ISO 20740:2019

Overview

ISO 20740:2019 - "Martial arts - Wushu Taiji sword - Requirements and test method" defines international requirements, test methods and marking rules for Wushu Taiji (Tai Chi) swords used in sport. The standard covers terms and product structure (pommel, hilt, guard, blade), permitted materials, dimensional and mass tolerances, mechanical and surface performance (elasticity, coating adhesion, corrosion resistance), safety limits and marking (Taiji symbol placement). ISO 20740:2019 helps ensure consistent quality, safety and interchangeability of Taiji (Tai Chi) swords for manufacturers, testing labs and sporting bodies.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Materials: Blade materials limited to manganese steel or stainless steel; hilt and scabbard may be wood.
• Dimensions & tolerances: Blade and hilt length models specified (blade lengths from ~700 mm to 900 mm with permitted deviations; hilt lengths 105–120 mm). Pommel, guard and blade width/thickness ranges are defined (e.g., pommel 45–50 mm long, guard 80–120 mm wide).
• Mass tolerances: Model-specific masses are listed (range examples: 0.400 kg to 0.590 kg) with tight deviations (±0.005 kg).
• Elasticity / straightness: After a standardized bend test, blade straightness deviation must be < 2 mm. Test procedure uses a steel plate, 40 mm cylinder and bending to 45° for 1 minute.
• Coating adhesion: Surface-treated components are tested by heating to (300 ± 10) °C then quenching; no flaking or cracking is permitted.
• Corrosion resistance: Surface-treated metal parts must retain above grade 6 after neutral salt spray testing (per ISO 9227).
• Safety & geometry: Tip radius R ≥ 3 mm; minimum blade thickness limits (end ≥ 1.2 mm, middle ≥ 0.7 mm, tip ≥ 0.2 mm); smooth surfaces without burrs.
• Hazardous substances: Maximum limits for elements in coatings (examples: Cd ≤ 75 mg/kg, Pb ≤ 90 mg/kg, Cr ≤ 60 mg/kg, Hg ≤ 0 mg/kg, As ≤ 25 mg/kg, Ba ≤ 1000 mg/kg, Se ≤ 500 mg/kg).
• Marking: Taiji symbol location specified 100–150 mm from blade end with specified orientation.

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers & suppliers - design, production tolerances and quality control of Taiji swords.
• Testing and certification labs - perform prescribed tests (dimensions, mass, elasticity, coating adhesion, corrosion, hazardous substances).
• Sports federations & event organizers - verify equipment compliance for competition and demonstration.
• Import/export and regulatory bodies - harmonize product criteria to facilitate trade and consumer safety.
• Martial arts schools / practitioners - ensure training weapons meet safety and performance expectations.

Related standards

• ISO 4287 (surface texture), ISO 8124-3 (migration of elements), ISO 9227 (salt spray corrosion tests), ISO 10289 (corrosion test rating).

Keywords: ISO 20740:2019, Wushu Taiji sword, Taiji sword, Tai Chi sword, requirements and test method, martial arts equipment, corrosion resistance, elasticity, dimensions, safety standards.