Overview
EN ISO 3303-2:2020 / ISO 3303-2:2020 specifies a standardized hydraulic method for determining the bursting strength of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics. The method uses an elastic diaphragm bursting tester (often called a Mullen burst tester) driven by hydraulic fluid to dome a diaphragm against a clamped test specimen until failure. Two machine types are defined: type A for higher strengths (350 kPa to 5 500 kPa) and type B for lower strengths (70 kPa to 1 400 kPa). The standard is published by CEN as a European adoption of the ISO document.
Key Topics
- Scope: Test procedure for coated fabrics using diaphragm (hydraulic) bursting testers.
- Tester types:
- Type A - measurement range 350–5 500 kPa; clamped area ~10 cm² (35.7 mm bore); specific diaphragm bulge-pressure checks (e.g., 10.0 mm and 18.0 mm bulge height ranges).
- Type B - measurement range 70–1 400 kPa (dimensions and clamping specified in standard).
- Apparatus & fluids: Hydraulic system driven by a motor piston; recommended fluids include pure glycerol, low-viscosity silicone oil, or ethylene glycol with corrosion inhibitor. Hydraulic system must be free of air bubbles.
- Operating parameters: Pumping rate for type A specified (170 ml/min ± 20 ml/min); clamping faces, concentricity and flatness tolerances defined.
- Preparation & conditioning: Conditioning and testing atmospheres follow referenced norms (e.g., ISO 2231). Wet test-piece preparation and test procedures are covered.
- Measurement outputs: Burst pressure and dome height at failure are recorded; results can be used as a multidirectional strength indicator for coated textiles.
Applications
- Quality control & acceptance testing of rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics used in inflatables, protective clothing, industrial covers, conveyor belts, tarpaulins and technical textiles.
- Product development & R&D to compare formulations, coatings or substrates by multidirectional strength rather than uniaxial tensile tests.
- Procurement and specification where burst strength requirements are specified; note that results from type A and B machines may not be directly comparable, so buyer and supplier should agree on the tester type.
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized coated-fabric evaluations.
Related Standards
- ISO 2231 - standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced).
- ISO 2759 - description of Mullen-type burst testers (informative reference).
- Other parts of the ISO 3303 series (for related test methods and context).
Keywords: ISO 3303-2:2020, EN ISO 3303-2:2020, bursting strength, hydraulic method, diaphragm bursting tester, Mullen burst test, rubber-coated fabrics, plastics-coated fabrics, coated fabrics testing.