ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006

Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics

ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006 specifies the non-technology-specific test methods required to establish conformance of identification cards to the base (requirements) standards, for which the fundamental properties are defined in ISO/IEC 7810.

Cartes d'identification — Méthodes d'essai — Partie 1: Caractéristiques générales

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 25-Apr-2006
• Withdrawal Date: 25-Apr-2006
• ICS: 35.240.15 - Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 - Cards and security devices for personal identification
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17/WG 1 - Physical characteristics and test methods for ID-cards
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 22-Oct-2020

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC 10373-1:2020 - Cards and security devices for personal identification — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics
• Effective Date: 19-Dec-2015
• Amended By: ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006/Amd 1:2012 - Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics — Amendment 1
• Effective Date: 18-Dec-2021
• Revises: ISO/IEC 10373-1:1998/Cor 1:2002 - Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics tests — Technical Corrigendum 1
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008
• Revises: ISO/IEC 10373-1:1998 - Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics tests
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008
• Consolidated By: ISO 7886-1:2017 - Sterile hypodermic syringes for single use — Part 1: Syringes for manual use
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 10373-1
Second edition
2006-05-01

Identification cards — Test methods —
Part 1:
General characteristics
Cartes d'identification — Méthodes d'essai —
Partie 1: Caractéristiques générales




Reference number
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2006

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO/IEC 2006
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
Contents Page
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Default items applicable to the test methods .3
4.1 Test environment.3
4.2 Pre-conditioning .3
4.3 Selection of test methods .3
4.4 Default tolerance.3
4.5 Total measurement uncertainty .4
5 Test methods.4
5.1 Card warpage .4
5.2 Dimensions of cards .4
5.3 Peel strength .6
5.4 Resistance to chemicals .9
5.5 Card dimensional stability and warpage with temperature and humidity .10
5.6 Adhesion or blocking .11
5.7 Bending stiffness.11
5.8 Dynamic bending stress .13
5.9 Dynamic torsional stress .16
5.10 Opacity.17
5.11 Ultraviolet light.20
5.12 X-rays .21
5.13 Static magnetic fields.21
5.14 Embossing relief height of characters .21
5.15 Resistance to heat .22
5.16 Surface distortions and raised areas.23

© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO/IEC 10373-1 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1,
Information technology, Subcommittee SC 17, Cards and personal identification.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/IEC 10373-1:1998), which has been technically
revised. It also includes the Technical Corrigendum ISO/IEC 10373-1:1998/Cor.1:2002.
ISO/IEC 10373 consists of the following parts, under the general title Identification cards — Test methods:
⎯ Part 1: General characteristics
⎯ Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
⎯ Part 3: Integrated circuit(s) cards with contacts and related interface devices
⎯ Part 5: Optical memory cards
⎯ Part 6: Proximity cards
⎯ Part 7: Vicinity cards


iv © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)

