Overview
ISO 2420:2017 is an international standard published by ISO that specifies a precise method for determining the apparent density and mass per unit area (also called surface mass) of leather. It applies to all types of leather and provides a standardized procedure for physical and mechanical testing essential to quality control, manufacturing, and product development in the leather industry. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and testing laboratories can ensure consistency and reliability in measuring leather’s basic physical properties.
Key Topics
-
Apparent Density Measurement
ISO 2420:2017 outlines the calculation of apparent density by measuring the mass and volume of a leather test sample. The volume is determined from the sample’s surface area and thickness. The standard accommodates both circular and square test specimens.
-
Mass per Unit Area (Surface Mass)
The standard provides formulas to determine the leather’s mass per unit area, expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²), based on measured mass and surface dimensions.
-
Sample Preparation and Testing Conditions
The standard references ISO norms for proper sampling (ISO 2418), sample conditioning (ISO 2419), and thickness measurement (ISO 2589) to ensure repeatability and accuracy under controlled environmental conditions.
-
Testing Equipment Requirements
Detailed specifications cover the use of sharp emporte-pièces (cutting devices), precision thickness gauges, highly accurate balances (0.001 g readability), and vernier calipers for dimension measurement.
-
Calculation Methods and Formulae
Includes explicit formulas to calculate apparent density and mass per unit area for both cylindrical (round) and cuboidal (square) test pieces, along with instructions on averaging multiple thickness and dimension readings.
-
Reporting Guidelines
Defines essential information for test reports, including references to ISO 2420:2017, environmental conditioning conditions, measured values with specified significant figures, and any deviations from standard procedures.
Applications
ISO 2420:2017 is fundamental for:
-
Leather Manufacturers
To evaluate raw, semi-finished, or finished leather materials for consistent physical properties such as density and surface mass, which impact product durability, feel, and performance.
-
Quality Control Laboratories
To perform standardized testing ensuring that leather batches meet specified quality standards and customer requirements.
-
Product Development and R&D
To compare materials, develop new leather grades, or refine processing techniques based on accurate physical property data.
-
Compliance and Certification
To provide certified measurement results for regulatory, commercial, or certification purposes, facilitating trade and quality assurance.
-
Material Testing Professionals
As a recognized reference method, it promotes agreement and reproducibility across international laboratories and industries involved in leather technology.
Related Standards
The following ISO standards are closely linked to ISO 2420:2017 and provide complementary requirements for comprehensive leather testing:
-
ISO 2418: Leather - Chemical, Physical, Mechanical Tests - Sampling
Specifies procedures for leather sample selection ensuring representative and unbiased samples for testing.
-
ISO 2419: Leather - Physical and Mechanical Tests - Preparation and Conditioning of Samples
Defines conditioning atmospheres and protocols to stabilize leather samples prior to measurement.
-
ISO 2589: Leather - Physical and Mechanical Tests - Thickness Measurement
Provides methods to accurately measure leather thickness, a crucial parameter in density and surface mass calculations.
-
EN 15987: Leather - Terminology for Leather Trade
Offers standardized definitions related to leather materials and trade, supporting clear communication across the supply chain.
By integrating ISO 2420:2017 with these related standards, industries achieve robust and internationally comparable leather test results that support quality assurance, material characterization, and commercial trade.
Adopting ISO 2420:2017 ensures that the apparent density and mass per unit area of leather materials are consistently measured using a globally recognized methodology, thereby enhancing product quality, facilitating international commerce, and supporting innovation in the leather sector.
Open preview (PDF)Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Determination of apparent density and mass per unit area