Exploring ISO Standards for fabric strength
A foundation of our clothing, furniture and other everyday items, fabrics are an integral part of our lives. They are used in everything from the clothes we wear to the furniture we use. Hence, it is important to ensure these fabrics withstand everyday wear and tear.
To determine the fabric’s strength, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has published a range of standards for various industries, including textiles. ISO standards for fabric strength provide a standardized way to measure a fabric's ability to resist pulling, tearing, and breaking. This ensures consistency and reliability in these fabrics.
Importance of fabrics strength
- Strong fabrics are not only more durable but can also resist tearing and ripping, and maintain their shape better. This enables their use in applications in manufacturing safety gears like airbags, tents or workwear.
- Their ability to withstand stress and strains also facilities the use of these fabrics in athletic wear, luggage, or upholstery.
- Strong fabrics can retain their shape drape better and look more polished for longer. They are also known to last long, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers.
- Strong fabrics also translate to longer-lasting products, which benefits both consumers and manufacturers.
Benchmark for tensile strength: ISO 13934
A two-part standard established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), ISO 13934 outlines methods to measure the tensile strength of fabrics. Tensile strength refers to a material's ability to resist pulling forces before breaking. The standard is divided into two parts
- ISO 13934-1: Strip Method - This part of the standard involves the use of the ‘strip method’ for testing. In this method, fabric specimens of specific dimensions are cut and stretched at a constant rate on a specialized machine until they break. The force required to break the fabric (maximum force) and the amount it stretches before breaking (elongation at maximum force) is recorded by the machine.
- ISO 13934-2: Grab Method This part details the ‘grab method,; suitable for situations where obtaining larger test specimens might be difficult. Smaller fabric squares are used, gripped by the testing machine, and then pulled apart until breaking.
The ISO standards also specify essential details for conducting the tests. These include:
- Testing apparatus:The standard specifies the requirement of the testing machine to ensure accuracy and consistency in measurements.
- Test environment:It specifies the temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions to be maintained during testing for reliable results.
- Sampling and specimen preparation:The standard details how to obtain representative samples from the fabric and prepare them for testing by cutting strips or squares of specific dimensions.
- Test procedure:The standard provides a step-by-step guide for conducting the tensile test, including how to secure the fabric specimens in the testing machine and the rate at which the fabric is stretched.
Benefits of standardized testing
A few benefits of ISO 13934 testing procedure include:
- Ensures consistent testing: The standardized method ensures consistent testing across different laboratories and countries. This allows manufactures to make reliable comparison of results, facilitating global trade and quality control.
- Accuracy: The standard specifies testing conditions, equipment requirements, and data analysis methods, minimizing errors and ensuring accurate measurements.
- Quality assurance: ISO 13934 can also be used to ensure fabrics meet specific strength requirements. This helps manufactures build trust with customers and maintain brand reputation.
- Improved product development: By understanding the tensile properties of different fabrics, designers and engineers can develop products with optimal strength and performance for their intended use.
Other influencing factors
While ISO 13934 focuses on tensile strength, fabric performance involves other factors. Manufacturers may conduct additional tests to evaluate:
- Tearing strength:How much force is required to tear the fabric.
- Seam strength:The strength of the seams where different fabric pieces are joined.
- Abrasion resistance:How well the fabric resists wear and tear from friction.
By combining tensile strength testing with other relevant tests, manufacturers gain a comprehensive understanding of a fabric's overall performance.
ISO standards like ISO 13934 play a critical role in ensuring fabric strength and quality. These testing methods promote consistency, accuracy, and ultimately, consumer trust in the textiles we rely on every day. These standards will continue to be refined and expanded as the textile industry evolves further.