Identification cards — Test methods —
Part 1:
General characteristics
1 Scope
ISO 10373 defines test methods for characteristics of identification cards according to the definition given in
ISO/IEC 7810. Each test method is cross-referenced to one or more base standards, which may be
ISO/IEC 7810 or one or more of the supplementary standards that define the information storage technologies
employed in identification cards applications.
This part of ISO/IEC 10373 defines test methods which are common to one or more card technologies. Other
parts of ISO/IEC 10373 define technology-specific test methods.
NOTE 1 Criteria for acceptability do not form part of this part of ISO 10373, but will be found in the International
Standards mentioned above.
NOTE 2 Test methods described in this part of ISO 10373 are intended to be performed separately. A given card is not
required to pass through all the tests sequentially.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-E04:1994, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration
ISO 1302:2002, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Indication of surface texture in technical product
documentation
ISO 1817, Rubber, vulcanized — Determination of the effect of liquids
ISO 9227:1990, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO/IEC 10373-2, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
test method
method for testing characteristics of identification cards for the purpose of confirming their compliance with
International Standards
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
3.2
testably functional
has survived the action of some potentially destructive influence to the extent that:
a) any magnetic stripe present on the card shows a relationship between signal amplitudes before and after
exposure that is in accordance with the base standard;
1)
b) any integrated circuit(s) present in the card continues to show an Answer to Reset response which
conforms to the base standard;
c) any contacts associated with any integrated circuit(s) present in the card continue to show electrical
resistance which conforms to the base standard;
d) any optical memory present in the card continues to show optical characteristics which conform to the
base standard.
3.3
warpage
deviation from flatness
3.4
embossing relief height (of a character)
local increase in the height of the card surface produced by the embossing process
3.5
peel strength
ability of a card to resist separation of adjacent layers of material in its structure
3.6
resistance to chemicals
ability of a card to resist degradation of its performance and appearance as a result of exposure to commonly
encountered chemicals
3.7
dimensional stability
ability of a card to resist dimensional variation when exposed to defined temperatures and humidity
3.8
adhesion or blocking
tendency of new cards to stick together when stacked
3.9
bending stiffness
ability of a card to resist bending
3.10
dynamic bending stress
cyclically applied bending stress of specified magnitude and orientation relative to the card
3.11
dynamic torsional stress
cyclically applied torsional stress of defined magnitude and orientation relative to the card

1) This part of ISO/IEC 10373 does not define any test to establish the complete functioning of integrated circuit(s) cards.
The test methods require only that the minimum functionality (testably functional) be verified. This may, in appropriate
circumstances, be supplemented by further, application-specific functionality criteria which are not available in the general
case.
2 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
3.12
(optical) transmittance factor
T
ratio of the measured (optical) flux transmitted by a specimen to the measured flux when the specimen is
removed from the sampling aperture of the measuring device:
NOTE Not applicable to editions of ISO/IEC 7810 post-2003.
T = Φ /Φ
τ j
where
T is the transmittance factor
Φ is the transmitted (optical) flux
τ
Φ is the aperture flux
j
3.13
opacity
(optical) transmission density
D
T
logarithm to the base 10 of the reciprocal of the (optical) transmittance factor:
NOTE Not applicable to editions of ISO/IEC 7810 post-2003.
D = log 1/T = log Φ /Φ
10 10 j τ
T
3.14
normal use
use as an identification card (see clause 4 of ISO/IEC 7810:2003), involving equipment processes appropriate
to the card technology and storage as a personal document between equipment processes
4 Default items applicable to the test methods
4.1 Test environment
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall take place in an environment having a temperature of 23 °C ± 3 °C
(73 °F ± 5 °F) and relative humidity of 40% to 60%.
4.2 Pre-conditioning
Where pre-conditioning is required by the test method, the identification cards to be tested shall be
conditioned to the test environment for a period of 24 h before testing.
4.3 Selection of test methods
Tests shall be applied as required to test the attributes of the card defined by the relevant base standard.
4.4 Default tolerance
Unless otherwise specified, a default tolerence of ± 5 % shall be applied to the quantity values given to specify
the characteristics of the test equipment (e.g. linear dimensions) and the test method procedures (e.g. test
equipment adjustments).
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
4.5 Total measurement uncertainty
The total measurement uncertainty for each quantity determined by these test methods shall be stated in the
test report.
5 Test methods
5.1 Card warpage
The purpose of this test is to measure the degree of warpage of a card test sample.
5.1.1 Apparatus
A profile projector or similar device with a minimum precision of 0,05 mm (0.0020 in).
5.1.2 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Place the sample card on the level rigid plate of the measuring apparatus. At least three corners of the card
shall rest on the plate (warpage of the card in convex form to the plate). Read the extent of warpage on the
measuring device at the greatest point of displacement, measured from the front surface of the card (see
Figure 1).
NOTE The point of maximum displacement is not necessarily at the centre of the card.
Not to scale
measurement grid
card profile

