Overview
EN ISO 13934-2:2014 (ISO 13934-2:2014) - "Textiles - Tensile properties of fabrics - Part 2: Determination of maximum force using the grab method" is a CEN-endorsed international standard that defines the grab test procedure for measuring the maximum tensile force of textile fabrics. The method is mainly intended for woven fabrics (including those with elastomeric fibres or stretch imparted by treatment) and covers testing in both the standard (conditioned) atmosphere and the wet state. The procedure is restricted to constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing machines.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Designed primarily for woven fabrics; not normally applicable to geotextiles, nonwovens, coated fabrics, textile‑glass woven fabrics, or fabrics made from carbon fibres or polyolefin tape yarns.
- Test principle: A specimen is gripped by jaws in its centre (grab configuration) and extended at a constant rate until rupture; the maximum force is recorded.
- Conditioning and wet testing: Specifies conditioning in the standard atmosphere (refer to ISO 139) and procedures for wet specimens (water quality per ISO 3696).
- Apparatus and metrology:
- Uses CRE machines with metrological confirmation per ISO 10012-1.
- Force-measuring accuracy normally class 1 per ISO 7500-1 (error of indicated/recorded maximum force ≤ ±1%). Use of class 2 machines must be reported.
- Data acquisition should sample at least 8 times per second when digitally recording force.
- Rate of extension: nominally 50 mm/min with ±10% tolerance.
- Gauge length: machine capable of setting 100 mm (or as agreed).
- Sampling & specimen preparation: Guidance for representative sampling, cutting locations (Annex B), and avoidance of selvedges or creases. Jaws arrangements are specified (Annex C).
Practical applications and who uses it
- Quality control: Manufacturers and textile testing laboratories use EN ISO 13934-2 to verify fabric tensile strength for incoming inspection and production control.
- Product development & R&D: Material engineers and textile researchers compare weave variants, finishes, or elastomeric content for performance.
- Procurement & compliance: Buyers and specifiers include grab-test results in technical data sheets and contracts to ensure minimum breaking strength.
- End-use evaluation: Relevant for apparel, upholstery, industrial woven textiles and some technical textiles where grab-style loading replicates real-world stress.
Related standards
- ISO 13934-1 - Strip method for maximum force and elongation (complements Part 2).
- Normative references used by this document: ISO 139 (conditioning), ISO 3696 (water), ISO 7500-1 (force calibration), ISO 10012-1 (measuring equipment confirmation).
Keywords: EN ISO 13934-2, ISO 13934-2:2014, grab method, fabric tensile strength, constant-rate-of-extension, textile testing standard.