Overview
ISO 11833-1:2019 defines requirements and test methods for flat unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‑U) sheets manufactured by extrusion or pressing. The standard applies to sheets of thickness not less than 1.0 mm and excludes biaxially stretched PVC‑U. It covers materials, classification, dimensional tolerances, surface appearance, mechanical/thermal/chemical properties, sampling and conditioning, test methods and marking - providing a basis for consistent quality and specification of PVC‑U sheets.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and material: Sheets must be made from PVC‑U compounds per ISO 21306‑1; unknown additives are not permitted.
- Classification: Sheets are grouped into five types by key properties:
- Group 1 - General-purpose
- Group 2 - Transparent
- Group 3 - High‑modulus
- Group 4 - High‑impact
- Group 5 - Heat‑resistant
- Appearance and masking: Surface must be free of visible flaws, bubbles or colour unevenness; masking/packaging provisions are agreed between parties.
- Dimensions and tolerances: Specifies tolerances for length, width and rectangularity for extruded and pressed sheets (tables provided). Thickness tolerances differ for non‑critical vs critical applications.
- Mechanical & physical properties: Defines required values and test procedures for:
- Tensile stress at yield and strain (ISO 527‑2)
- Charpy impact strength (ISO 179‑1) - notched and unnotched
- Modulus of elasticity, flexural strength (ISO 178)
- Vicat softening temperature (ISO 306)
- Dimensional change on heating, resistance to delamination (informative annexes)
- Other tests: hardness, density, creep modulus, temperature of deflection, total luminous transmittance, volume resistivity
- Test methods & sampling: Includes sampling, specimen preparation, conditioning (ISO 291) and handling of results; testing frequencies and measurement positions are specified.
- Marking: Requirements for sheet identification and traceability.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 11833‑1:2019 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of PVC‑U extruded and pressed sheets to specify production, QA and product labels.
- Quality laboratories and test houses performing mechanical, thermal and optical tests.
- Product designers, specifiers and procurement teams in construction, glazing, signage, industrial components and other applications requiring flat PVC‑U sheets.
- Suppliers and end‑users agreeing on tolerances, appearance criteria and performance classification.
Using ISO 11833‑1 helps ensure consistent material performance, reliable procurement specifications, and conformity of PVC‑U sheets for safety and functional requirements.
Related standards
Common normative references include ISO 21306‑1 (PVC‑U compounds), ISO 527‑2, ISO 179‑1, ISO 306, ISO 178, ISO 291 and ISO 1183 series (density). For full compliance consult the complete ISO 11833‑1:2019 document.
Open preview (PDF)Plastics — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sheets — Part 1: Types, dimensions and characteristics for sheets of thickness not less than 1 mm