Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of flex resistance by the flexometer method
Material
Industry
Our laboratory performs testing according to DIN EN ISO 32100 under accredited conditions. This standard defines a method for determining the long-term bending resistance (flex resistance) of textiles coated with rubber or plastic. Its purpose is to evaluate the ability of these coated materials to maintain mechanical integrity and surface stability even after repeated bending cycles.
DIN EN ISO 32100 applies to materials and products that can be clamped freely in a testing device, allowing the crease formed during the test to move along the length of the specimen. Typical applications include automotive interior materials, technical tarpaulins, protective textiles, and coated functional fabrics subjected to repeated bending.
Test principle and procedure
Testing is conducted using a flexometer. The specimen is clamped in a folded state between a fixed and a movable clamp. The movable clamp performs a defined bending cycle, causing the crease to travel along the specimen. After a specified number of bending cycles, the sample is evaluated for surface changes such as cracking. The test can also be conducted after pre-conditioning, for example, oil exposure.
This test method is frequently used in damage analyses to assess material performance.