Overview
ISO 7854:1995 - Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of resistance to damage by flexing specifies three laboratory methods to assess how rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics resist repeated bending and folding. This second edition (1995) cancels and replaces the 1984 edition and refines test mounting, introduces a bi‑directional flex (crumple/flex) method, and improves repeatability for a range of coated-fabric constructions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Three test methods
- Method A (De Mattia): High‑speed uni‑directional folding (≈5.0 Hz). Typical test pieces: 37.5 mm × 125 mm folded to a 12.5 mm width; grips configured so folded piece is bent outward.
- Method B (Schildknecht): Cylinder mounting with reciprocating cylinder (≈8.3 Hz, stroke ≈11.7 mm). Standard test pieces: 105 mm × 50 mm (option for 105 mm × 65 mm); cylinders nominal 25.4 mm diameter; clips used to secure samples. Method B standardizes mounting to improve reproducibility for lighter-weight coated fabrics.
- Method C (crumple/flex): Bi‑directional test for severe flexing. A cylindrical test specimen is mounted between flanged discs; one disc oscillates (~90°) and the other reciprocates to compress the cylinder (specified frequencies and stroke rates). Test-piece size typically 220 mm × 190 mm.
- Apparatus and parameters: The standard references detailed machine geometries, stroke lengths, frequencies and clip/mounting dimensions to ensure repeatable results.
- Conditioning and atmosphere: Test specimens must be conditioned in atmospheres A, B or C per ISO 2231; air temperature and ventilation around specimens must be controlled to reduce micro‑climate and thermal effects during flexing.
- Inspection and reporting: Tests stop at a pre-set cycle count or at first sign of damage. Reports must record identification, test method, number of flexes, damage severity at inspections, and any deviations. Method B allows removal for subsequent testing (e.g., hydrostatic‑head).
- Limitations noted: Results from different methods are not directly correlated; flex tests may not exactly replicate practical use conditions (micro‑climate, thermal stresses).
Applications
- Quality control and durability assessment of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics used in:
- water‑resistant clothing and outerwear (references ISO 8096-3),
- industrial covers, tarpaulins, conveyor belting and other coated‑fabric products exposed to repeated flexing.
- R&D for material selection and coating formulation to improve flex fatigue resistance.
- Acceptance testing by manufacturers, test laboratories and procurement teams.
Who should use ISO 7854:1995
- Textile and coated‑fabric manufacturers
- Independent testing laboratories and QA departments
- Product designers and specifiers for outdoor, protective and industrial coated textiles
- Standards committees and compliance auditors
Related standards
- ISO 132 (flex cracking - De Mattia)
- ISO 1420 (hydrostatic‑head / water penetration)
- ISO 2231 (conditioning atmospheres)
- ISO 2286 (roll characteristics)
- ISO 8096‑3 (apparatus for water‑resistant clothing fabrics)
Keywords: ISO 7854:1995, flex resistance, rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics, De Mattia method, Schildknecht method, crumple/flex, flex testing, coated‑fabric durability.