Indentation hardness

ISO 2439, DIN 53577, DIN 53579-1, ASTM D3574, ASTM D3579

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For molded foam such as vehicle cushions and mattresses, indentation hardness is one of the most important characteristic values used to describe the quality of the product, for example, its comfort. These molded parts are typically tested to DIN 53579-1. When testing cushions, the specimens are placed in specially shaped molds.
This type of test is important in materials testing as well. Standards such as ISO 2439 and ASTM D3574 define the test sequence in detail.
The method of measurement used is hardness measurement. A defined indenter is pressed into a surface area that is significantly larger and the required force to do so is continuously measured. The sequence consists of multiple preload cycles, in which cells break off and the foam is brought to a mechanically defined state. This is followed by a measuring cycle. The result is shown as force values, which have been captured on defined impressions after defined hold times have expired.
One advantage to this method compared to compressive stress value measurement is the elimination of the impact of cut edges. The measured value obtained is a characteristic value that is independent of the dimensions and is comparable if the specimen is large enough. This value is sufficient for quality control purposes.

Indentation hardness for standard specimens to ISO 2439 and ASTM D3574-B1
ISO 2439 provides a laboratory procedure for measuring indentation hardness on standard specimens.
- Loading via an indenter that is smaller than the specimen
- Indenter is smooth, circular, 200 to 203 mm in diameter, and has an edge radius of 1mm
- Supporting base plate is bigger than the specimen and is perforated to avoid generation of an air cushion
- Measurement on both block foam and molded foam possible if testing with a flat support base
- Also known as ILD test or IFD test
- Hardness value for cut cuboid specimens
- Some standards contain a wide range of methods.
Indentation hardness for standard specimens to ISO 2439 and ASTM D3574-B1
ISO 2439 provides a laboratory procedure for measuring indentation hardness on standard specimens.
- Loading via an indenter that is smaller than the specimen
- Indenter is smooth, circular, 200 to 203 mm in diameter, and has an edge radius of 1mm
- Supporting base plate is bigger than the specimen and is perforated to avoid generation of an air cushion
- Measurement on both block foam and molded foam possible if testing with a flat support base
- Also known as ILD test or IFD test
- Hardness value for cut cuboid specimens
- Some standards contain a wide range of methods.
Indentation hardness of molded foams to DIN 53579-1
Testing of molded foams is described in varying forms in many automotive standards
- Range of application covers vehicle seats, headrests, side parts, mattresses, furniture upholstery
- Indentation method, similar to the principle specified in ISO 2439
- With many molded foams there is a special base for each design/configuration (matrix)
- In addition to the standard indenter, there are a large number of special indenters
- Indentation hardness or residual height under load are determined
- There is no standardization for this at the ISO level
- Daimler and BMW use DIN; the VW sequence is based on DIN but contains additional method descriptions
Indentation hardness of molded foams to DIN 53579-1
Testing of molded foams is described in varying forms in many automotive standards
- Range of application covers vehicle seats, headrests, side parts, mattresses, furniture upholstery
- Indentation method, similar to the principle specified in ISO 2439
- With many molded foams there is a special base for each design/configuration (matrix)
- In addition to the standard indenter, there are a large number of special indenters
- Indentation hardness or residual height under load are determined
- There is no standardization for this at the ISO level
- Daimler and BMW use DIN; the VW sequence is based on DIN but contains additional method descriptions
Force indentation graph

Indentation test on molded foam to DIN 53579-1

Force indentation graph

Indentation test on molded foam to DIN 53579-1
Indentation test on larger molded foam pieces with the cLine
- ZwickRoell has designed a load frame for larger molded foam pieces. Built in the shape of a C, it facilitates excellent access on three sides.
- A feed table is available for mattresses, which is used to easily push them into the required testing position.
- The lateral contact plate can be folded down on this machine type to test smaller moldings or to perform tensile tests.
Indentation test on larger molded foam pieces with the cLine
- ZwickRoell has designed a load frame for larger molded foam pieces. Built in the shape of a C, it facilitates excellent access on three sides.
- A feed table is available for mattresses, which is used to easily push them into the required testing position.
- The lateral contact plate can be folded down on this machine type to test smaller moldings or to perform tensile tests.

Standards for This Test

Standard specimens	ISO 2439	GMI 60283 – Part 7	ASTM D3574 Test B1	TSM 7100G – Section 4.2
Measurement of block foam	DIN 53579	Daimler DBL 5452	BMW QV 52009 Part 1	VW PV 3410, Sections 4.3, 4.4	FIAT 7.M8300-D1	Nissan M 0086
	ASTM D3574 – B1	ASTM D3574 – B2	PSA 41 1427	General Motors GMW 14359	Toyota TSF 6223G	Ford WSS-M15P20-B1/B2

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cLine materials testing machines are especially suitable for component testing and for testing flexible foam materials.

Related Products

ZwickRoell has designed a load frame for larger molded foam pieces. Build in the shape of a C, it facilitates excellent access on three sides. A feed table is available for mattresses, which is used to easily push them into the required testing position. The lateral contact plate can be folded down on this machine type to test smaller moldings or to perform tensile tests.

The modern measurement and control electronics enables adaptive travel and force control functions. This is particularly advantageous for hysteresis tests and when determining the comfort class to Volkswagen PV 3410 in order to approach the end positions of the cycles with precision and at a constant speed.

ZwickRoell standard machines can be used to test slab foam with dimensions of 380 x 380 mm to ISO 2439 and ASTM D3574. These machines are equipped with a function for compensating for the stiffness of the load frame, which enables precise measurement of the indention depth.

testXpert II has an entire library of programs that cover all of the relevant DIN, ISO and ASTM standards. Furthermore, ZwickRoell offers many standard testing machines that comply with the factory standards of automobile manufacturers such as Volkswagen Group, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, GM, PSA Group, Ford, and other renowned companies.

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