DIN EN ISO 3386-1 Foam (accredited)

Our test  laboratory performs testing in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3386-1 using an accredited procedure. This standard specifies a standardized test method for determining the compressive stress–strain properties of low-density flexible cellular materials. The aim of the test is to characterize the load-bearing and elastic behavior of foam materials under compressive stress, which is essential for their functional performance in application. The standard applies to materials with a density typically up to 250 kg/m³ and is primarily used for flexible open-cell or closed-cell foams.

These parameters are important for applications in which foams must absorb, distribute, or cushion compressive loads, such as in upholstery, seating systems, mattresses, packaging, or technical damping elements, including automotive applications.

During testing according to DIN EN ISO 3386-1, standardized foam specimens are conditioned under defined climatic conditions and then positioned in a testing machine between two parallel compression plates. The specimen is compressed either stepwise or continuously at a defined rate, while the applied force and resulting deformation are recorded.

From the force–deformation curve, characteristic values such as the compressive stress at defined levels of deformation (e.g., 40 % compression) are determined. These values describe the material behavior under compressive load and enable a reproducible evaluation of different foam qualities.