Overview - EN ISO 180:2023 (Izod impact strength for plastics)
EN ISO 180:2023 specifies a standardized method to determine the Izod impact strength of plastics under defined conditions. The standard covers multiple specimen types, notch configurations and test parameters based on material type (thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, etc.). Its purpose is to investigate specimen behaviour under impact, and to provide comparative estimates of brittleness or toughness within the limitations of the test conditions. EN ISO 180:2023 supersedes EN ISO 180:2019 and is identical to ISO 180:2023.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Method is applicable to rigid thermoplastic and thermosetting moulding/extrusion materials, sheets, fibre‑reinforced composites and thermotropic liquid‑crystal polymers. It is not normally suitable for rigid cellular materials, sandwich structures or for notched tests on long‑fibre composites.
- Specimen types and preparation: Defines how specimens are moulded, machined or taken from finished products. Details are provided on dimensions, notch preparation and anisotropy considerations.
- Apparatus and verification: Describes required test machines (pendulum/Izod impact testers) and referencing verification standards for impact‑testing machines.
- Test procedure: Specifies conditioning, test set‑up, impact execution and data capture for both notched and unnotched specimens.
- Calculation and reporting: Provides how to calculate Izod impact strength (energy absorbed per original cross‑sectional area), statistical treatment of results, significant figures and required test report contents.
- Precision and validation: Includes a precision statement (interlaboratory results added in this edition) and references for machine verification.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 180:2023 is used by:
- Materials and polymer testing laboratories for routine quality control and product validation.
- R&D teams and material scientists for comparative toughness assessment during formulation and material selection.
- Manufacturers of plastic components and composites to characterize impact behaviour of mouldings, sheets and laminates.
- Certification bodies and procurement specialists who require reproducible, standardized impact data for specifications and supplier evaluation.
Typical uses include evaluating the effect of fillers, reinforcements or processing on impact resistance, comparing candidate materials for impact‑sensitive applications, and documenting baseline mechanical properties for product dossiers.
Related standards
- ISO 291 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 13802 - Verification of pendulum impact‑testing machines (Charpy, Izod, tensile impact)
- ISO 294-1, ISO 295, ISO 294 series - Specimen moulding and preparation standards
- ISO 2818 - Preparation of test specimens by machining
- ISO 1268, ISO 10724-1 - Fibre‑reinforced plastics and PMC specimen preparation
Keywords: EN ISO 180:2023, Izod impact strength, Izod test, plastics testing, impact strength, pendulum impact-testing, notched specimen, unnotched specimen, polymer toughness.
