ISO 9073-2 is used to find out the thickness of the nonwoven fabrics.. This is a primary standard method that is followed for all European textile customers. Nonwoven textile materials are widely used in different industries, from healthcare & hygiene to automotive and construction. By following ISO 9073-2, we can measure the thickness of nonwoven fabric under specific pressure. In this article, you will learn how to perform the ISO 9073-4 testing method and key precautions to obtain perfect results.
Instrument for ISO 9073-2
There are many types of instruments available in the market. In this demonstration, we perform on YG (B) 141G digital fabric thickness gauge.
Preparation and Conditioning of Testing Specimen
- For normal nonwovens, you will have to cut 10 testing specimens of an area of more than 2500 square mm from each area of the testing sample.
- For bulky nonwoven with a maximum thickness of 20 mm, you will have to cut 10 testing specimens of an area of 130 mm ± 5 mm x 80 mm ± 5 mm.
- For bulky nonwoven materials with a maximum thickness of greater than 20 mm, you will have to cut 10 testing specimens of an area of 200 mm ± 0.2 mm x 200 mm ± 0.2 mm.
- For environmental conditions, please follow ISO 139, which specifies that the standard temperature of the testing area should be 20 °C and the relative humidity should be 65%.
Testing Procedure
For normal nonwovens
- Please maintain the temperature of the testing area as per ISO 139. To achieve these conditions, you can use the DaRong conditioning chamber.
- Use YG (B) 141G digital fabric thickness gauge, adjust the load on the pressure-foot to 0.5 kPa, and then set the gauge of the tester to zero.
- Raise the pressure foot and keep the testing specimen in the center, and make sure that the fabric is tension-free.
- Apply pressure to the pressure foot with care until it touches the testing specimen, then leave it in contact for 10 seconds.
- Set the dial gauge and record the reading on the instrument.
- Repeat the same methods for the other 9 testing specimens.
For nonwoven material having a thickness of less than 20 mm
- Please maintain the temperature of the testing area as per ISO 139. To achieve these conditions, you can use the DaRong conditioning chamber.
- Use YG (B) 141G digital fabric thickness gauge, review the sensitivity, and zero is adjusted when the balance weight of 2.05 g ± 0.05 g is in position.
- Move the pressure foot and place the testing specimen on the bearing pin suspended between the reference plate and the pressure foot.
- Move the pressure foot gradually to the left using the screw until the indicator is no longer indicated.
- After 10 seconds, the reading.
- Repeat the same methods for the other 9 testing specimens.
For nonwoven products having a thickness of more than 20 mm
- Please maintain the temperature of the testing area as per ISO 139. To achieve these conditions, you can use the DaRong conditioning chamber.
- Use YG (B) 141G digital fabric thickness gauge. Place the measuring plate on the base plate and adjust the height of the probe until the reading of the scale is zero when the probe touches the centre of the measuring plate.
- Place the testing specimen centrally under the probe and place the measuring plate squarely on the top of the testing specimen without applying excess pressure.
- After 10 seconds, move the measuring bar in the down direction until the probe touches the top layer of the measuring plate and note the thickness reading from the scale to the nearest to 0.5 mm
- Repeat the same methods for the other 9 testing specimens.
Preparation of results
Calculate the mean value of the tested specimen and write the mean as the test results.
Preparation of the result card
The following points should be included in your result card.
- Reference to ISO 9073-2.
- Necessary details for the identification of the tested material.
- The results of the test performed
- The test method used
- The environmental factors of the area where the test will be performed.
Importance of ISO 9073-2
- The testing of nonwoven fabric thickness ensures material consistency, as thickness affects permeability, mechanical strength, and aesthetic properties. This method helps meet design and customer specifications, quality control, and product behavior.
- Some industries, such as medical textiles, automotive, and filtration, demand precise fabric dimensions, which we achieve with the help of this testing method. Products used for hygiene require a specific thickness parameter because thickness affects absorption and comfort.
- Nonwoven thickness determinations help the manufacturers to enter in the global markets and ensures the reliability of the product and reduces the risk and rejection.
Precautions for best practice
- Avoid compressing, folding, or stretching of the testing specimen, and ensure that the testing specimen is free of wrinkles.
- Calibrate the testing instrument YG (B) 141G digital fabric thickness gauge daily or before performing each series of the test.
- To clean the pressure foot of the instrument, use an anti-static cloth.
- To get accurate results, always conduct the test in a controlled environment.
- Assign skilled personnel to perform this test.
FAQs
What is the applied pressure during ISO 9073-2 thickness testing?
0.5 kPa is the standard pressure used in the nonwoven fabric thickness test.
Can I use this method for woven and knitted fabrics?
No, this method is designed just for nonwoven fabric.
How does compressibility affect thickness results?
Highly compressible fabrics yield inconsistent thickness results due to the differences in applied pressure.
How often should the thickness gauge be calibrated?
The thickness gauge should be calibrated daily of before any testing session.
Related Resources
ASTM D1777 How to Measure Fabric Thickness