DIN EN ISO 17076-2 Abrasion (accredited)

Our test laboratory performs testing according to DIN EN ISO 17076-2 using accredited procedures. The standard describes a standardized method for determining the abrasion resistance of upholstery leather using a Martindale abrasion tester with a special ball plate. The method is intended for various applications of upholstery leather and is particularly applicable to lightly pigmented aniline leather, pigmented leather and coated nappa leather.
The test is relevant for leather surfaces that are exposed to repeated mechanical stress from rubbing and abrasion during use. Typical applications include seating and upholstery leather, for example in vehicle interiors, furniture and other heavily used leather surfaces. Determination of abrasion resistance supports material selection, product development and quality assurance.

Test procedure according to DIN EN ISO 17076-2

The test is based on the Martindale method. A special feature of DIN EN ISO 17076-2 is the use of a ball plate beneath the leather specimen, which is intended to provide a better simulation of stresses occurring during everyday use. The ball plate contains 37 uniformly arranged steel balls, over which the leather specimen is subjected to abrasion during testing.
The conditioned leather specimen is mounted on the Martindale tester together with the ball plate and felt. The surface is subjected to abrasion using a defined abrasive fabric under a pressure of 12 kPa. After every 100 abrasion cycles, the leather surface is visually examined for damage.

Evaluation of abrasion resistance

For evaluation, the number of abrasion cycles required to cause damage to the leather finish at four or more locations is determined. Damage is considered to have occurred when the finish layer has been completely worn through and leather fibres become visible. A magnifying glass or microscope may be used to assist the visual assessment.
In addition to the dry test, the standard provides for an optional test using synthetic perspiration solution. In this procedure, the abrasive fabric is wetted with an alkaline synthetic perspiration solution in order to determine abrasion resistance under the additional influence of perspiration.

The results enable a comparative assessment of the resistance of different leathers and finishes to repeated mechanical stress and are particularly relevant for the selection and quality assurance of upholstery leather.

Relation to other standards

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

Application to upholstery and automotive leather

The test is particularly suitable for leather whose surface and finish are exposed to repeated abrasion during use. For automotive leather, this primarily applies to seat surfaces and other heavily used leather surfaces in vehicle interiors. The test is used, for example, within the requirements of VW TL 52064.