VICAT (Vicat Softening Temperature) Tests

Technically, the Vicat softening temperature is the temperature at which a flat-tipped needle enters the sample to a depth of 1 mm under a certain load. Temperature reflects the expected softening point when using a material in a high temperature application.

Three international standards based on this issue are:

• ASTM D1525-17e1 Standard test method for Vicat softening temperature of plastics. Developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the test method described in this standard is for determining the temperature at which a particular needle penetration occurs when samples are subjected to certain controlled test conditions. This test method is not recommended for ethyl cellulose, non-rigid poly (vinyl chloride), poly (vinylidene chloride) or other materials with a wide Vicat softening range.
• ISO 306 Plastics - Thermoplastic materials - Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST). This standard, developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO), defines four test methods for determining the Vicat softening temperature of thermoplastic materials. These methods are valid only for thermoplastics, where they give a measure of the temperature at which the thermoplastics begin to soften rapidly. These test methods are as follows:
  • Method A50: A force of 10 N and a heating rate of 50 degrees/hour are used.
  • Method B50: 50 N a force and a heating rate of 50 degrees/hour are used.
  • Method A120: A force of 10 N and a heating rate of 120 degrees/hour are used.
  • Method B120: A force of 50 N and a heating rate of 120 degrees/hour are used.
• EN 727 Plastic pipe and duct systems - Thermoplastic pipes and fittings - Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST). This European standard describes a test method for determining the Vicat softening temperature of pipes and fittings of thermoplastic materials, based on method B of the ISO 306 standard, using a force of 50 N and a heating rate of 50 degrees/hour. A measure of temperature is obtained only for thermoplastics where softening becomes rapid.

Our organization also provides Vicat (Vicat softening temperature) testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.