Overview
EN ISO 4674-1:2016 - "Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Determination of tear resistance - Part 1: Constant rate of tear methods" is a CEN-endorsed international standard that specifies two laboratory methods for measuring the force required to initiate and propagate a tear in coated textiles using a constant-rate tensile test. The two prescribed test geometries are Method A (tongue/tongued tear) and Method B (trouser tear). The standard covers apparatus, conditioning, specimen preparation, test procedure, result calculation and reporting.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test methods: Method A - tongue (double-tear) and Method B - trouser (single-tear).
- Apparatus: Constant-rate-of-extension tensile-testing machine complying with ISO 1421, with autographic recording or data acquisition. Data collection frequency is specified (not less than 8 s‑1 as given).
- Clamping/jaw widths: Minimum jaw widths are specified depending on specimen type (examples given in the standard: ≥150 mm and ≥50 mm for a tongued test piece; ≥50 mm for a normal trouser piece; ≥100 mm for a large trouser piece).
- Conditioning and testing atmospheres: Conditioning follows method “1” of ISO 2231:1989; recommended minimum conditioning times are 16 h for one-side coated fabrics and 24 h for double-coated fabrics. Testing atmospheres are selected from A–E of ISO 2231 (typical test temps cited: 23 °C in temperate and 27 °C in tropical regions).
- Timing between manufacture and test: Minimum 16 h; for non-product tests a maximum of 4 weeks; for product testing normally not to exceed 3 months unless agreed otherwise.
- Result handling: Procedures include handling abnormal results, calculation and expression of tear-force traces (peaks vs. non-peaks), precision and reporting requirements. Annex B gives a normative wide‑width trouser specimen.
Applications and users
Practical uses of EN ISO 4674-1:2016:
- Quality control and incoming inspection of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics.
- R&D and product development to compare coating formulations or substrate treatments for tear resistance.
- Supplier qualification and specification compliance for coated fabric applications (e.g., awnings, tarpaulins, protective covers, inflatable structures and other technical textiles).
- Failure analysis and comparative laboratory testing.
Primary users include textile and coating manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, product engineers, procurement/specification writers and certification bodies.
Related standards
EN ISO 4674-1:2016 provides a repeatable, documented way to quantify tear resistance of coated fabrics for product specification, regulatory compliance and material selection.