Information on the most widely used ASTM standards within the materials testing industry
ASTM D5035, ISO 13934.1, ASTM D5034
Textile fabric tensile fixtures complying with ASTM D5035 and ISO 13934.1 are specialized clamping devices for testing the tensile strength and elongation at break of textiles. They are designed based on the strip method specified by both standards, which guarantees the accuracy and comparability of test results.
For textile fabrics, when conforming to ASTM D5035 (Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics [Strip Method]) and ISO 13934-1 (Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and elongation at maximum force using the strip method), the fixture is specifically designed for the "strip method".
Compliance with Strip Method Requirements: Both standards adopt the strip method for tensile testing. Unlike the grab method, this method requires the fixture’s clamping width to match or exceed the width of the fabric specimen. This design ensures that the entire width of the specimen bears tensile force evenly, which is especially suitable for testing woven fabrics, wool fabrics, and felted fabrics.
General introduction
Textile fabric tensile fixtures complying with ASTM D5035 and ISO 13934.1 are specialized clamping devices for testing the tensile strength and elongation at break of textiles. They are designed based on the strip method specified by both standards, which guarantees the accuracy and comparability of test results.
For textile fabrics, when conforming to ASTM D5035 (Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics [Strip Method]) and ISO 13934-1 (Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and elongation at maximum force using the strip method), the fixture is specifically designed for the "strip method".
Compliance with Strip Method Requirements: Both standards adopt the strip method for tensile testing. Unlike the grab method, this method requires the fixture’s clamping width to match or exceed the width of the fabric specimen. This design ensures that the entire width of the specimen bears tensile force evenly, which is especially suitable for testing woven fabrics, wool fabrics, and felted fabrics.

Main features
These fixtures are ideal for woven fabrics and wool fabrics. However, they are not recommended for glass fiber fabrics, knitted fabrics, or high-elastic fabrics (with elasticity exceeding 11%), as such materials may slip or suffer uneven force distribution during testing. They can also be used for wet - sample testing, with no need for structural modifications to the fixture itself.
Clamping surfaces may be covered with rubber pads. If slippage still occurs, liners or surface coatings can be added. Thin paper can be used to check if the clamping pressure is uniform by verifying the regularity of indentations.
The surface of the grips that contacts the fabric is crucial. Common designs include:
Serrated (Toothed) Jaws: Provide excellent grip for many woven fabrics. The teeth dig into the fabric to prevent slippage. However, they can sometimes cause damage or premature failure at the grip edges.
Rubber-Coated or Padded Jaws: Increase friction through material properties rather than cutting into the fabric. Ideal for delicate or highly extensible knitted fabrics to prevent damage.
Canvas Grips (or Inserts): Some systems use flat jaws with an insert made of a material like canvas. The fabric specimen is folded over the insert, and the clamping pressure is distributed over a larger area, significantly reducing the chance of breakage at the grip points.
Technical specification
The fixture must accommodate the specimen dimensions specified in the standards:
Width: ASTM D5035 commonly uses strips of 25 mm (1 inch) or 50 mm (2 inches).
ISO 13934-1 specifies a width of 50 mm.
Gauge Length: The initial distance between the grips is typically 100 mm (4 inches) for both standards. The fixture system must allow for precise setting and measurement of this distance.
Standard
ASTM D5034 for determining the breaking strength (maximum force a fabric can withstand before rupture) and elongation (amount of stretch under tension) of textile fabrics using the grab test principle. It provides two primary procedures: the grab test and modified grab test, with provisions for both dry and wet testing conditions.
ASTM D5035 : Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
ASTM D5035 is the standard test method for determining breaking force (tensile strength) and elongation at break of textile fabrics using the strip method. It defines two core procedures--raveled strip (for woven fabrics) and cut strip (for nonwovens, coated/felted fabrics)--and supports both dry and wet testing.
ISO 13934-1 Textiles -- Tensile properties of fabrics (strip methods)
ISO 13934-1 provides a testing procedure for determining the tensile properties of fabrics. This standard mainly applies to woven textile fabrics, but can also be applicable to fabrics produced using other techniques. it is not normally applied to woven elastic fabrics, geotextiles, nonwoven fabrics, coated fabrics, textile-glass woven fabrics, fabrics made from carbon fibers, or polyolefin tape yarns. This standard uses a strip method of testing to measure maximum force as well as elongation at maximum force. If required, it also records the force at rupture and elongation. Two sets of specimens are prepared, one in the warp direction and one in the weft direction.
ISO 13934-2 Tensile properties of fabrics (grab method)
ISO 13934-2 specifies a procedure for the determination of the maximum force of textile fabrics known as the grab test. The method is mainly applicable to woven textile fabrics including fabrics which exhibit stretch characteristics imparted by the presence of an elastomeric fibre and mechanical or chemical treatment. It can be applicable to fabrics produced by other techniques.
It is not normally applicable to geotextiles, nonwovens, coated fabrics, textile-glass woven fabrics, and fabrics made from carbon fibres or polyolefin tape yarns. The method specifies the determination of the maximum force of test specimens in equilibrium with the standard atmosphere for testing and of test specimens in the wet state. The method is restricted to the use of constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing machines.
Importance of Using a Compliant Fixture
Using a fixture that meets the requirements of ASTM D5035 and ISO 13934-1 is vital for:
Accuracy: Ensuring the measured breaking force reflects the true strength of the fabric, not an artifact of slippage or grip damage.
Reproducibility: Allowing different laboratories and operators to obtain consistent results.
Compliance: Enabling manufacturers, researchers, and quality control labs to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
A complete setup includes:
Upper and Lower Grips: The main components that open, close, and hold the specimen.
Interchangeable Jaw Faces: To suit different fabric types (e.g., switching from serrated to rubber-coated).
Actuation System: Pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical controls to operate the grips.
Mounting Interface: For secure attachment to an universal testing machine (recommend UnitedTest UTM).
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