SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026

Full title: Leather – Determination of water resistance of flexible leather – Part 1: Repeated linear compression (penetrometer) (ISO 5403-1:2025)

Published by: Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST)

ICS Classification:

59.140.30 – Leather and furs

61.060 – Footwear

Purpose:

SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026 specifies a standardized laboratory method for evaluating the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather. The test applies repeated linear compression using a penetrometer while the specimen is partially immersed in water. This method is applicable to all flexible leathers and is particularly suitable for footwear leather performance evaluation.

Scope

Determines water penetration, absorption, and transmission under repeated linear compression

Applicable to all flexible leathers, especially those used in footwear and outdoor applications

Supports quality control, material evaluation, supplier verification, and R&D

Test Principle

Form leather specimen into a trough

Compress repeatedly under partial water immersion

Measure time until water penetration, percentage water absorbed, and water transmitted mass

Apparatus Essentials

Instrument / Equipment	Purpose
Penetrometer with cylinders	Pair of coaxial cylinders, Ø 30.0 ± 0.5 mm, max separation 40.0 ± 0.5 mm, for linear compression
Electric motor drive	Drives movable cylinder with crank motion at 50 ± 5 cycles/min, selectable compression amplitude (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 mm, ≈5–15%)
Water tank	Distilled/deionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3) for partial immersion
Precision balance	Measures water absorption and transmission, accuracy 0.001 g
Timer / Stopwatch	Records penetration time, accuracy ±1 s
Specimen holders / ring clamps	Fix specimen in test position
Cutting tools	Press knife (60 × 75 mm inner rectangle per ISO 2418), abrasive paper, absorbent cloth

Specimen Preparation & Conditioning

Sampling and cutting: Follow ISO 2418

Conditioning: Follow ISO 2419

Tests performed shortly after conditioning for reproducibility

Test Output Metrics

Penetration time – Time until water passes through the leather

Percentage water absorbed – Water uptake by the specimen

Water transmission mass – Mass of water transmitted through the specimen

Note: Results are specific to linear compression flexing and not directly comparable with ISO 5403-2 (folding-type flexing).

Applications

Quality Control: Batch acceptance testing for footwear and flexible leather goods

Material Evaluation: Compare leathers for wet or outdoor performance

Supplier Verification & Incoming Inspection: Ensure compliance with water resistance requirements

R&D: Improve finishing, waterproofing, and leather treatments

Regulatory Compliance: Provide repeatable, standardized data on water penetration and absorption

Users of SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026

Leather manufacturers and tanneries

Footwear and leather goods developers

Independent testing laboratories

Procurement and quality assurance teams

R&D teams working on coatings, waterproofing, and leather treatments

Related Standards

Standard	Relevance
ISO 5403 series	Other parts, e.g., ISO 5403-2 folding flexing method
ISO 2418	Specimen position and preparation
ISO 2419	Specimen conditioning
ISO 3696	Water for analytical laboratory use
ISO 15115	Leather vocabulary and terminology
SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2012	Previous edition for historical comparison

Professional Testing Solutions

Qinsun Instruments specializes in leather testing instruments and provides complete solutions for SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026. Our equipment enables precise, reliable, and safe assessment of dynamic water resistance for flexible leathers, especially for footwear and outdoor applications.

For testing solutions or technical support, contact us today.

2026-01-04 16:36