Overview
ISO 5470-1:2016 specifies a laboratory method for measuring the abrasion resistance of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics using a Taber abrader (Taber test). The standard defines the test apparatus, specimen preparation, conditioning, test procedure, methods of assessment (cycles to end-point or gravimetric mass loss), precision and reporting requirements. It is intended for reproducible comparison of coated-fabric wear performance in quality control, R&D and product specification.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: A rotating flat turntable carries a circular test piece while two free-rotating abrasive wheels contact the coated surface to produce a wear strip (Taber abrader).
- Apparatus basics:
- Turntable nominal diameter ~100 mm; speed 72 rev/min (60 Hz) or 60 rev/min (50 Hz).
- Twin hinged arms with abrasive wheels that rotate by friction; arms designed to exert ~2.5 N force (before counterweights).
- Suction nozzles for debris removal (bore ≈ 8 mm, distance ≈ 1.5 mm; recommended suction ≈ 2.5 kPa).
- Abrasive wheels and selection:
- Wheel diameter ~51.6 mm, thickness ~12.7 mm (minimum diameter allowed).
- Options: resilient “CS” series or non-resilient “H” series; Table 1 guides wheel selection by load range and grit (e.g., CS10, CS17, H10, H18).
- Annex A provides a procedure to determine abrasive power of wheels (optional calibration).
- Specimens and conditioning:
- Test pieces: 105–115 mm diameter with a central hole (~6.35 mm); two pieces from non-adjacent locations (3–6 if disputed).
- Condition specimens in standard atmosphere per ISO 2231.
- Procedure and assessment:
- Mounting with double-sided tape or rigid support for thin samples.
- Measure end-point as number of cycles or use gravimetric average mass loss.
- Report test conditions, wheel type/load, cycles, mass loss and any deviations.
- Limitations noted: Taber method abrades a narrow strip, can produce localized heating and potential subjectivity unless gravimetric methods are used.
Applications and users
- Quality control and production testing for coated fabrics (awning, conveyor belts, protective clothing, upholstery).
- Material selection and comparative wear performance in R&D laboratories.
- Third‑party testing labs and certification bodies verifying product specifications.
- Procurement and specification authors referencing reproducible abrasion data.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 5470-1:2016, Taber abrader, abrasion resistance, rubber-coated fabrics, plastics-coated fabrics, Taber test, abrasive wheels, coated fabrics testing.