Overview
EN ISO 2286-3:2016 specifies a standardized laboratory method for the determination of thickness of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics (coated fabrics) under a defined pressure. It applies regardless of substrate type - including single-face, double-face, double-texture coatings and coatings that include an expanded layer. The method ensures repeatable, comparable thickness data for production control, material specification and conformity testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope & applicability
- Thickness measurement for rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics of various constructions.
- Apparatus
- Dial gauge (deadweight type) with a direct readout to 0.01 mm.
- Circular presser foot (flat, smooth) - diameter ≥ 9 mm - capable of applying specified pressures.
- Reference plate (anvil) with a flat upper surface larger than the presser foot.
- Means to move the presser foot normal to the anvil while maintaining parallelism.
- Specified pressures
- Measurements may be made at one of the standard pressures: 2 kPa, 5 kPa, 10 kPa, or 24 kPa (with tolerances).
- For small presser feet, corresponding forces are given for reference.
- Conditioning
- Test specimens must be conditioned in accordance with ISO 2231:1989 standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.
- Measurement procedure
- Record atmospheric temperature and humidity at measurement time.
- Make at least five measurements evenly across the usable width, excluding 50 mm from each edge; avoid locations within 1 m of roll ends.
- Place fabric smooth and untensioned; lower presser foot and wait until the dial reading is stable. If stabilization takes >30 s, record the time.
- Record readings to the nearest 0.01 mm.
- Results and reporting
- Report the arithmetic mean, minimum and maximum thickness (mm) and include test pressure, presser foot diameter, pressing time, environmental conditions, fabric description, any deviations and the test date.
Applications and users
- Quality control and production teams in coated fabric manufacturing (e.g., industrial, automotive, awning, protective clothing).
- Independent testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies verifying material specifications.
- Product designers, procurement and standards committees specifying thickness requirements for performance, durability and compliance.
- Useful for material comparison, specification writing and acceptance testing where consistent thickness data are required.
Related standards
- ISO 2286-1 - Methods for length, width and net mass of rolls
- ISO 2286-2 - Methods for total mass per unit area and mass of coating/substrate
- ISO 2231 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
Keywords: EN ISO 2286-3:2016, thickness determination, rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics, coated fabrics testing, dial gauge, presser foot, ISO 2286.
