ASTM D2208-16 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2208-16(2023) — Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength of Leather by the Grab Method. This standard specifies the grab (clamped-strip) procedure used to determine the breaking (tensile) strength of light, soft, or narrow leather pieces that cannot be accurately tested by the trapezoid methods (for example narrow straps, welt, lace, round belt leather, boarded, sueded, or embossed leathers).

Abstract

This test method describes specimen preparation, conditioning, gripping, and test procedure for measuring breaking strength using a grab configuration. It notes recommended specimen dimensions for wide and narrow pieces, specifies conditioning (standard atmospheric conditions), indicates inch‑pound units are the standard, and warns that the method is not recommended for breaking loads over 500 lbf (≈2200 N) because of possible slippage in the jaws.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition D2208-16(2023)).
• Publication date: Original designation 2016 (D2208‑16); current/revised designation D2208‑16(2023), updated January 2023 (document maintained/updated in 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Leather and furs — ICS code typically cited as 59.140.30 (leather and furs).
• Edition / version: D2208‑16(2023).
• Number of pages: 2 (concise test method).

Scope

This standard covers determination of the breaking strength of leather by the grab method for light, soft, or otherwise difficult-to-test leathers. It applies to rectangular specimens and narrow-strip specimens as described in the method, excludes wet‑blue leather, and is not recommended for tests expected to exceed 500 lbf (2200 N) due to slippage concerns. Values are reported with inch‑pound units as the primary units.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen types and recommended dimensions (e.g., 6 in (152 mm) length for many specimens; wider specimen guidance for jaw width differences).
• Conditioning of specimens (standard atmospheric conditioning, typically 48 h as referenced to Practice D1610).
• Test apparatus and jaw/grip configuration specific to the grab method (to minimize slippage and ensure repeatable clamping).
• Reporting of breaking strength (force at break) and observation of failure mode; inch‑pound units are primary.
• Limitations: not intended for wet‑blue leather and not recommended for breaking loads above ~500 lbf (≈2200 N).

Typical use and users

Used by leather manufacturers, upholstery and automotive interior specifiers, independent test laboratories, quality control/assurance teams, product designers, and standards compliance personnel to verify tensile/breaking strength of finished leather components and narrow leather parts. The method supports material acceptance, specification compliance, and comparative testing.

Related standards

Referenced and related ASTM methods and practices include Test Method D2209 (trapezoid tear), Practice D1610 (conditioning atmospheres), Test Method D1813 (thickness gage), and other D31 committee leather standards for physical testing and reporting. These related references are cross‑listed in the document.

Keywords

breaking strength, leather, grab method, tensile test, upholstery, specimen conditioning, D2208, ASTM D31, tensile strength, leather testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2208‑16(2023) is a concise ASTM test method that specifies the grab (clamped‑strip) procedure for measuring the breaking (tensile) strength of certain types of leather that are not suitable for other leather tensile tests.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen selection and preparation, conditioning, gripping and test procedure, limitations (e.g., wet‑blue excluded, not recommended above ~500 lbf/2200 N), and reporting of breaking strength.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Leather mills, product manufacturers (furniture, automotive, leather goods), independent test labs, QA/QC teams, and standards writers use this method for material evaluation and contract/specification verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The method is current in the D2208‑16(2023) designation (the D2208‑16 edition is the baseline and the document was maintained/updated in 2023). It is published and maintained by ASTM International. Users should reference the D2208‑16(2023) edition for the latest authoritative text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D2208 is one of the physical test methods under ASTM Committee D31 (Leather) and is closely associated with other D31 methods for strength, tear, thickness, and conditioning; the subcommittee D31.05 (Upholstery) is the direct responsible group for related upholstery/leather methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Breaking strength, grab method, leather testing, tensile strength, upholstery leather, specimen conditioning, D2208, ASTM International.