4.1 This test method offers an alternate procedure to Test Method C336 for determining the annealing and strain points of glass. It is particularly recommended for glasses not adaptable to flame working. Also fewer corrections are necessary in data reduction.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the annealing point and the strain point of a glass by measuring the rate of midpoint viscous bending of a simply loaded glass beam.2 However, at temperatures corresponding to the annealing and strain points, the viscosity of glass is highly time-dependent. Hence, any viscosities that might be derived or inferred from measurements by this procedure cannot be assumed to represent equilibrium structural conditions.

1.2 The annealing and strain points shall be obtained following a specified procedure after direct calibration of the apparatus using beams of standard glasses having known annealing and strain points such as those supplied and certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.3

1.3 This test method, as an alternative to Test Method C336 is particularly well suited for glasses that for one reason or another are not adaptable for flame working. It also has the advantages that thermal expansion and effective length corrections, common to the fiber elongation method, are eliminated.

1.4 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.