ASTM D1894 — Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting
ASTM D1894 is the primary international standard for measuring static and kinetic coefficients of friction (COF) on plastic film, sheeting, and other flexible materials. It defines the sled geometry, test speed, surface configurations, and calculation methods used by packaging laboratories, film manufacturers, and quality control departments worldwide. The MXD-02A Coefficient of Friction Tester is purpose-built to meet every requirement of ASTM D1894.
Quick Answer
ASTM D1894 requires a 200 g sled (63.5 × 63.5 mm), a test speed of 150 ± 30 mm/min, and a minimum of five specimens per test. It measures both static COF (peak force at initial slip) and kinetic COF (average force during sliding) for plastic film, sheeting, and flexible materials.
What Is ASTM D1894
ASTM D1894, published by ASTM International under Committee D20 on Plastics, defines a horizontal-plane test method for determining the static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and sheeting. The standard was first issued in 1956 and has been revised multiple times to reflect advances in instrumentation and measurement practice. Static COF is derived from the peak force required to initiate sliding of the sled across the test specimen. Kinetic COF is derived from the average force recorded after sliding has been established and stabilized. Both values are dimensionless ratios: measured force divided by the normal force (sled weight times gravitational acceleration). The standard specifies that results be reported to three decimal places and that the mean and standard deviation across at least five specimens be recorded.
Scope and Applicability
ASTM D1894 applies to plastic film, sheeting, and other flexible materials thin enough to conform to the test surface under the 200 g sled. Typical materials include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), polyamide (PA), multilayer barrier films, flexible packaging laminates, and stretch wraps. The standard covers two surface configurations: film-to-film (same material on both sled and bed) and film-to-surface (film specimen on the bed, reference surface on the sled). It does not apply to rigid plastics, coated papers, or other materials unless the user can demonstrate that the specimen can be held flat without distortion under test conditions. ASTM D1894 is widely cited in film and packaging industry specifications, purchase contracts, and regulatory submissions.
Test Apparatus Requirements
The standard prescribes a horizontal test bed and a sled of 200 g mass with a flat, smooth base measuring 63.5 × 63.5 mm (2.5 × 2.5 in). The sled must be connected to a force transducer via a non-stretchable, flexible line oriented parallel to the test surface. The drive mechanism must maintain a constant speed of 150 ± 30 mm/min throughout the test stroke. Force measurement accuracy must be within ±0.5% of the full-scale range in use. The test bed must be level (within 0.5°) and smooth enough not to introduce surface texture artifacts into the measurement. Temperature and humidity conditions during testing must be recorded, as COF values for many plastic films are sensitive to ambient conditions. The standard recommends testing at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity unless the parties agree otherwise.
Test Procedure Step-by-Step
First, condition specimens at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% RH for at least 40 hours before testing. Cut specimens to a size that covers the sled footprint with at least 25 mm of overhang on all sides. Secure the bed specimen flat without wrinkles. Place the sled specimen face-down on the sled, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped. Attach the sled to the load cell via the connecting line, ensuring the line is horizontal and taut but not pre-loaded. Start the drive at 150 mm/min. Record the initial peak force (static COF event) and then the plateau force over the remaining stroke (kinetic COF zone). Stop the test after the sled has traveled the required distance. Remove the sled and specimens; do not reuse test surfaces. Repeat for a minimum of five specimens from different areas of the material lot.
Result Calculation and Reporting
Static COF is calculated as: μs = Fs / (m × g), where Fs is the peak force in newtons, m is the sled mass (0.200 kg), and g is 9.81 m/s². Kinetic COF is calculated as: μk = Fk / (m × g), where Fk is the mean force recorded over the kinetic sliding zone, typically excluding the first and last 10% of the stroke. Report the mean and standard deviation for both μs and μk across all specimens. Also report: specimen material and lot identification, test configuration (film-to-film or film-to-surface), sled mass, test speed, ambient temperature and humidity, number of specimens, and any deviations from the standard procedure. Many laboratories additionally report the ratio μs/μk as an indicator of slip initiation behavior.
Which KHT Model Supports ASTM D1894
**All four KHT COF testers support ASTM D1894** — the standard ships as a built-in preset on every model. Differences are about ergonomics, mechanism, and headroom for additional standards: **MXD-02A — Export Flagship** is the most-specified configuration for ASTM D1894 work. Its base-plate-drag mechanism, 8" touchscreen with bilingual UI, sample thickness up to 10 mm, and 0.1–500 mm/min infinitely variable speed (locks to 150 mm/min as one-touch ASTM mode) make it the strongest fit for export-spec films, multilayer laminates, and labs running mixed-language operators. **MXD-02 — Multi-Standard Pro** is the right pick when ASTM D1894 is one of several standards the lab runs daily — D1894, ISO 8295, and TAPPI T816 are all one-touch presets, plus a 1,200 mm/min high-speed mode for paper-industry GB/T 22895. **MXD-01A — Touchscreen Entry** suits price-sensitive packaging-film converters running ASTM D1894 only, with a wide-voltage power supply for export markets. **MXD-01 — Button Entry** is the lowest-CapEx option for single-shift ASTM D1894 daily QC. See [the comparison page](/products) for the full side-by-side spec table.
Frequently Asked Questions
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