EN 14118-1:2003

Overview

EN 14118-1:2003 is a European standard developed by CEN that defines a systematic method for the designation of textile glass mats used in reinforcement applications. Specifically, it covers both chopped strand mats (CSM) and continuous filament mats (CFM) made from textile glass strands. These mats are primarily utilized for reinforcing plastics and hydraulic matrices. This part 1 standard focuses exclusively on the designation system and does not provide performance or engineering data.

The standard excludes mats made from staple fibers, as well as mechanically or stitched bonded mats and veils. It serves as the foundation for specifying these materials but points to EN 14118-2 for testing methods and performance assessment.

Key Topics

• Scope
  Applies to chopped strand and continuous filament textile glass mats for reinforcement applications. It excludes staple fiber mats and stitched or mechanically bonded materials.

• Designation System Structure
  The designation follows a structured coding pattern consisting of:

  • Description Block
  • Identity Block (European Standard number)
  • Individual Item Block, subdivided into three data blocks
    • Data Block 1: Glass mat type (CSM or CFM)
    • Data Block 2: Designatory properties including nominal mass per unit area (g/m²) and nominal width (cm)
    • Data Block 3: Manufacturer’s code, binder type, and other relevant information

• Coding Format and Syntax
  The standard specifies clear formatting rules including punctuation and spacing to ensure unambiguous communication of product specifications.

• Exclusions and Limitations
  The designation system does not claim to guarantee identical performance for mats with the same code and does not cover all mat characteristics. Additional properties or performance data must be acquired by the test methods outlined in EN 14118-2.

Applications

• Material Specification
  EN 14118-1:2003 provides manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users with a standardized method for identifying and specifying textile glass mats used in composite reinforcement.

• Quality Control and Procurement
  The designation system facilitates clear communication about mat types and dimensions, aiding procurement accuracy and quality assurance in manufacturing processes.

• Product Labelling and Traceability
  The coding scheme helps in product labelling, ensuring traceability down the supply chain while enabling consistent referencing across documents and standards.

• Design Engineering
  While it does not provide performance data, this standard offers a foundational framework for engineers to specify reinforcement materials before detailed testing and performance evaluation.

Related Standards

• EN 14118-2: Methods of Test and General Requirements
  Complements Part 1 by detailing test methods to assess mat properties and general performance requirements.

• EN 14118-3: Specific Requirements
  Covers additional specific criteria for certain types of textile glass mats.

• EN ISO 472: Plastics – Vocabulary
  Provides relevant terminology and definitions referenced in this standard.

• ISO 3374: Reinforcement Products – Determination of Mass per Unit Area
  Defines test methods crucial for specifying the nominal mass values used in the designation system.

By adopting EN 14118-1:2003, manufacturers and users of textile glass mats for reinforcement can ensure clarity and consistency in product identification, paving the way for improved specification control and supply chain communication within the composites industry. Keywords: textile glass mats, chopped strand mats, continuous filament mats, reinforcement, designation system, EN 14118-1, CSM, CFM, composite materials standard.