2.1 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.

2.2 The softening point corresponds to a viscosity ~10^6.5 – 10^7.0 Pa∙s. The exact viscosity at the softening point depends on the density of the glass. Sometimes, a viscosity of 10^6.6 Pa∙s for soda-lime silica glasses is used.3

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 °C/min ± 1 °C/min.2

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parenthesis are for information only.

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

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.