ASTM D1814-70(2021)

Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Units

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed for the routine measurement of the thickness of leather units as a means of production control and determining conformance to specifications. It utilizes a secondary type of gage that is capable of rapid measurement.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thickness of units of all types of leather. It is not suitable for measuring the thickness of test specimens.  
1.2 The thickness of leather units may be reported in millimetres, ounces, or irons. Ounces are generally used when referring to the thickness of shoe upper leather. Irons are generally used when referring to the thickness of sole leather. (One ounce equals 1/64 in. or 0.0156 in. or 0.396 mm. One iron equals 1/48 in. or 0.0208 in. or 0.53 mm.)  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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-Aug-2021
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.07 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1813-13 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Test Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1813-00(2010) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Test Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1813-00(2005) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Test Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1813-00 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Test Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000

Overview

ASTM D1814-70(2021) Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Units establishes a reliable procedure to measure the thickness of full leather units using specialized gauges. Developed by ASTM, this standard is widely used as a routine production control tool to ensure leather meets required thickness specifications. The standard is applicable to a variety of leather types, including hide, skin, sole leather, and fabricated-leather articles in their purchased form.

Key aspects of this test method include:

• The use of both spring-type and wedge-type gauges for rapid and repeatable thickness measurements
• Reporting thickness in a range of industry-relevant units, such as millimetres, ounces (for shoe upper leather), or irons (for sole leather)
• Focus on routine, straightforward measurements rather than detailed specimen analysis

Adhering to this standard promotes product consistency, helps fulfill contract requirements, and supports quality assurance in leather manufacturing and processing.

Key Topics

• Scope
  • Applies to all types of leather units in their purchased state
  • Excludes measurement of laboratory test specimens
• Measurement Methods
  • Utilization of spring-type gauges with flat presser feet and wedge-type gauges for varying leather forms
  • Guidelines for measuring different leather components such as bellies, shoulders, bends, and cut soles
• Units of Measurement
  • Thickness can be reported in millimetres, ounces, or irons, facilitating alignment with industry norms
  • Reference conversions: One ounce = 0.396 mm; one iron = 0.53 mm
• Reporting Requirements
  • Average thickness per unit and sample, and the range of measurements must be reported
• Significance for Production Control
  • Enables manufacturers to confirm conformance to specifications and facilitates consistent, high-quality products

Applications

The ASTM D1814-70(2021) standard is a critical resource across the leather industry, providing practical guidance for:

• Production Quality Control:
  Used in tanneries and leather goods manufacturing facilities to perform routine checks, ensuring each batch of leather meets required thickness specifications.
• Contract and Specification Compliance:
  Ensures delivered products conform to customer and regulatory standards by defining clear measurement methods and reporting formats.
• Shoe and Leather Goods Production:
  Particularly relevant for measuring thickness of shoe upper leather (in ounces) and sole leather (in irons), supporting standardized manufacturing processes.
• Leather Goods Inspection:
  Employed in incoming goods inspection and final product verification to prevent quality deviations.
• Cross-Industry Utility:
  Beneficial for manufacturers of saddlery, automotive leathers, accessories, and industrial leather components.

Related Standards

When measuring leather thickness, the following standards and documents may also be relevant:

• ASTM D1813: Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather Test Specimens
• ASTM Committee D31 on Leather: Additional standards covering leather’s physical and chemical properties
• World Trade Organization TBT Principles: Underpins the international recognition and harmonization of the standard

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D1814-70(2021) helps organizations:

• Maintain consistent leather quality and thickness across product lines
• Meet customer requirements and regulatory obligations efficiently
• Streamline quality assurance processes with a reliable, well-defined methodology
• Facilitate international trade by adhering to recognized standardization principles

By implementing this standard, stakeholders in the leather industry can enhance product uniformity, reduce measurement discrepancies, and build trust with customers and business partners.

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: D1814 − 70 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Thickness of Leather Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1814; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thick-
ness of units of all types of leather. It is not suitable for 3.1.1 unit—a piece of leather in the form in which it is
purchased, such as a single hide, skin, or part thereof; or a
measuring the thickness of test specimens.
single fabricated-leather article in the form in which it is
1.2 The thickness of leather units may be reported in
purchased, such as a counter, a pair of shoes, a gasket, etc.
millimetres, ounces, or irons. Ounces are generally used when
referring to the thickness of shoe upper leather. Irons are
4. Significance and Use
generally used when referring to the thickness of sole leather.
(One ounce equals ⁄64 in. or 0.0156 in. or 0.396 mm. One iron 4.1 This test method is designed for the routine measure-
ment of the thickness of leather units as a means of production
equals ⁄48 in. or 0.0208 in. or 0.53 mm.)
control and determining conformance to specifications. It
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
utilizes a secondary type of gage that is capable of rapid
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
measurement.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
5. Specimen
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 The specimen for measurement shall be the full unit.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Apparatus
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 6.1 Gage, Spring-Type, graduated in 0.1 mm or 0.5 oz,
having a flat presser foot 0.4 6 0.025 in. (10.2 6 0.6 mm) in
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- diameter and a flat anvil 0.4 6 0.025 in. (10.2 6 0.6 mm) in
diameter. The spring shall exert a force of 1 lbf (4.45 N) on the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- foot when the gage reads 2 oz, and 2 lbf (8.9 N) when the gage
reads 12 oz.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 Gage, Standard Wedge-Type, having the two legs gradu-
1 1
ated alternatively from 1 to 14 and from 1 ⁄2 to 13 ⁄2 iron,
2. Referenced Documents
enclosing an angle of about 4° and 0.425 6 0.005 mm thick,
preferably made from stainless steel.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1813 Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Leather
7. Procedure
Test Specimens
7.1 Leather Other than Sole Leather—Place the portion of
thespecimentobemeasuredbetweentheanvilandpresserfoot
1 of the spring-type gage (6.1) in such a manner that the
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
andisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee D31.07 onPhysicalProperties.This
specimen is in contact with the whole area of the anvil. With
test method was developed in cooperation with the American Leather Chemists
the specimen held in this position, compress the thumb lever of
Assn. (Standard Method E3–1963).
the gage so that the gage reads approximately 15 oz.Allow the
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
thumb to slide off the lever so that the gage presser foot snaps
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D1814–70(2015).
DOI: 10.1520/D1814-70R21.
onto the leather. Read the thickness to the nearest 0.1 mm or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
estimate it to the nearest ⁄4 oz. Measure the thickness at not
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
less than five approximately equally spaced places along and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. approximately 6 in. (150 mm) from the backbone. Space the
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