What is EN ISO 5403-1:2025
EN ISO 5403-1:2025 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Leather - Determination of water resistance of flexible leather - Part 1: Repeated linear compression (penetrometer) (ISO 5403-1:2025)". This standard covers: ISO 5403-1:2011 specifies a method for determining the dynamic water resistance of leather by means of repeated linear compression. It is applicable to all flexible leathers but is particularly suitable for leathers intended for footwear applications.
EN ISO 5403-1:2025
Leather — Determination of water resistance of flexible leather
Part 1: Repeated linear compression (Penetrometer)
(Equivalent to ISO 5403-1:2025)
Standard Purpose
This standard specifies a laboratory method for determining the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather by applying repeated linear compression under partial water immersion. It is applicable to all flexible leathers, with particular relevance to footwear leather.
Test Principle
(1) The leather specimen is formed into a trough shape and clamped in position.
(2) The specimen is partially immersed in water.
(3) A penetrometer applies repeated linear compression cycles.
(4) The time until water penetration occurs is recorded.
(5) Water absorption and water transmission through the leather are determined.
Required Testing Equipment
Testing in accordance with EN ISO 5403-1:2025 requires the following apparatus:
(1) Leather Water Resistance Penetrometer
– Pair(s) of coaxial cylinders, diameter 30.0 ± 0.5 mm
– Maximum cylinder separation 40.0 ± 0.5 mm
– Motor-driven movable cylinder with crank mechanism
(2) Compression Control System
– Test speed: 50 ± 5 cycles/min
– Selectable compression amplitudes: 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0 mm
– Corresponding compression ratio approx. 5–15 %
(3) Water Tank
– Filled with distilled or deionized water conforming to ISO 3696 (Grade 3)
(4) Analytical Balance
– Resolution 0.001 g for water absorption and transmission measurement
(5) Timing Device
– Accuracy 1 s for penetration time measurement
(6) Auxiliary Equipment
– Ring clamps
– Rectangular press knife 60 mm × 75 mm (ISO 2418)
– Abrasive paper
– Absorbent cloth
Specimen Preparation & Conditioning
(1) Sampling location and cutting follow ISO 2418.
(2) Specimens are conditioned according to ISO 2419 before testing.
(3) Surface preparation may include light abrasion where required.
Test Results
The following parameters shall be reported:
(1) Water penetration time (min or number of cycles)
(2) Water absorption of the specimen (%)
(3) Water transmission through the specimen (mass, g)
Method Notes
(1) This repeated compression method simulates dynamic wet flexing conditions.
(2) Results are not comparable with ISO 5403-2, which uses a folding flexing method.
(3) Test conditions and deviations shall be fully reported.
Typical Applications
(1) Footwear upper leather performance evaluation
(2) Quality control and batch acceptance testing
(3) Comparative assessment of leather finishing treatments
(4) Supplier qualification and incoming inspection
(5) R&D for improving water resistance of flexible leathers
Referenced Standards
(1) ISO 5403-2 — Water resistance by folding flexing
(2) ISO 2418 — Specimen position and preparation
(3) ISO 2419 — Conditioning of leather specimens
(4) ISO 3696 — Laboratory water quality
(5) ISO 15115 — Leather terminology
Testing Equipment Support
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2026-01-06 16:56