DIN EN ISO 17076-1 (accredited)

Our test laboratory performs testing according to DIN EN ISO 17076-1 using accredited procedures. The standard describes a standardized method for determining the abrasion resistance of leather using a Taber abrasion tester. The leather surface is subjected to a defined mechanical abrasion action by two abrasive wheels.

The test is relevant for leather surfaces that are exposed to repeated mechanical stress caused by friction and wear during use. Typical applications include seating and upholstery leather, automotive leather, furniture leather, as well as leather for clothing, footwear and leather goods. Determination of abrasion resistance supports material selection, product development and quality assurance.

Test procedure according to DIN EN ISO 17076-1

For the test, circular leather specimens with a diameter of 106 mm are prepared and conditioned under defined conditions. The specimen is then mounted on the horizontal turntable of the Taber abrasion tester. As the specimen rotates, two abrasive wheels act on the surface. One wheel abrades from the inside towards the outer edge, while the other abrades from the outside towards the centre, producing the characteristic Taber abrasion pattern.
Depending on the specific test requirements, different types of abrasive wheels and loads can be used. The standard specifies, among others, abrasive wheels based on tungsten carbide, rubber or silicon carbide. Test forces of 2.5 N, 4.9 N or 9.8 N per abrasive wheel can be applied. The type of abrasive wheel, load and number of revolutions are selected according to the respective test requirements.

Evaluation of abrasion resistance

After a specified number of revolutions, the leather surface is visually examined for damage and changes in the abrasion track. For more detailed assessment, the standard specifies the use of a magnifying glass with four- to six-fold magnification. If required, any colour change caused by the abrasion exposure can additionally be assessed using a grey scale.
The test report includes, among other information, the number of revolutions, the type of abrasive wheel used, the applied load and any observed damage. If required, colour changes are additionally reported as grey scale ratings. The test thus enables a reproducible and comparative assessment of the resistance of different leathers and finishes to mechanical abrasion.

Relation to other standards

There is a direct relationship to DIN EN ISO 17076-2. Both parts of ISO 17076 are used to determine the abrasion resistance of leather but employ different test principles. While DIN EN ISO 17076-1 specifies the Taber method using two abrasive wheels, DIN EN ISO 17076-2 uses the Martindale ball plate method.
DIN EN ISO 17076-2 at FILK

Application to leather and automotive leather

DIN EN ISO 17076-1 is particularly suitable for testing leather surfaces and finishes that are exposed to repeated friction and wear during use. For automotive leather, this includes, for example, seat surfaces and other mechanically stressed leather surfaces in vehicle interiors. The test is specified, for example, in VW TL 52745 and VW TL 52743.
The Taber method is also used for numerous other materials and coatings. In addition to leather, FILK performs corresponding rotary abrasion tests on plastics, coatings, laminates and textiles.