Overview
EN ISO 4788:2005 - Laboratory glassware: Graduated measuring cylinders (ISO 4788:2005) defines the dimensional, material, constructional and metrological requirements for graduated measuring cylinders used in general laboratory work. The standard covers three cylinder types (tall spouted Type 1a, tall stoppered Type 1b, and squat spouted Type 2), specifies nominal capacities from small (ml scale) up to 2 000 ml, and aligns with the volumetric glassware principles set out in ISO 384. The reference temperature for capacity is 20 °C (27 °C optional for some regions) and the unit of volume is the millilitre (ml).
Key topics and requirements
- Types and accuracy classes
- Type 1a: tall form with spout (Class A and B)
- Type 1b: tall form with ground neck and stopper (Class A and B)
- Type 2: squat form with spout (Class B)
- Capacity series and dimensions
- Nominal capacities typically range from 5 ml to 2 000 ml; dimensional series and subdivisions are specified in tables within the standard.
- Metrological requirements
- Maximum permissible errors and scale subdivisions are defined per capacity and class (detailed in the standard tables).
- Capacity is defined as the volume of water at the reference temperature contained to the highest graduation line; meniscus setting follows ISO 4787.
- Material and construction
- Glass must meet hydrolytic resistance class HGB3 (ISO 719).
- Cylinders must be robust, have uniform wall thickness, stable bases (integral or detachable), polished rims, and spouts designed to pour without running.
- Stopper and joints
- Ground joints to standard sizes (ISO 383) and provision for well-fitting stoppers; unique identification marking when stoppers are individually ground.
- Graduation, marking and testing
- Graduation patterns and figuring follow ISO 384; capacity testing per ISO 4787.
- Required permanent markings: nominal capacity, unit (ml/cm3), reference temperature, “In” (adjusted to contain), class (A/B), maker, glass type, and joint size where applicable.
Applications and users
- Quality managers and procurement teams specifying laboratory glassware
- Manufacturers of laboratory graduated cylinders and accessory suppliers
- Calibration and testing laboratories performing metrological verification
- Research, clinical and industrial laboratories requiring traceable volumetric measurements
- Regulatory bodies and accreditation assessors for laboratory equipment
Related standards
- ISO 384 - Principles of design and construction of volumetric glassware
- ISO 4787 - Methods for use and testing of volumetric glassware capacity
- ISO 719 - Hydrolytic resistance of glass
- ISO 383 - Interchangeable ground joints
- ISO 4794 - Assessment of enamel marking chemical resistance
Keywords: EN ISO 4788:2005, graduated measuring cylinders, laboratory glassware, Class A and B, metrological requirements, ISO 4788, ISO 384, volumetric glassware.
