ASTM D5729-97
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Thickness of Nonwoven Fabrics
Standard Test Method for Thickness of Nonwoven Fabrics
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thickness of most nonwoven fabrics.
1.2 This test method applies to most nonwoven fabrics that are treated or untreated, including those heavily sized, coated or resin-treated.
1.3 This test method may not be useful for highloft nonwoven fabrics. For thickness of highloft nonwoven fabric see Test Method D5736.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The U.S. customary units (inch-pound) may be approximate.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D 5729 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Thickness of Nonwoven Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5729; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope distance between an anvil, or base, and a presser foot used to
apply the specified pressure.
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thick-
3.1.3 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
ness of most nonwoven fabrics.
method, refer to Terminology D 123.
1.2 This test method applies to most nonwoven fabrics that
are treated or untreated, including those heavily sized, coated
4. Summary of Test Method
or resin-treated.
4.1 The thickness of a textile material is determined by
1.3 This test method may not be useful for highloft non-
observing the linear distance that a movable plane is displaced
woven fabrics. For thickness of highloft nonwoven fabric see
from a parallel surface by the specimen while under a specified
Test Method D 5736.
pressure.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The U.S. customary units (inch-pound) may be
5. Significance and Use
approximate.
5.1 This test method is used in the trade for acceptance
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
testing of commercial shipments of nonwoven fabrics; how-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ever, caution is advised since information about between-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
laboratory precision is incomplete. Comparative tests as di-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
rected in 5.1.1 may be advisable.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
2. Referenced Documents reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
2 a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
D 5736 Test Method for Thickness of Highloft Nonwoven
3 As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
Fabrics
specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are
3. Terminology from a lot of material of the type in question. Test specimens
should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each
3.1 Definitions:
laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
3.1.1 pressure, n—the force or load per unit area.
laboratories should be compared using the appropriate Stu-
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Pressure may be expressed in any ap-
dent’s t-test and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
propriate or specified units, such as Pascals (Pa), Newtons per
two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either is
square meter (N/m2), or pounds-force per square inch (psi).
cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
3.1.2 thickness, n—the distance between one surface and its
supplier must agree to interpret future test results with consid-
opposite.
eration to the known bias.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In textiles, the distance between the
5.2 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties of
upper and lower surfaces of the material, measured under a
nonwoven fabrics. In certain industrial applications, the thick-
specified pressure. Thickness is usually determined as the
ness may require rigid control within specified limits. Bulk and
warmth properties of nonwoven fabrics are often estimated
from their thickness values, and thickness is also useful in
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on
measuring performance characteristics, such as, before and
Textiles, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.64 on Nonwoven
Fabrics.
after abrasion and shrinkage.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published August 1998. Originally
5.3 The thickness values of most nonwoven fabrics will
published as D 5729 – 95. Last previous edition D 5729 – 95.
vary considerably depending on the pressure applied to the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02. specimen at the time the thickness measurement is taken. In all
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5729
cases, the apparent thickness varies inversely with the pressure 7.3.1.1 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution
applied. For this reason, it is essential that the pressure be within the laboratory sampling units and no nearer the edge
specified when discussing or listing any thickness value. than one-tenth its width. Ensure specimens are free of folds,
creases, or wrinkles. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, etc. on the
6. Apparatus
specimens when handling.
6.1 Thickness Testing Gage—of the dead-weight, calibrated
spring force, or string gage type and having dimensions and 8. Conditioning
capabilities specified below, unless otherwise agreed upon
8.1 Condition 1, Unspecified Testing Conditioning:
between the purchaser and the supplier.
8.2 No conditioning is required unless otherwise specified
6.1.1 Presser foot, circular presser foot 25.40 6 0.02 mm
in a material specification or contract order.
(1.000 6 0.001 in.) diameter.
8.3 Condition 2, Standard Testing Conditioning:
6.1.2 Anvil, 38 mm (1.629 in.) diameter or greater.
8.3.1 When specified, precondition the specimens by bring-
6.1.3 Anvil/Presser Foot Parallelism, 0.01 mm (0.0005 in.).
ing them to approximate moisture equilibrium in the standard
6.1.4 Foot Surface Parallelism, 0.002 mm (0.0001 in.).
atmosphere for preconditioning textiles as directed in Practice
6.1.5 Applied Force, 4.14 6 0.21 kPa (0.60 6 0.03 psi).
D 1776.
6.1.6 Readability, 0.02 mm (0.001 in.).
6.1.7 Automatic, microprocessor data gathering systems, 8.3.2 After preconditioning, bring the test specimens to
optional. moisture equilibrium for testing in the standard atmosphere for
6.2 Cutting Dies—Dies to cut specimens having linear testing textiles as directed in Practice D 1776 or, if applicable,
dimensions at least 20 % greater than the presser foot to be in the specified atmosphere in which the testing is to be
performed.
used in measuring the thickness, optional.
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
9. Procedure
7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
9.1 Test the specimens in the environment as directed in an
take at random the number of rolls, or pieces, of fabric directed
applicable material specification or contract order.
in an applicable material specification or other agreement
9.2 Verify calibration of the thickness gage as directed in the
between the purchaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls, or
manufacturer’s instructions.
pieces, of fabric to be the primary sampling units. In the
9.3 When using microprocessor automatic data gathering
absence of such an agreement, take the number of fabric rolls
systems, set the appropriate parameters as defined in the
specified in Table 1.
manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
9.4 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering the
purchaser and supplier requires taking into account the variability between
natural state of the material. Place the specimen on the anvil of
rolls or pieces of fabric and between specimens from a swatch from a roll
the test apparatus and bring the presser foot into contact with
or pieces of fabric to provide a sampling plan with meaningful producer’s
the opposite side of the material (often referred to as the
risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level.
“face”).
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For the laboratory sample, take a
9.5 Gradually increase the pressure to the specified level
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1
allowing approximately5sto apply the full pressure. Release
m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll, or piece,
the platen and record the thickness value to the nearest 0.02
in the lot sample. For rolls of fabric, take a sample that will
mm (0.001 in.) 5 to 6 s after the full pressure has been applied.
exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap
around the core.
NOTE
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