Figure 1 — Projector apparatus view of warpage measurement
5.1.3 Test report
The test report shall give the value of warpage measured at the greatest point of displacement.
5.2 Dimensions of cards
The purpose of this test is to measure the height, width and thickness of a card test sample.
4 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
5.2.1 Thickness of card measurements
5.2.1.1 Apparatus
A micrometer with a flat anvil and spindle whose diameter is within the range of 3 mm to 8 mm (0.12 in to
0.32 in), having a precision of 0,005 mm (0.00020 in).
5.2.1.2 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Use the micrometer to measure the thickness of the card at four points, one in each of the four quadrants of
the card (see Figure 2 for the location of the quadrants). The measurements shall be made at locations on the
card that do not include signature panels, magnetic stripes or contacts (integrated circuit/s cards), or any other
raised area. The micrometer force shall be 3,5 N to 5,9 N (0.79 lbf to 1.33 lbf).
5.2.1.3 Test report
The test report shall give the maximum and the minimum values of the four measurements.
not to scale

Quadrant Quadrant
Quadrant Quadrant

Figure 2 — Assignment of quadrants
5.2.2 Height and width of card measurement
5.2.2.1 Apparatus
The following items are required:
a) a level horizontal rigid surface having an average roughness not greater than 3,2 µm (0.000128 in)
according to ISO 1302:2002;
b) a measuring device with a precision of 2,5 µm (0.0001 in);
c) a load of 2,2 N ± 0,2 N (0.495 lbf ± 0.045 lbf).
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 5

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
5.2.2.2 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Place the sample card on the level horizontal rigid surface and flatten it under the load. Measure the height
and width of the card. Find the maximum and minimum height and the maximum and minimum width.
5.2.2.3 Test report
The test report shall state whether the card conforms to the base standard and shall record the maximum and
minimum values of height and width recorded.
5.3 Peel strength
The purpose of this test is to measure the peel strength between card layers.
5.3.1 Apparatus
The following items are required:
a) sharp cutting knife;
b) pressure sensitive adhesive filament (fibre reinforced) tape or a suitable clamp;
c) tensile tester equipped with chart recorder or equivalent;
d) gripping device;
e) (if required) stabilising plate backed with adhesive or adhesive tape and meeting the following
requirements:
1) the adhesive strength shall be sufficient to ensure that the plate and card do not separate during
testing;
2) the plate shall not bend during the measurement;
3) the size of the plate shall be equal to, or greater than, the size of the card.
EXAMPLE A suitable plate might be a 60 mm × 90 mm × 2 mm aluminium plate backed with adhesive tape.
5.3.2 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Cut the card, or score through the layer, to produce sections of width 10,0 mm ± 0,2 mm (0.390 in ± 0.008 in)
as shown in Figure 3.
6 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
top reference edge
test section 1
test section 2
test section 3
test section 4

Figure 3 — Card preparation
Using a sharp knife, cut the layer back from the core approximately 10 mm (0.4 in) and apply the clamp or
adhesive tape to the cut back edge of the layer and core as shown in Figure 4.
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
apply clamp
or
adhesive tape
o
90
layer
peeled back
core
10,00
⎯
Figure 4 — Specimen preparation for peel test
If the peeling angle cannot be kept at 90° during the measurement, attach the stabilising plate to the core in
advance.
Place the prepared specimen in the tensile tester fixture as shown in Figure 5. The card shall be fixed on the
apparatus.
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 7

2,0 peel strength test area 2,0

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
not to scale

Figure 5 — Specimen mounted in tensile tester
Operate the tensile tester according to the manufacturers instructions at 300 mm/min (11.8 in/min) to
determine the peel strength in N (lbf).
Excluding the first and last 5 mm and any features less than 1 mm in length (spikes) from consideration, find
the test strip having the lowest peel strength value, using Figure 6 as a guide. Record this as the measured
peel strength for the card.
NOTE Dimensions shown in Figure 6 are dimensions on the card.
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
1
≥
minimum
spike
value
minimum
value
55measurement area 5 measurement area5

