Overview
EN ISO 11403-2:2022 - Plastics: Acquisition and presentation of comparable multipoint data - Part 2: Thermal and processing properties (ISO 11403-2:2022) is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that defines how to generate, structure and present multipoint data for key thermal and processing properties of plastics. The standard ensures that data produced by different laboratories or suppliers are comparable and usable for material selection, processing optimization and data exchange.
Key topics
- Scope of properties covered
- Enthalpy/temperature curve (thermal transitions, crystallinity trends) - test procedure referenced: ISO 11357-3
- Linear-expansion/temperature curve (thermal expansion behaviour) - test procedure referenced: ISO 11359-2
- Melt shear viscosity (flow behaviour under shear during processing) - test procedure referenced: ISO 11443
- Specimen preparation and conditioning
- Data acquisition and presentation
- Specifies multipoint test procedures and formats to present temperature- or shear-dependent curves, enabling valid comparison between materials.
- Precision and reporting
- Includes clauses on test precision and recommended reporting elements to support reproducibility and interpretation.
- Complementary guidance
- Annex A lists other properties and references to related standards in the ISO 11403 series and ISO 10350 single‑point data series.
Practical applications
- Material selection: Engineers and designers compare enthalpy and expansion curves to select polymers with appropriate thermal performance (e.g., transition temperatures, degree of crystallinity).
- Process optimization: Rheologists and process engineers use melt shear viscosity profiles to set processing parameters (injection moulding, extrusion) and troubleshoot flow-related defects.
- Quality assurance and supplier data: Material suppliers and testing laboratories provide standardized multipoint datasets that stakeholders can compare reliably.
- Data management and modelling: Enables consistent data formats for databases, CAE inputs and digital material passports where multipoint thermal/processing behaviour is required.
- Research & development: Useful in polymer R&D when assessing the impact of formulations, additives or processing on thermal and rheological behaviour.
Who should use this standard
- Material suppliers, independent testing laboratories, product designers, process engineers, quality managers, and R&D teams involved in polymer selection, moulding, extrusion and simulation.
Related standards
By standardizing multipoint data acquisition and presentation, EN ISO 11403-2:2022 improves comparability of thermal and processing properties across suppliers and labs, supporting better material decisions and process control.
