Leather Bending Resistance Tester

Applicable Standards

The tester adheres to global standards for leather physical testing, including:

• ISO 5402-1 (Leather – Physical and mechanical tests – Determination of flex resistance)
• ASTM D6193 (Standard Practice for Loops in Leather)
• SATRA TM54 (Standard method for leather flex resistance testing)
• GB/T 3903.41 (China’s national standard for leather flexing durability)
• EN 13521 (Flexometer testing for coated fabrics and leather)

These standards ensure consistent evaluation of leather’s ability to withstand repeated bending without cracking or surface damage.

Main Parameters

Working Principle

The tester operates by cyclic mechanical flexing:

1. Sample Preparation: Leather strips are cut into standardized dimensions and clamped between two jaws.
2. Bending Cycle: A motorized arm repeatedly bends the sample at a preset angle (e.g., 90° or 180°) and frequency (e.g., 200 cycles/min).
3. Cycle Execution: The test runs until surface cracks appear, or a predefined cycle count (e.g., 50,000 cycles) is reached.
4. Damage Assessment: Post-test, samples are evaluated for cracking, creasing, or coating delamination using microscopy or visual grading.

Test Principle & Applications

• Flex Resistance Testing (ISO 5402-1/SATRA TM54):
  • Samples are bent 50,000–100,000 times to simulate years of use.
  • Results are graded based on crack appearance:
    • Grade 5: No visible cracks.
    • Grade 1: Severe cracking or delamination.
• Key Industries:
  • Footwear: Validating shoe vamp and lining leather durability.
  • Automotive: Testing steering wheel covers and gearshift knobs.
  • Fashion: Assessing handbag and belt leather flexibility.

The Leather Bending Resistance Tester is essential for manufacturers aiming to enhance product lifespan, reduce returns, and meet stringent quality benchmarks. Its precision and adherence to global standards make it a cornerstone of leather testing laboratories.