ISO 9073-2

Introducing ISO 9073-2 – Industrial Physics  

ISO 9073-2 is used as a nonwoven fabric thickness test to determine the thickness of nonwoven textile samples when under a specified pressure.  

This ISO standard relates to non-woven textiles that can be compressed by 0.1% or more when the applied pressure changes from 0.5kPa to 20kPa. The thickness refers to the distance between the face and back of the nonwoven fabric.  

Although nonwovens are classified within the textile industry, technologically speaking, they share characteristics with paper and plastic products as well as textile samples.  

The ISO 9073-2 testing principle

In order to carry out a nonwoven thickness test you’ll need to measure the distance between the reference plate, on which the nonwoven rests, and a parallel presser-foot that exerts a specified pressure on the area under test.  

ISO 9073-2 testing definitions

There are a few definitions within ISO 9073-2 that you’ll need to understand to perform a successful thickness test, these include: 

Bulky nonwoven: a nonwoven textile which is compressible by 20% or more when the pressure applied changes from 0,1 kPa to 0,5 kPa. 

Thickness: the distance between the face and back of a nonwoven, measured as the distance between a reference plate on which the nonwoven rests and a parallel presser-foot that is applying a pressure to the nonwoven. 

ISO 9073-2 testing apparatus 

When you’re working with normal nonwovens the process involves using two circular horizontal plates which are attached to a stand. They comprise an upper plate – or presser-foot – which is capable of moving vertically.  

You’ll also need a measuring device, with a scale that reads 0.01mm graduations, for measuring the distance between the reference plate and the presser-foot 

If you need to test bulky nonwovens with a thicker composition then it’s a similar approach, you’ll just need some different thickness testing kit. The ISO 9073-2 documents walk you through all of the additional technology and equipment you’ll need to perform a successful thickness test.  

ISO 9073-2 testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ISO 9073-2 thickness testing?  

Messmer Büchel – Digital Micrometer 49-56 

With the Digital Micrometer 49-56 from Messmer Büchel you’ll achieve accurate thickness testing of a wide range of sheet-like substrates even at low pressures. Our industry-leading thickness testing gauge is the perfect tool to conduct testing on paper, plastic, tissue, nonwoven, and corrugated sheets. 

Need ISO 9073-2 testing solutions? Get in touch  

We’ve learnt a thing or two about nonwoven thickness testing over the decades. Now Industrial Physics is recognized as a brand that likes to bring new, innovative thickness testing equipment to market, including digital micrometer thickness testing gauges. 

We like to share our knowledge and we’re here to help you to answer your questions about thickness testing. Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects. For example, here’s a blog that explores testing the thickness of plastic packaging films. 

If you have any questions about ISO 9073-2 and how we can help you with your thickness testing, then please just get in touch!

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Your global test and measurement partner for ISO 9073-2