ISO 11640: The Core Testing Standard for Leather Color Fastness to Rubbing
1. Basic Positioning of the Standard
ISO 11640 is a specialized testing standard for leather color fastness released by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its core function is to evaluate the color retention ability of the leather surface by simulating rubbing scenarios in actual use. It is applicable to various leather products such as natural leather and synthetic leather, and serves as a key basis for quality control in the leather industry chain. This standard is developed under the technical leadership of the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) and jointly formulated with ISO, enjoying universal applicability in the global leather industry.
2. Core Technical Content
2.1 Testing Principle and Process
The standard specifies the use of wool felt as the rubbing medium. Under a specific pressure, a reciprocating rubbing cycle is performed on the leather sample. The staining degree of the wool felt and the discoloration degree of the leather itself are evaluated using a gray scale, and visible changes such as surface damage are also recorded. The complete testing process includes five steps:
•Sample Preparation: Select representative samples and confirm that their dimensions comply with the requirements;
•Environmental Calibration: Conduct the test under stable temperature and humidity conditions to ensure data accuracy;
•Parameter Setting: Define key parameters such as rubbing speed, number of cycles, and pressure;
•Test Execution: Complete the reciprocating rubbing operation using a dedicated rubbing tester;
•Result Grading: Determine the quality level according to the color fastness grade (usually Grade 1 to Grade 5, with Grade 5 being the best).
2.2 Adaptation to Special Scenarios
For special types of leather such as waterproof leather and oil-tanned leather, the standard allows adjustments to test parameters, but such adjustments must be clearly stated in the test report. At the same time, individual differences such as leather thickness and texture are taken into account, and special assessments need to be added when necessary.
3. Version Evolution and Technical Upgrades
Since its release, ISO 11640 has undergone three important revisions, with continuous improvement in technical adaptability:
•1993 First Edition: Formulated based on the IUF 450 method of IULTCS, establishing the basic framework for wool felt rubbing testing;
•2012 Second Edition: Updated the testing process, revised the definition of wool felt, added options for instrumental gray scale measurement and precision specifications, significantly enhancing technical rigor;
•2018 Current Edition: Further optimized the adaptability of testing for special leathers, replacing the 2012 version as the currently implemented standard. It has also been simultaneously adopted and transformed into regional or national standards by the European Union (EN), Germany (DIN), South Korea (KS) and other countries and regions.
Our product GA-1209 IULTCS Friction Test Machine meets this standard
Test standard:
ISO- 11640, SATRA PM173, QB/T2537
Use
The IULTCS friction test machine was tested with dyed shoe surface, lining leather, damaged and discolored after friction.The test method is a dry or wet white felt, wrapped in a friction cone surface, and then a reciprocating friction clip on the test bench.
Specimens
1.120 * 20 mm
2.Wool felt area: 15*15mm
3.The weight of friction bell: 500g
4.Supplementary load: 500g
5.Friction speed: 40 + 2cycles/min
6.Friction distance: 35mm
7.Counter: LCD,0~999999
8.Power: 1. AC 220V,2A
Product link:
https://www.gonoava.com/product/ga-1209-iultcs-friction-test-machine/
Contact:
Email: arlenliu@gonoava.com
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