Overview
EN ISO 9073-1:2023 - Nonwovens - Test methods - Part 1: Determination of mass per unit area specifies a standardized laboratory method to measure the mass per unit area (areal weight) of nonwoven fabrics. Prepared by ISO/TC 38 in collaboration with CEN/TC 248 and adopted by CEN, this second-edition standard replaces the earlier EN 29073-1:1992 / ISO 9073-1:1989 and aligns test practice across Europe and internationally.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: weigh a precisely measured area of nonwoven and calculate mass per unit area (mass ÷ area).
- Apparatus: cutting tools (die, template + razor, or steel rule + razor) and a balance accurate to ±0.1% of the mass.
- Specimen size: preferred specimen area is at least 50 000 mm²; where insufficient material exists, cut the largest rectangle possible and record the deviation.
- Sampling: follow ISO 186 for sampling to ensure representative material selection; the standard provides guidance and tables for acceptable sample numbers and switching rules.
- Conditioning: specimens must reach moisture equilibrium in the standard atmosphere per ISO 139; equilibrium is defined by successive weighings changing by no more than 0.25%.
- Procedure: cut a minimum of three specimens per sample (when possible), weigh each specimen, compute individual areal mass values, report the mean and, if required, the coefficient of variation.
- Small/unique specimens: a defined procedure for measuring area and mass when standard specimen sizes cannot be obtained.
- Reporting and precision: requirements for test reporting and reference to precision data are included.
Applications
EN ISO 9073-1:2023 is essential for:
- Quality control in nonwovens production (roll-to-roll verification of areal weight).
- Product specification and supplier-customer agreements where areal mass is a key parameter.
- Material selection for filters, hygiene products, medical disposables, geotextiles, automotive interiors, insulation and other nonwoven applications where performance correlates with mass per unit area.
- Laboratory testing and R&D to compare manufacturing processes, bonding methods and end-use performance.
Who uses this standard
- Textile and nonwovens manufacturers and converters
- Test laboratories and quality assurance teams
- Product developers and materials engineers
- Procurement and compliance officers specifying or verifying nonwoven properties
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 9073-1:2023, nonwovens test methods, mass per unit area, areal weight, nonwoven fabrics, sampling, conditioning, laboratory test.
