Overview
EN ISO 3377-1:2011 - Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of tear load - Part 1: Single edge tear (ISO 3377-1:2011) specifies a reproducible laboratory method for measuring the tear strength of leather using a single-edge (trouser) tear test. The procedure is applicable to all types of leather and defines specimen preparation, test apparatus, test speeds, evaluation methods and reporting requirements for consistent leather testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Method for single-edge (trouser) tear to determine tear load of leather.
- Specimens: Rectangular test pieces with a partial slit from one short edge; both “standard” and “large” specimen sizes are specified (large specimens are advantageous for manual evaluation).
- Sampling & conditioning: Sampling per ISO 2418; sample preparation and conditioning per ISO 2419; thickness measurement per ISO 2589.
- Apparatus:
- Tensile testing machine with appropriate force range and force-measuring accuracy of at least 2% (Class 2 per ISO 7500-1).
- Uniform jaw separation speed of 100 mm/min ± 20 mm/min.
- Jaws minimum width 50 mm ± 2 mm.
- Thickness gauge and press knife as specified in referenced standards.
- Procedure: Clamp one leg of the specimen, fold the other 180° and clamp; run the test until complete separation and record the force–extension curve.
- Evaluation: Divide the peak trace into four equal parts; ignore first and last parts and calculate the arithmetic mean of the forces in the two middle sections. Electronic evaluation using all data points is preferred; a defined manual peak/valley method (using peaks/valleys with ≥10% rise/fall) is allowed but must be reported. For legal disputes, use electronic evaluation on standard specimens.
- Reporting: Test reports must reference ISO 3377-1:2011 and include sample ID, deviations, specimen size used, evaluation method, thickness, mean tear loads parallel and perpendicular to backbone, conditioning atmosphere and any deviations.
Applications and users
- Quality control and specification of leather for: footwear, upholstery, automotive interiors, gloves, saddlery and fashion goods.
- Materials selection and R&D to compare tear resistance between leathers or treatments.
- Test laboratories, tanneries, manufacturers, product designers, procurement teams and certification bodies requiring standardized leather performance data.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 3377-1:2011, single edge tear, trouser tear, tear strength, leather testing, tensile testing machine, ISO 2419, ISO 2589.