Overview
EN ISO 5080:1999 (identical to ISO 5080:1994) specifies the principal characteristics, test methods and commercial presentation of sisal agricultural twines. It replaces the first edition (1977) and is intended to ensure consistent quality for twines used in agricultural binding and baling operations. The standard covers designation, manufacture, sampling, laboratory tests and packing/marking requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Designation: Twines are designated as “Sisal agricultural twine” followed by a code number (e.g., “Sisal agricultural twine No. 300”), which relates to the twine runnage (metres per kilogram).
- Material: Twine must be made of new, genuine long-staple sisal fibre (Agave sisalana), unadulterated and true to form.
- Sampling and conditioning:
- Laboratory samples are taken from batches; spools for testing are selected at random from different bales.
- Conditioning for dispute cases: 48 h in standard atmosphere (20 °C ± 2 °C, 65 % ± 2 % RH).
- Linear density and runnage:
- Specimens: 30 m samples taken from the centre of each spool (after discarding the first 10 m).
- Linear density (tex) is calculated from the mass of the 30 m specimen; runnage (metres per kilogram) is derived from linear density.
- Breaking force (tensile strength):
- Measured with a tensile testing machine at a constant traverse rate of 500 mm/min ± 50 mm/min.
- Ten specimens per spool (about 500 mm gauge length) are tested; failures in the grips require retesting procedures and can lead to batch rejection if minima are not met.
- Extractable lubricant content:
- Determined by Soxhlet extraction, solvent removal, and drying of residue in an oven at 103 °C ± 2 °C (typically 3 h).
- Balance accuracy and sample mass requirements are specified.
- Commercial presentation and marking:
- Twines are delivered on spools packed in bales; maximum spool dimensions and bale/pack marking requirements (including the standard reference and nominal runnage) are specified.
Applications and users
- Manufacturers of sisal twines for agricultural use (baling and binding)
- Quality control and test laboratories performing acceptance testing
- Agricultural equipment manufacturers (balers, reapers) concerned with compatible twine performance
- Importers, distributors and procurement officers specifying twine to standard
- National standards bodies and conformity assessors
Related standards
Normative references cited by EN ISO 5080 include:
- ISO 2 - designation of direction of twist in yarns
- ISO 1968 - ropes and cordage vocabulary
- ISO 3534-1 - statistics (vocabulary and symbols)
This standard is essential when specifying or testing sisal agricultural twine to ensure reliable performance in baling/binding applications and to support consistent commercial trade.