Overview
EN ISO 13937-2:2000 - Textiles - Tear properties of fabrics - Part 2 - specifies a single-tear (trouser) method for determining the tear force of fabrics. Published under CEN as a harmonized European adoption of ISO 13937-2:2000, this standard defines a reproducible way to measure the force required to propagate an already-started tear when a trouser-shaped test specimen is pulled so the tear runs parallel to the original cut.
Key topics and requirements
- Test method: Use of a trouser-shaped test specimen (two “legs” formed by a cut) and initiation of a single tear prior to testing.
- Loading direction: Force is applied parallel to the initial cut so that the fabric tears in the direction of the applied load.
- Measured quantity: The tear force is the force required to propagate the previously started tear - reported as tear force values useful for comparison and specification.
- Reproducibility focus: The standard provides a defined specimen geometry and procedural approach to ensure comparable results between laboratories and production checks.
- Scope limitations: Applies specifically to fabrics and the single-tear trouser-shaped specimen method (does not cover other tear-test methods).
(Note: EN ISO 13937-2:2000 provides procedural detail on specimen preparation, test setup and reporting to ensure consistent measurement; consult the full standard for exact specimen dimensions and test conditions.)
Practical applications
- Quality control and incoming inspection of textile materials to verify tear resistance.
- Product development and material selection where tear propagation behaviour matters (workwear, upholstery, outdoor fabrics).
- Comparative testing for supplier qualification and acceptance criteria.
- Research and failure-analysis to understand how fabric construction, finishes or coatings affect tear propagation.
- Specification and compliance testing for textile manufacturers, converters and textile testing laboratories.
Who uses this standard
- Textile manufacturers and converters conducting routine quality assurance.
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized textile tests.
- R&D teams in apparel, technical textiles, and protective clothing industries.
- Procurement and quality engineers establishing material acceptance criteria.
Related standards
- Other parts of EN ISO 13937 (the series covers tear properties of fabrics) and national equivalents dealing with alternative tear-test methods and complementary textile mechanical tests.
- Standards for broader textile performance testing used alongside EN ISO 13937-2 for comprehensive material evaluation.
Keywords: EN ISO 13937-2:2000, tear properties of fabrics, trouser test, single tear method, fabric tear force, textile testing standard, CEN, tear resistance, textile quality control.