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ASTM D5035 - Textile Tensile Strength    Strip Method

ASTM D5035 Strip Method.png
ASTM D5035 - Fabric Tensile Strength

Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method) - PDF

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Free Textile Tensile Testing Operator's Training Guide

 

Introduction to ASTM D5035

ASTM D5035 is a standardized test method developed by ASTM International for measuring the breaking force and elongation of textile fabrics using the strip method. This procedure is widely used in quality control, R&D, and textile manufacturing to evaluate the tensile properties of woven, nonwoven, and knitted fabrics.

The test provides essential data for engineers, product developers, and QA professionals who need to assess how textile materials perform under tensile loads—especially in applications like apparel, industrial fabrics, upholstery, and geotextiles.

Purpose and Applications

The main purpose of ASTM D5035 is to determine:

  • Breaking strength (maximum force before rupture)

  • Elongation at break (how much the fabric stretches before failure)

These measurements help:

  • Ensure compliance with product specifications

  • Compare different fabric constructions

  • Evaluate wear resistance, durability, and suitability for end use

Industries That Use ASTM D5035:

  • Apparel and fashion

  • Home furnishings

  • Automotive interiors

  • Aerospace composites

  • Medical textiles

  • Geotextiles and construction fabrics

Sample Preparation for ASTM D5035

Accurate test results start with properly prepared samples. ASTM D5035 specifies the following sample requirements:

Strip Specimen Dimensions:

  • Width: 1 inch (25.4 mm)

  • Length: Minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) to accommodate griping and elongation

  • Cut Direction: Either warp (machine direction) or fill (cross direction)

  • Number of Specimens: Minimum of 5 specimens in each direction

Conditioning:

  • Condition all specimens for at least 4 hours in a standard laboratory environment of 21 ± 1°C (70 ± 2°F) and 65 ± 2% relative humidity before testing.

Equipment Required

At Universal Grip Company, we supply all necessary equipment for performing ASTM D5035 tests accurately and efficiently:

1. Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

  • Load capacity between 1 kN and 10 kN, depending on fabric strength

  • Capable of constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing

  • Compatible with digital data acquisition systems

2. Tensile Grips

  • Flat-faced pneumatic grips or screw-action grips are most commonly used

  • Gripping surfaces should be rubber-faced or serrated to prevent slippage

  • Optional: Wide-width grips for dual-strip testing

3. Extensometers (optional)

4. Cutting Dies and Templates

  • Precision steel die ensures uniform 1-inch-wide strip specimens

  • Presses like hydraulic or arbor presses are used for consistent cutting

Test Setup and Procedure

Gauge Length:

  • 3 inches (75 mm) or 4 inches (100 mm), as specified in the standard or client spec

Crosshead Speed:

  • 300 ± 10 mm/min (12 ± 0.5 in/min) for most fabrics

Procedure Overview:

  1. Mount the specimen vertically in the grips, aligned with the load axis.

  2. Tighten grips evenly to avoid slippage or bias.

  3. Begin test at the specified rate of extension.

  4. Record the maximum force and elongation at break.

  5. Repeat for all specimens and average the results.

Equations in Plain Text

Breaking Strength (in Newtons or Pounds) = Maximum Force Recorded During Test

Elongation (%) = [(Extension at Break - Initial Gauge Length) / Initial Gauge Length] × 100

Real-World Applications

  • Workwear manufacturers use ASTM D5035 to ensure tear resistance in rugged garments.

  • Home textile producers test upholstery fabrics for stretching and durability.

  • Geotextile engineers evaluate performance under soil pressure and mechanical stress.

  • Medical textile companies verify mechanical integrity of bandages and dressings.

Tips for Success and Common Pitfalls

✅ Best Practices:

  • Ensure specimens are cut cleanly and not frayed

  • Use aligned, calibrated grips to prevent skewed results

  • Maintain consistent environmental conditioning

  • Test warp and fill directions separately

⚠️ Common Issues:

  • Slippage due to smooth grip faces

  • Fabric puckering under excessive grip pressure

  • Uneven grip alignment leading to premature failure

Related Standards

Conclusion

ASTM D5035 remains one of the most widely adopted test methods in the textile industry due to its simplicity, accuracy, and repeatability. By using properly calibrated universal testing machines, industry-grade grips, and controlled specimen preparation, your lab can ensure reliable and actionable data from every test.

At Universal Grip Company, we specialize in providing turnkey solutions for ASTM D5035 compliance—including testing machines, dies, and fixtures—so your lab or production facility can perform tensile testing with confidence.

 

 

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