ASTM D7912-14(2023)

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Finish to Heat Aging (Finish Stability)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended for use on all types of finished leathers.  
5.2 Finish stability is a significant factor in establishing the application and function of leather.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of resistance of leather finish to cracking, flaking or becoming tacky after aging.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.05 - Upholstery

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1517-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2013) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1517-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03(2008) - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2007) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1517-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99(2004) - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1610-00 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D2813-97 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997

Overview

ASTM D7912-14(2023), Standard Test Method for Resistance of Finish to Heat Aging (Finish Stability), defines a reliable procedure for evaluating the durability and stability of finishes applied to leather. Developed under the authority of ASTM International, this method is essential for manufacturers and quality control professionals across leather industries, enabling the assessment of a leather finish’s resistance to cracking, flaking, or becoming tacky after exposure to elevated temperatures. The standard ensures that finished leathers used in products meet performance requirements relating to finish stability and appearance retention through heat aging.

Key Topics

• Heat Aging Resistance: The test focuses on the leather finish's ability to withstand prolonged heat exposure without developing cracks, detachment (flaking), or tackiness.
• Visual Examination and Flex Testing: After controlled aging in a forced circulating air oven, the specimen is manually flexed and checked visually for any signs of finish deterioration.
• Universal Leather Applicability: The method is suitable for all types of finished leathers, making it highly relevant for diverse manufacturing and product development settings.
• Sample Preparation and Conditioning: Specimens are conditioned and sized according to referenced ASTM procedures to ensure consistent and repeatable results.
• Reporting: The presence of cracks, separation of finish, and tackiness are explicitly reported, as well as test sample size used.

Applications

Adhering to ASTM D7912-14(2023) provides clear benefits in various industries where leather durability and appearance are critical:

• Upholstery and Automotive Interiors: Ensures that finished leathers in seating or trim maintain their visual and tactile properties after exposure to interior heat conditions.
• Footwear and Fashion Accessories: Supports manufacturers in selecting finish processes that won’t degrade under typical or extreme use, enhancing product quality.
• Leather Goods Manufacturing: Enables systematic quality control during production, reducing returns and warranty claims due to premature finish failures.
• Research and Development: Assists in developing new leather finishes and treatments by providing a benchmark for performance under heat aging.
• Regulatory and Procurement Compliance: Meeting this international test standard helps satisfy regulatory requirements and procurement specifications in global markets.

Related Standards

ASTM D7912-14(2023) references and aligns with several other notable standards to provide a comprehensive approach to leather finish testing:

• ASTM D1517 - Terminology Relating to Leather
• ASTM D1610 - Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• ASTM D2813 - Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Federal Test Method Standard No. 311, Method 3202 - Finish Stability

By following ASTM D7912-14(2023), manufacturers, laboratories, and procurement agencies ensure standardized, repeatable assessment of leather finish stability, fostering product reliability and consumer confidence globally. Integrating such internationally recognized test methods supports industry best practices and enhances competitiveness in the marketplace.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7912 − 14 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Resistance of Finish to Heat Aging (Finish Stability)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7912; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of resistance 4.1 In this test method the finish is visually examined after
of leather finish to cracking, flaking or becoming tacky after the test specimen is exposed to prolonged heating, followed by
aging. manual flexing of the specimen.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5. Significance and Use
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5.1 This test method is intended for use on all types of
standard.
finished leathers.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.2 Finish stability is a significant factor in establishing the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
application and function of leather.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6. Apparatus
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 Forced Circulating Air Oven, capable of maintaining a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
temperature of 55 °C to 60 °C with a thermo regulator system
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
capable of holding oven temperature within 62 °C of set point.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Athermometer accurate to 62 °C should be used to check and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
monitor the oven set point.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
2 2
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 Steel Stamp Die, 10 cm +2cm .
2. Referenced Documents 7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
2.1 ASTM Standards: 7.1 Primary Sampling Unit—The leather shall be sampled
in accordance with Practice D2813.
D1517 Terminology Relating to Leather
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod- 2
7.2 Suggested sample size is 10 cm .
ucts for Testing
NOTE 1—If necessary, small size may be used. Sample size used should
D2813 Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and
be included in the report.
Chemical Tests
8. Preparation of Apparatus
2.2 Federal Test Method:
8.1 Preheat the oven (6.1) to the desired temperature.
Standard No 311 Method 3202 Finish Stability
9. Conditioning
3. Terminology
9.1 Prior to cutting the specimens, condition the leather in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of leather terms see Termi-
accordance with Practice D1610.
nology D1517.
10. Procedure
1 10.1 Place the specimen to be tested in the circulating air
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.05 on Uph
...