Overview
EN ISO 17076-2:2011 (ISO 17076-2:2011) defines a standardized test method for measuring the abrasion resistance of upholstery leather using a Martindale abrasion tester fitted with a ball plate. The method is intended for semi‑aniline, pigmented and coated leathers and quantifies performance by recording the number of rubs required to produce a specified number of finish breakdowns. This European adoption supersedes EN 14327:2003 and is intended for quality control, specification and comparative testing.
Key Topics
- Test principle: Martindale oscillatory rubbing with a ball plate placed under the leather specimen to better simulate real use (based on ISO 12947‑4 principles).
- Specimen preparation: Condition samples per ISO 2419; cut at least two circular specimens (≈150 mm diameter) for dry testing; additional specimens if testing with synthetic perspiration.
- Apparatus & consumables:
- Martindale abrasion apparatus (ISO 12947‑1 compliant).
- Ball plate: 120 mm diameter, 4.5 mm thick, with 37 steel balls (5.00 mm diameter) in a 17 mm grid; balls inserted and compressed to equal height.
- Abrading fabric, foam backing, felt, loading piece (795 ± 7 g - ≈12 kPa), and mounting weight (2.5 ± 0.5 kg).
- Magnifier (4×–6×) or microscope (50×) for assessment.
- Procedure & end point:
- Dry test: run cycles of 100 rubs, inspect for finish breakdowns (finish layer completely removed to reveal leather fibres).
- Record the number of rubs required to reach 4 or more places of finish breakdown (report mean from duplicates).
- Optional test with synthetic perspiration solution (pH 8.0) to simulate soiled/moist conditions; rewet abrading fabric every 500 rubs.
- Reporting: Include reference to ISO 17076‑2, leather description, rub-count to 4 breakdowns, mean values, any deviations and perspiration details if used.
Applications
- Quality control for leather manufacturers and finishers to ensure durability of upholstery leather.
- Product specification for furniture, automotive interiors, contract seating and other upholstered products where abrasion resistance is critical.
- R&D and formulation to compare finishes, coatings and dye systems.
- Third‑party testing laboratories and standards bodies validating compliance or comparing materials.
Related Standards (if applicable)
Keywords: abrasion resistance, Martindale ball plate method, ISO 17076‑2, upholstery leather testing, finish breakdown, synthetic perspiration, leather quality control.
