ISO 6133:2015

Overview

ISO 6133:2015 - "Rubber and plastics - Analysis of multi-peak traces obtained in determinations of tear strength and adhesion strength" - defines standardized methods for post-test analysis of force-versus-time traces produced during tear and adhesion tests on vulcanized rubber, rubber-coated fabrics or plastics. The standard specifies five calculation methods (A–E) to determine the median peak force and range of peak values from multi-peak traces, promoting uniform evaluation and presentation of test results.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Applies to the analysis step only and is to be used when referenced by another test method or specification (e.g., a method of test for tear or adhesion).
• Five analysis methods (A–E):
  • Method A: For traces with fewer than five peaks - determine median, range, minimum and maximum.
  • Method B: For 5–20 peaks - use central 80% of the trace and compute median and range.
  • Method C: For >20 clearly defined peaks - sample 9 evenly spaced peak values and compute median and range.
  • Method D: For undulating traces where peaks are not distinct - report the arithmetic mean (midpoint between max and min).
  • Method E: For very dense peaks (too close for counting) - report arithmetic mean as midpoint of highest and lowest peaks.
• Peak definition and validity:
  • A peak is a point where slope changes from positive to negative (instantaneous maximum).
  • A peak is valid only if the drop to the following minimum exceeds 2% of the maximum force.
• Signal handling: When using computerized analysis, filter the signal (e.g., impose minimum drop percentage and minimum time between peaks) to avoid spurious small peaks.
• Limitations: Methods may be inadequate for traces showing a clear trend over time; same methods can be applied when minimum force values are of interest.

Applications

• Quality control and R&D in rubber and plastics manufacturing for evaluating tear strength and adhesion strength.
• Test laboratories reporting standardized, comparable results of force-time traces.
• Product specification verification where an internationally consistent method of analyzing multi-peak traces is required.

Who should use this standard

• Materials and test engineers, laboratory technicians, QA professionals, and standards bodies involved in mechanical testing of rubber and rubber-coated fabrics.
• Organizations that need consistent post-processing rules for force vs time traces to ensure comparability of tear and adhesion data.

Trace-analysis report (required items)

Reports should include: reference to ISO 6133, the relevant test, the chosen method (A–E), median peak (or mean for D/E), range of peak values, and date of calculation.

Related standards

• ISO 6133 is intended to be referenced by other ISO test methods and specifications for tear and adhesion testing. It was developed by ISO/TC 45 (Rubber and rubber products), SC 2 (Testing and analysis).