ester (ASA)
- The method can also be applied to other plastics, such as PE-UHMW.
Test Method Basics:
- Use of a prescribed load (50 N) and heating rate (50 °C/h)
- Specimen preparation guidelines for pipes and fittings
- Conditioning requirements before testing
- Heating equipment and measurement accuracy
Test Report Requirements:
- Identification of sample
- Test specimen details
- Equipment and media used
- Individual and mean test results

Applications

Following the procedures in EN ISO 2507:2026 delivers reliable VST data, which is crucial for:

Product Development: Guiding material selection for pipes and fittings by determining their temperature resistance and suitability for specific environments.
Quality Control: Routine testing of batch samples to ensure conformity to specifications and to compare the thermal performance of plastic piping systems.
Certification and Compliance: Demonstrating product compliance with European and international quality standards, which is essential for regulatory approval and market access.
Comparative Testing: Enabling consistent comparison between different batches, manufacturers, or material types under standardized conditions.

Industries using plastic piping-such as water supply, chemical processing, or building construction-require proven thermal performance to prevent deformation or failure under service conditions, making standardized VST testing indispensable.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to material testing and quality assurance, the following standards should be considered alongside EN ISO 2507:2026:

ISO 306:2022 Plastics - Thermoplastic materials - Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST), the reference for method B 50 used in EN ISO 2507:2026.
ISO 291 Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.
ISO 472 Plastics - Vocabulary, for relevant terminology.
ISO 16012 Plastics - Determination of linear dimensions of test specimens.
IEC 60584-1 and IEC 60584-3 Thermocouples - Specifications, tolerances, extension, and compensating cables.
IEC 60751 Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and temperature sensors.

By implementing EN ISO 2507:2026 and the related standards, organizations ensure robust testing, transparent reporting, and enhanced product reliability in the plastics piping sector. This harmonizes market requirements and strengthens stakeholder confidence in thermoplastics pipe and fitting materials.

Overview

Key Topics

Vicat Softening Temperature (VST): The temperature at which a flat-ended indenter penetrates a plastic specimen to a depth of 1 mm under specified force and heating rate.
Applicable Materials:
- Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
- Chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-C)
- High-impact poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-HI)
- Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS)
- Acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylic ester (ASA)
- The method can also be applied to other plastics, such as PE-UHMW.
Test Method Basics:
- Use of a prescribed load (50 N) and heating rate (50 °C/h)
- Specimen preparation guidelines for pipes and fittings
- Conditioning requirements before testing
- Heating equipment and measurement accuracy
Test Report Requirements:
- Identification of sample
- Test specimen details
- Equipment and media used
- Individual and mean test results

Applications

Following the procedures in EN ISO 2507:2026 delivers reliable VST data, which is crucial for:

Product Development: Guiding material selection for pipes and fittings by determining their temperature resistance and suitability for specific environments.
Quality Control: Routine testing of batch samples to ensure conformity to specifications and to compare the thermal performance of plastic piping systems.
Certification and Compliance: Demonstrating product compliance with European and international quality standards, which is essential for regulatory approval and market access.
Comparative Testing: Enabling consistent comparison between different batches, manufacturers, or material types under standardized conditions.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to material testing and quality assurance, the following standards should be considered alongside EN ISO 2507:2026:

ISO 306:2022 Plastics - Thermoplastic materials - Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST), the reference for method B 50 used in EN ISO 2507:2026.
ISO 291 Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.
ISO 472 Plastics - Vocabulary, for relevant terminology.
ISO 16012 Plastics - Determination of linear dimensions of test specimens.
IEC 60584-1 and IEC 60584-3 Thermocouples - Specifications, tolerances, extension, and compensating cables.
IEC 60751 Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and temperature sensors.

EN ISO 2507:2026 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics

Applications

Related Standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics

Applications

Related Standards

Related standards

Thermoplastics pipes and fittings — Vicat softening temperature — General test method and test conditions for…

Plastics — Thermoplastic materials — Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST)

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