Figure 6 — Examples of peel strength chart recordings
8 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 12 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
5.3.3 Test report
The test report shall give the measured peel strength, together with the test strip identifier. It shall also include
the chart recording, clearly showing where the recorded minumum value was found, and shall state whether
any tearing occurred.
5.4 Resistance to chemicals
The purpose of this test is to determine any adverse effects of a range of chemical contaminants on a card
test sample.
5.4.1 Reagents
5.4.1.1 Solutions for short term contamination test
a) 5 % by mass aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl, 98% minimum assay);
b) 5 % by mass aqueous solution of acetic acid (CH COOH, 99% minimum assay);
3
c) 5 % by mass aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (Na CO , 99% minimum assay);
2 3
d) 60 % by mass aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol (CH CH OH, grain alcohol, 93% minimum assay);
3 2
e) 10 % by mass aqueous solution of sucrose (C H O , 98% minimum assay);
12 22 11
f) Fuel B (according to ISO 1817);
g) 50 % by mass aqueous solution of ethylene glycol (HOCH CH OH, 98% minimum assay).
2 3
5.4.1.2 Solutions for long term contamination
a) salt mist;
b) artificial perspiration (both solutions shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 105-E04:1994),
1) alkaline solution,
2) acid solution.
5.4.2 Procedure
Use a different sample card for each test.
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Subject each card to a visual inspection to establish its appearance prior to test and record the results of that
examination.
Perform any pre-exposure measurements required by the base standard.
For cards with a magnetic stripe, record each sample card at 20 ft/mm (500 ftpi) using a test recording current
of I (or at the density and test recording current specified in the base standard), read and note the signal
min
amplitude.
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 9

---------------------- Page: 13 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
Expose the card to the appropriate short term or long term contamination described in 5.4.2.1 and 5.4.2.2.
Immediately after exposure to Fuel B (5.4.1.1 f)), remove the residual chemicals from the surface using
absorbent tissue and drying it for ≥ 15 minutes in a flue.
Immediately after removal from any of the other solutions (5.4.1.1.a), b), c), d), e) or g)), remove the residual
chemicals from the surface by washing it in distilled water and drying it with absorbent tissue.
Perform any post-exposure measurements required by the base standard.
For cards with a magnetic stripe, read the signal amplitude on the apparatus used for the pre-exposure
measurements and compare the result with the amplitude obtained at the beginning of the test.
Subject the card to a visual inspection to determine the effects of the test on its appearance and record the
results of that examination.
5.4.2.1 Short term contamination
Submerge the card for 1 min in one of the solutions listed in 5.4.1.1 which shall be kept at a temperature
between 20 °C and 25 °C.
5.4.2.2 Long term contamination
Expose the sample card to salt mist (see 5.4.1.2) for 24 h while mounted in a cabinet in accordance with
ISO 9227:1990.
Submerge the sample card in each artificial perspiration solution (see 5.4.1.2) for 24 h.
5.4.3 Test report
The test report shall state whether the card is testably functional (see clause 3) following the test and shall
give the results of:
a) any pre-exposure and post-exposure tests required by the base standard;
b) visual examination.
2)
5.5 Card dimensional stability and warpage with temperature and humidity
The purpose of this test is to establish whether the dimensions and flatness of a card test sample remain
within the requirements of the base standard after exposure to the specified environmental temperature and
humidity.
5.5.1 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing.
Place the sample card on a horizontal flat surface and expose it to each of the environments in the sequence
listed below for 60 min.
–35°C ± 3°C (-31°F ± 5°F);
+50°C ± 3°C (+122°F ± 5°F) and 95 % ± 5 % relative humidity.

