ASTM D2097-03(2023)

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: D2097 − 03 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Flex Testing of Finish on Upholstery Leather
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2097; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method simulates the flexing received by
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flex-
upholstery leather in service, and correlation with service is
ibility and adhesion of a finish on upholstery leather. This test
believed to be good. Both the resistance of the finish to
method does not apply to wet blue.
cracking and adhesion of the finish to the leather can be
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
evaluated.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
4.2 Theflexingactionreceivedbytheleatherinthismethod
information only.
is more severe than that given by methods for shoe upper
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
leather.The less severe tests have little utility in the evaluation
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of upholstery leather finishes.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 This test method is suitable, and has been useful, in
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
research,development,andmanufacturingcontrol.Itisusedas
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
a method of test for specification acceptance. Since this is a
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
subjective test, proper correlation should be established by
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
interlaboratory experience prior to use for specification accep-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tance.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Newark Flexing Machine—This machine, illustrated in
Fig. 1, consists basically of two pistons, one of which is
2. Referenced Documents
stationary, the other capable of moving at 500 rpm with a
stroke of 1 ⁄4 in. (32 mm). The movable piston is also
2.1 ASTM Standards:
adjustableonitsshaftinordertovarythedistancebetweenthe
D1610Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod-
two pistons.
ucts for Testing
6. Test Specimen
3. Summary of Test Method
6.1 The test specimen shall be 3in. by 4 ⁄2 in. (76mm by
3.1 Theleatherismechanicallyflexedalternatelyfromaflat
114 mm) in size.
position into a single or double bend. At the end of a
7. Conditioning
predetermined number of flexing cycles, the leather is visually
inspected for finish cracks.
7.1 Bring all test specimens to equilibrium as described in
Practice D1610. Usually, maintaining the specimen for 24 h
under these conditions will adequately satisfy the equilibrium
1 conditions.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD31onLeather
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.05 on Upholstery. This test
7.2 The test shall also be conducted under the above
method was developed in cooperation with the American Leather Chemists Assn.
conditions, described in Practice D1610.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D2097–03 (2016).
8. Procedure
DOI: 10.1520/D2097-03R23.
Several methods of evaluating the resistance of an upholstery leather finish to
8.1 Measure the thickness of the specimen to be tested.
flexinghavebeeninvestigated.Thismethod,asdescribedhere,hasbeenadoptedas
standard by the Upholstery Leather Group, Tanners’ Council of America.
3 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Amachine meeting the requirements of this method is available commercially
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM from the Aim Tool & Die Co., 14324 172nd St., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Two
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on versions of this machine are made by Aim Tool & Die Co. Only the standard
the ASTM website. flexotest machine meets the requirements of this method.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2097 − 03 (2023)
FIG. 1 Newark Flexing Machine
8.2 Whileintheclosedposition,adjustthepistonstofifteen
times the thickness of the specimen (see Fig. 2).
8.3 Turn the pulley by hand until the pistons are the
maximum distance apart. Clamp the specimen arou
...