Overview
EN ISO 5403-2:2011 (ISO 5403-2:2011) specifies a laboratory method for determining the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather by repeated angular compression - commonly known as the Maeser test. The method is applicable to all flexible leathers and is particularly suited to footwear leathers. Test specimens are folded into V-shaped clamps on a Maeser-type machine, immersed in water (or electrolyte for electronic detection) and flexed until water penetration occurs.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Repeated angular (folding-type) compression of a folded leather specimen until first sign of water penetration; results reported as number of flex cycles.
- Apparatus: Maeser-type machine with V-shaped clamps set 63 mm ± 3 mm apart; clamp V internal angle 31° ± 1°; internal tip radius 7.5 mm ± 0.5 mm; pivot located 54.0 mm ± 0.5 mm above clamp tip; flexing angle 32° ± 2°; flexing frequency (90 ± 5) cycles/min.
- Specimens: Two square specimens, at least 100 mm × 100 mm; fold orientation marked relative to principal material direction; edges may be sealed with rubber solution if wicking is a concern.
- Media: Distilled or deionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3) at (20 ± 5) °C; for electronic detection use 1 g/l NaCl electrolyte.
- Electronic detection (optional): Uses stainless steel balls (~3 mm) and a high-potential electrode; test is stopped when resistance falls below 50 000 Ω.
- Pre-treatments: Optional light abrasion (P180 abrasive, weighted to ~1.0 kg) to simulate wear; alternative pre-flexing using ISO 5402-1 may be appropriate for some leathers.
- Measurements: Count cycles to penetration (continuous observation or electronic stop). Water penetration usually appears at the ends of the centre fold.
Applications and users
- Footwear manufacturers assessing upper and lining leathers for dynamic water resistance under flexing conditions.
- Leather testing laboratories performing standardized quality control, batch acceptance and comparative performance assessments.
- R&D teams developing finishes, coatings or leather constructions that improve flexing water resistance.
- Procurement and compliance professionals specifying material performance for outdoor, work, or safety footwear.
Related standards and notes
- Part of the ISO 5403 series; see ISO 5403-1 (repeated linear compression - penetrometer). Results from Part 1 and Part 2 are not comparable due to different flexing actions.
- Normative references used: ISO 2418 (sampling), ISO 2419 (sample preparation/conditioning), ISO 3696 (water for lab use).
- Keywords: EN ISO 5403-2:2011, Maeser test, repeated angular compression, leather water resistance test, dynamic water resistance, footwear leather testing.