2) It is noted that humidity effects can still be observed over far longer periods of exposure.
10 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 14 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
Following each exposure in the sequence, return the sample card to the default test environment described in
4.1 and retain it in this environment for 24 hours before measuring its dimensional stability and warpage.
5.5.2 Test report
The test report shall give the complete set of measured values of the sample card dimensions and card
warpage, taken after each sub-cycle of exposure.
5.6 Adhesion or blocking
The purpose of this test is to determine any adverse effects when unembossed card test samples (finished
cards) are stacked together.
5.6.1 Procedure
Pre-condition the unembossed sample cards according to 4.2 before testing.
Check whether each of the individual cards can be easily separated by hand.
Stack the cards in groups of five, all in the same orientation with the back sides of the cards down. Apply a
uniform pressure of 2,5 kPa ± 0,13 kPa (0.362 psi ± 0.018 psi) over the top card surface.
Expose the stacked cards to an environment maintained at a temperature of 40°C ± 3°C (104°F ± 5°F) and a
relative humidity of 40% to 60% for 48 hours.
At the end of the 48 hour period, return the stacked cards to the default test environment of 4.1 and check
whether individual cards can be easily separated by hand.
Inspect the individual cards for visible deterioration attributable to the test, including any degree of:
⎯ delamination;
⎯ discolouration or colour transfer;
⎯ changes to the surface finish;
⎯ transfer of material from one card to an adjacent card;
⎯ deformation of card when compared to card appearances prior to the test.
5.6.2 Test report
The test report shall state whether the cards were easily separated by hand after preconditioning and after
exposure to the test environment. State whether any visible signs of deterioration were found. If any were
found, it shall describe their nature and severity.
5.7 Bending stiffness
The purpose of this test is to determine whether the bending stiffness of a card test sample lies within the
limits set by the base standard.
5.7.1 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 11

---------------------- Page: 15 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
Using the same apparatus as used in the Resistance to Heat Test (see 5.15), mount the sample card such
that it is firmly clamped along the entire left side, front surface upwards.
Measure h (see Figure 7).
1
Apply a load F equivalent to 0,7 N (0.16 lbf) within 3 mm (0.12 in) along the entire right side of the card for
1 min.
Measure h (see Figure 8).
2
Remove the load F.
After one minute, measure h (see Figure 9).
3
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
83,00 ± 0,2
Clamp card firmly
r=0,5±0,3
h
1

Figure 7 — Card in clamping device before loading
12 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 16 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
not to scale
F
h
2


Figure 8 — Card in clamping device during loading
not to scale

3
h

Figure 9 — Card in clamping device after unloading
5.7.2 Test report
The test report shall give the measured values of h , h and h , together with the calculated values of the
1 2 3
deflection (h - h ) under load and the deformation (h - h ) relative to the original condition remaining after
1 2 1 3
removal of the load.
5.8 Dynamic bending stress
The purpose of this test is to determine any adverse mechanical or functional effects of bending stress in a
card test sample.
© ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved 13

---------------------- Page: 17 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10373-1:2006(E)
5.8.1 Apparatus
The apparatus used to apply dynamic bending stress to the card under test shall be as shown in Figure 10.
The moving part of the apparatus is activated by a crank assembly such that the bending stress varies in a
sinusoidal manner with a frequency of 0,5 Hz. The minimum deflection h is set by the starting position of the
v
moving part and the maximum deflection h is set by adjusting its stroke.
w
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres

NOTE 1 h and h are both measured to the underside of the card.
v w
NOTE 2 α of 30° is preferred to allow the equipment to be used interchangeably for flex testing of plastic card material
in card durability tests.
Figure 10 — Test machine for unilateral bending
5.8.2 Procedure
Pre-condition the sample card according to 4.2 before testing and conduct the test under the test environment
defined in 4.1.
Place the sample card between the jaws of the test machine shown in Figure 10, positioned such that the
bend occurs by curvature of the width of the card along axis B (see Figure 11). If the card has contacts then it
should first be positioned with the contacts uppermost.
Unless otherwise specified by the base standard, set
...