ASTM C338-93(2003) (R1993)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of a glass by determining the temperature at which a round fiber of the glass, nominally 0.65 mm in diameter and 235 mm long with specified tolerances, elongates under its own weight at a rate of 1 mm/min when the upper 100 mm of its length is heated in a specified furnace at the rate of 5 + 1°C/min.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use .

This test method is useful to determine approximately the temperature below which the glass behaves as a rigid solid in glass-forming operations and for a control test to indicate changes in composition. It has been found useful for specification acceptance and for providing information in research and development work with glass.