ASTM F668-17(2022)

Overview

ASTM F668-17(2022) is the internationally recognized standard specification for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, and other polymer-coated steel chain link fence fabric. Developed and published by ASTM International, this standard outlines requirements for protective polymer coatings applied to steel wire before weaving, ensuring the durability, safety, and uniformity of chain-link fencing used in various settings. The specification covers the materials, manufacturing process, physical characteristics, and performance requirements necessary for high-quality, corrosion-resistant steel chain-link fence fabrics.

Key Topics

Classes of Polymer Coatings

• Class 1: Polymer coatings are extruded over metallic-coated steel wire. Supported metallic coatings include zinc, aluminum, and zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy.
• Class 2a: Polymer coating is both extruded and adhered to the metallic-coated core wire for improved bond and resistance.
• Class 2b: Polymer coating is fused and adhered to the metallic-coated steel wire, typically requiring a primer for strong chemical bonding.

Material & Performance Requirements

• Material Quality: Specifies requirements for the base steel wire, suitable polymer coatings, and metallic coatings.
• Weave and Mesh: Ensures uniform square mesh with standard mesh sizes and diamond counts to provide consistent strength and appearance.
• Wire & Mesh Sizes: Details standard wire gauges, mesh sizes, and fabric heights, with permissible variations.
• Coating Thickness & Adherence: Defines minimum and maximum polymer coating thicknesses and assesses adhesion through standardized tests.
• Mechanical Strength: Outlines minimum wire breaking strengths, as well as the required weight of metallic coatings to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion.
• Color & Finish: Standardizes polymer colors (e.g., green, brown, black) for uniform aesthetics as per ASTM F934.

Testing & Compliance

• Adhesion and Durability Tests: Includes tests for coating adhesion, flexibility (mandrel bend test), and accelerated aging to ensure product performance in various environments.
• Sampling & Inspection: Provides field sampling guidelines and inspection protocols for confirming compliance with requirements.

Applications

ASTM F668-17(2022) is widely applicable for projects requiring polymer-coated steel chain-link fencing, especially when improved corrosion resistance, appearance, and longer service life are needed. Typical applications include:

• Security fences around commercial, industrial, sports, and institutional properties.
• Residential fencing for property boundaries and backyard enclosures.
• Swimming pool enclosures, where smaller mesh sizes are recommended for safety.
• Public infrastructure such as parks, schools, and recreational sports fields.
• Military and government facilities, with additional requirements for shipment marking.

By specifying standards for coating quality, mesh uniformity, and mechanical properties, ASTM F668 helps specifiers, manufacturers, and contractors ensure the installation of reliable and durable chain-link fences suited for diverse climates and security requirements.

Related Standards

• ASTM A90/A90M: Test Method for Weight of Coating on Iron and Steel with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings.
• ASTM A370: Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products.
• ASTM A428/A428M: Test Method for Weight of Coating on Aluminum-Coated Iron or Steel.
• ASTM F552: Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing.
• ASTM F934: Specification for Standard Colors for Polymer-Coated Chain Link Fence Materials.
• ASTM D1499, G152, G153, G155: Practices for accelerated weathering of plastics and nonmetallic materials.
• U.S. Military and Federal Shipping Standards: MIL-STD-129 and Fed. Std. No. 123 for marking and packaging.

These related documents provide additional requirements for mechanical testing, coating evaluation, color standardization, and performance testing, ensuring comprehensive coverage for polymer-coated steel chain-link fencing applications.

Keywords: ASTM F668, PVC-coated chain-link fence, polymer-coated steel fence fabric, polyolefin, wire coatings, corrosion-resistant fencing, standard mesh size, chain-link fence specification, security fencing standards.