ISO 19063-1:2015

Overview

ISO 19063-1:2015 - Plastics - Impact-resistant polystyrene (PS‑I) moulding and extrusion materials - Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications defines a standardized designation system for impact‑resistant polystyrene (PS‑I). It provides the method to identify PS‑I materials for moulding and extrusion by specifying how to record composition, intended processing/application, designatory properties and supplementary information. The standard applies to two‑phase PS‑I (polystyrene or styrene copolymer continuous phase with a butadiene‑based elastomeric dispersed phase) and excludes expandable materials.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Designation structure: a standardized string with an identity block and an individual‑item block subdivided into five data blocks (identification, fillers/reinforcements, processing/additives, designatory properties, optional application‑specific requirements).
• Data block 1: Material identification as PS‑I (per ISO 1043‑1).
• Data block 2: Filler/reinforcement codes and nominal mass content (codes from ISO 1043‑2; mixtures allowed, e.g. (GF+MD)35).
• Data block 3: First letter = intended application or processing (e.g., M = moulding, E = extrusion); letters 2–8 = additives/supplementary characteristics (e.g., L = light stabilized, N = natural).
• Data block 4 - Designatory properties (code numbers represent ranges):
  • Vicat softening temperature (VST) (three‑figure codes; e.g., 083 = >80 ≤85 °C) - measured per ISO 2897‑2.
  • Melt mass‑flow rate (MFR) (two‑figure codes; measured at 200 °C/5 kg; e.g., 12 = >8 ≤16 g/10 min).
  • Charpy notched impact strength (two‑figure codes; kJ/m² ranges).
  • Flexural modulus (two‑figure codes; MPa ranges).
• Data block 5 (optional): Adds application‑specific or contractual requirements to turn a designation into a usable specification.
• Test methods: When extra properties are needed, tests are to follow ISO 2897‑2.

Note: ISO 19063‑1:2015 does not supply engineering performance data or processing conditions and does not imply identical performance for materials sharing the same designation.

Practical applications

• Standardizes how material suppliers, plastics compounders, OEMs, design engineers, quality managers, and procurement teams specify and mark PS‑I materials for injection moulding, extrusion and related processes.
• Helps create clear specifications for material selection, part marking and purchasing documentation.
• Useful in technical data sheets and conformity declarations where consistent identification of impact‑resistant polystyrene (PS‑I) is required.

Who should use it

• Plastics material manufacturers and compounders
• Product designers and plastics engineers
• Test laboratories and quality assurance teams
• Procurement and standards/specification writers in automotive, consumer goods, electronics and packaging sectors

Related standards

• ISO 2897‑2 - test specimen preparation and property determination for PS‑I
• ISO 1043 (all parts) - polymer and filler codes
• ISO 11469 - generic material marking

Using ISO 19063‑1:2015 supports consistent, SEO‑friendly identification and specification of PS‑I materials across supply chains and technical documentation.