EN 1416:1996

Overview

EN 1416:1996 - Touch and close fasteners: Determination of curvature is a European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standard that specifies a standardized method to measure the curvature of the individual male (hook) and female (loop) tapes that make up a touch-and-close (hook-and-loop) fastener. The standard was adopted nationally (e.g., SIST EN 1416:1999) and is intended to ensure consistent, repeatable curvature measurement for quality control and product specification.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Defines the objective - to measure the curvature of each tape component of a touch-and-close fastener so manufacturers and testers can assess conformity and performance risk associated with tape deformation.
• Test specimen and preparation: Covers how samples should be taken from production tapes and prepared for measurement to provide representative results.
• Measurement concept: Describes the parameters to be recorded (curvature of male and female tapes) and the measurement approach to produce repeatable values.
• Equipment and calibration: Requires appropriate measuring instruments and calibration practices to ensure data accuracy and comparability between laboratories.
• Reporting and documentation: Specifies what data and contextual information should be recorded and reported to support traceability and quality decisions.
• Quality control implications: Emphasizes using curvature data to detect manufacturing issues, help set acceptance criteria, and inform corrective actions.

(Note: EN 1416 defines the method and reporting requirements; specific numerical tolerances or instrument models are not reproduced here.)

Applications

• Manufacturers of hook-and-loop fasteners use EN 1416 to control production quality, minimize warping or curling of tapes, and ensure reliable engagement between male and female components.
• Textile and apparel producers, headgear and accessories OEMs, and product designers reference curvature measurements to maintain fit, function, and appearance.
• Independent testing laboratories and in-house quality-control teams apply the standard for incoming inspections, failure analysis, and supplier audits.
• Regulatory and procurement professionals may reference EN 1416 when specifying performance requirements for protective equipment, consumer goods, and industrial closures where fastener geometry affects safety or functionality.

Related standards

• Other CEN/ISO standards and industry test methods cover complementary performance aspects of touch-and-close fasteners, such as peel/ shear strength, cycle durability, dimensional tolerances, and textile conditioning. Users commonly combine EN 1416 curvature results with those performance tests to form a complete fastener specification.

Keywords: EN 1416, touch and close fasteners, hook-and-loop, curvature determination, fastener testing, CEN standard, quality control.