Overview
ISO 7056:1981 - "Plastics laboratory ware - Beakers" specifies construction, dimensions, markings and test methods for squat-form plastic beakers used in laboratories. It applies to beakers with nominal capacities from 25 ml to 5000 ml, in tapered or non‑tapered form. The standard defines graduation rules, material and geometric requirements, and two verification tests provided as annexes (ionic extraction by water at 60 °C and a flexibility test).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Capacities and sizes: Nominal capacities covered: 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 ml with specified figured graduation intervals (e.g., 5 ml intervals for 25 ml beakers, 1000 ml for 5000 ml beakers).
- Graduation and tolerances: Non‑opaque beakers must be graduated externally. Errors in graduation shall not exceed +10% of indicated values. The highest graduation line indicates nominal capacity; the lowest is 20% of nominal.
- Capacity (brimful): Brimful capacity shall be at least 1.3× nominal capacity for sizes up to 500 ml, and 1.2× for larger sizes.
- Material and construction: Beakers must be made of generally non‑brittle plastics, free from moulding defects and stresses; wall thickness must be uniform and base thickness not less than wall thickness. Internal radius at the base junction must be ≥ 3 mm.
- Brim, spout and shape: Brim diameter ≥ 10% greater than average external body diameter; spout orientation and shape requirements ensure pouring without running down the side. Overall height to maximum body diameter ratio between 1.0 and 1.4.
- Markings/inscriptions: Durable markings required: “approximate volumes” (or abbreviation), maker/vendor identification, material name or symbol (e.g., “PP”), manufacturer’s recommended safe maximum temperature, and a pictogram indicating unsuitable for flame or high heat.
- Annex A - Ionic extraction test: Fill with de‑ionized water and hold at 60 ± 2 °C for 3 h. The aqueous extract must be free of suspended matter and the conductivity increase must not exceed specified values (see standard’s Table 2).
- Annex B - Flexibility test: A test pin applies 30 N force; the brim outside diameter must not decrease by more than 10% under test conditions.
Applications and users
ISO 7056 is used to:
- Guide manufacturers of plastic laboratoryware (design, molding, marking).
- Support procurement and specification writers who require compliant plastic beakers.
- Inform laboratory managers, quality assurance, and regulatory teams verifying product conformity.
- Assist test laboratories performing conductivity/extraction and mechanical flexibility checks.
Keywords: ISO 7056, plastics laboratory ware, plastic beakers, graduation tolerance, brimful capacity, ionic extraction test, flexibility test, laboratory glassware standards.
Related standards
- ISO/TC 48 (technical committee responsible for laboratory glassware and related apparatus)
- IEC Publication 335‑1 (safety requirements referenced for test pin)
- ISO 1043 (plastics symbols referenced for material marking)
