Progress in International Standardization of Thermoplastic Tape Materials

From November 18–22, 2024, the ISO TC61 (Plastics) conference convened at the ASTM headquarters in Philadelphia, bringing together leading experts and national delegations to advance global standards in the plastics industry. Representing Germany’s DIN delegation, Dr. Sebastian Schmeer contributed significantly to these efforts by presenting a new standardization proposal focused on tape materials.

As the project leader of ISO WD13071, "Fibre reinforced plastics — Determination of the tensile properties of monolayer flat prepregs," Sebastian outlined the current status of the standard before Subcommittee SC13 (Composites and Reinforcement Fibres). Together with international delegates, he engaged in productive discussions aimed at refining the content and ensuring its applicability across various industrial sectors.

The outcome is highly encouraging: ISO WD13071 has now advanced to the Committee Draft stage, paving the way for a final publication as early as 2026. This emerging standard will serve as a critical benchmark for thermoplastic tape material suppliers and component developers, providing a more reliable and uniform method for characterizing mechanical properties. Ultimately, this milestone will help drive innovation, enhance material performance, and strengthen competitiveness in the global composites industry.