Testing acc. to DIN 54301: Testing of textiles; determination of the needle tearing out resistance of nonwoven textiles
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Our test laboratory performs accredited testing according to DIN 54301 to determine the needle tear-out force of nonwovens and similar nonwoven textile sheet materials. The test characterizes the resistance of a material to the withdrawal of an inserted needle under tensile loading. The main test parameter is the maximum needle tear-out force, expressed in newtons.
The method is particularly suitable for assessing the mechanical resistance of textiles and yarns in areas that may later be subjected to sewing or puncture loads. Typical test materials include nonwovens, felts and comparable nonwoven textile structures. The test allows different materials and material directions to be compared and provides information on their resistance to locally applied forces.
Testing according to DIN 54301
For the test, at least ten specimens are taken in both the longitudinal and transverse directions and conditioned under standard climatic conditions. A steel needle with a diameter of 1 mm is inserted as vertically as possible through the specimen, 5 mm from the narrow edge. Pre-drilling or pre-punching is not permitted.
The specimen is then mounted in a special clamping device in a tensile testing machine and loaded at a speed of 100 mm/min. The needle is pulled out in the opposite direction to that of insertion, and the highest force occurring during the test is recorded as the needle tear-out force. In addition to testing in the conditioned state, the method can also be applied to specimens fully saturated with water or suitable solvents.
Applications of the test
DIN 54301 is suitable for testing nonwovens and similar nonwoven textile sheet materials where resistance to localized loading at puncture or seam areas is to be assessed. Relevant applications include nonwoven materials used in vehicle interiors, upholstery and trim materials, as well as technical textiles. Different material constructions, manufacturing processes and material directions can be compared on the basis of the measured needle tear-out force.
DIN 54301 evaluates the local resistance of a material to the withdrawal of a single needle and does not determine the strength of a completed seam. For further mechanical characterization of nonwovens, FILK also performs tear resistance testing according to DIN EN ISO 9073-4.
Related tests
For other material groups, FILK offers comparable methods for assessing resistance to localized tear-out loads. For rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics, stitch tear resistance can be determined according to DIN EN 16653. For leather, DIN EN ISO 23910 provides a material-specific method for determining stitch tear resistance.
