Standards keep material tests readable across labs and borders. Among the major families you’ll run into in day-to-day work, DIN standards from the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung) are especially visible. Many have been harmonized with European and international practices, so data produced according to DIN often translates cleanly across markets.
In this article, we break down 13 commonly used DIN standards in material testing. For each one, we explain what the method measures, typical specimens and conditions, the kind of equipment it’s run on, and where it’s most often applied. Where applicable, we’ll point to close ISO or ASTM counterparts and highlight practical differences that can impact results, such as specimen geometry, speed, strain-rate control, notch details, and reporting requirements.
What Are DIN Standards
DIN standards are consensus-based technical documents that define how to plan, run, and report tests on materials. They specify scope, terms, required apparatus, specimen geometry, conditioning, environmental controls, test speeds or strain-rate options, data reduction, and reporting rules. The goal is consistent results across labs without guessing about setup or calculations.
Originally developed to unify industrial practice in Germany, DIN is now Germany’s national standards body and a member of ISO. Many DIN documents in material testing are aligned with European (EN) and international practice, so labs can adopt a method with minimal interpretation. There are roughly 30,000 active DIN standards across technology, and material testing is one of the largest clusters.
Within material testing, DIN covers metals, plastics, elastomers, coatings, and more. Typical method families include tensile and compression, hardness (Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell), impact (Charpy), flexural tests, abrasion and wear, corrosion exposure such as salt spray, and thermal performance like HDT and Vicat. Each document defines the measurement outputs to report, for example, yield strength, elongation at break, hardness numbers, absorbed energy, deflection, volume loss, or softening temperature.
DIN standards also clarify acceptance criteria and documentation details that matter in audits: calibration status of machines and accessories, verification blocks or reference materials, alignment and zeroing procedures, measurement tolerances, rounding, and units. Updates are published periodically to reflect improved instrumentation and practice. For labs, following the current edition of a DIN method reduces ambiguity during procurement, accreditation, and supplier qualification, and it helps teams adopt the same procedure across multiple sites.
Brief History of DIN in Material Testing
DIN began in 1917 as the Standards Association of German Industry, created to unify technical specifications across factories. By 1926, it became the German Standardization Committee and later the Deutsches Institut für Normung. As DIN’s scope expanded, material testing grew into a major portfolio that now spans metals, plastics, elastomers, coatings, and corrosion. Many standards were later harmonized through European and international work, so large parts of the catalog appear today as DIN EN or DIN EN ISO texts. DIN updates methods periodically to reflect changes in instruments and practices; labs typically reference the current edition of a specific document rather than a generic topic. The result is a common testing language that supports comparable results across sites and suppliers without guesswork about setup or calculations.
How DIN, EN, ISO, and ASTM Fit Together
You will often see three prefixes in one title, for example, DIN EN ISO 6892-1. Read it from right to left:
- ISO: the international method published by ISO.
- EN ISO: the same ISO text adopted for Europe.
- DIN EN ISO: the German publication of that European adoption.
Other variants:
- DIN EN 12345: a European standard adopted in Germany without an ISO base.
- DIN 12345: a purely national standard that may not have an EN or ISO equivalent.
ASTM is a separate system widely used in North America. It often covers the same test purposes but may differ in details. Before comparing data, check four items: specimen geometry and preparation, loading mode or strain-rate control, fixture configuration and calibration blocks, and reporting conventions such as units and rounding. Understanding this naming and these checkpoints helps teams pick the correct method for a project and read partner reports without rework.
Top DIN Standards for Material Testing
There are hundreds of DIN documents that touch material testing, covering specimen preparation and geometry, tensile and compression methods, hardness, impact, corrosion, abrasion, flexure, and thermal behavior. In this section, we highlight 13 standards you’re most likely to meet in day-to-day lab and production work. Selection reflects frequency in practice and cross-regional relevance.
1. DIN EN ISO 6892-1: Tensile Testing of Metallic Materials at Room Temperature
DIN EN ISO 6892-1 standard defines how to measure tensile properties of metals at ambient temperature. It covers the full workflow: specimen preparation and geometry, alignment, extensometer use, control of speed or strain rate, data capture, and reporting. The key outputs are yield strength (e.g., Rp0.2), ultimate tensile strength, uniform and total elongation, and in some cases, reduction of area.
Specimens can be flat or round with defined gauge sections. The document specifies how to condition and center the sample, how to attach or verify an extensometer, and how to select a control mode. Method A uses strain-rate control with sub-options A1 or A2. Method B uses stress-rate or crosshead-speed control. The chosen method affects yield determination and elongation, so the control mode and achieved rates must be recorded in the test report.
Specimens can be flat or round. Method A uses strain-rate control (A1/A2); Method B uses stress-rate or crosshead-speed control. The chosen mode affects yield and elongation, so record it in the report.
There is a close counterpart in North America, ASTM E8/E8M. Both target the same properties, but details can differ, for example, in preferred specimen gauge lengths or how rate control is defined.
2. DIN EN ISO 527-1: Determination of Tensile Properties of Plastics
DIN EN ISO 527-1 defines how to measure the tensile behavior of plastics so labs report comparable data.
Specimens are dumbbell-shaped, typically Type 1A for standard molding materials or Type 5A for thin sheets and films. Tests use grips that prevent slip and an extensometer suitable for the measured strain range.
Key outputs include tensile strength at break, yield strength where applicable, tensile modulus from the initial linear region, and elongation at yield and break. The standard provides guidance on selecting test speed based on material stiffness and on documenting any deviations that affect stiffness or ductility results.
DIN 527-1 works alongside the part-specific documents in the series (for example, ISO 527-2 for molding and extrusion plastics and ISO 527-3 for films and sheets). A common North American counterpart is ASTM D638. The purpose and properties align, but specimen types and some rate definitions differ.
3. DIN EN ISO 6508-1: Rockwell Hardness Testing for Metallic Materials
DIN EN ISO 6508-1 defines how to determine Rockwell hardness on metals using the standard Rockwell scales (for example, HRC and HRB). The method uses an indenter pressed into the surface under a minor load, followed by a major load. After releasing the major load, the tester records the permanent indentation depth and converts it to a Rockwell number. A smaller residual depth means a higher hardness value.
The indenter and load depend on the scale. HRC uses a 120° diamond cone with a 150 kgf major load. HRB uses a 1/16 in hardened ball with a 100 kgf major load. The standard specifies timing sequences for applying and holding loads, the allowable tolerances, and how to mark and space test locations. Surfaces should be flat, clean, and adequately supported; minimum thickness rules and distances from edges or previous indents apply.
Reported items include the hardness value and scale, plus any conditions that influence results (e.g., surface finish, dwell times). Verification with certified reference blocks and regular indirect checks keeps instruments in control. Rockwell is widely used for steels, stainless steels, cast irons, and many nonferrous alloys because it is quick and needs minimal specimen preparation. A close counterpart is ASTM E18; scale setup and timing differ in places.
4. DIN EN ISO 6507-1: Vickers Hardness Test for Metallic Materials
DIN EN ISO 6507-1 specifies the Vickers method for metallic materials using a diamond pyramid indenter with a square base and a 136° angle. The indenter is pressed into a prepared surface under a selected force. After unloading, the two diagonals of the residual indent are measured optically and converted to a Vickers hardness value (HV). Because the formula relates force to indentation area, the HV number is comparable across a wide force range when the material is homogeneous.
The standard covers micro and macro levels, for example, HV0.1, HV1, HV5, HV10, up to HV100 and higher. The method also sets spacing and dwell-time requirements. Results are reported with the value, the force designation, and often the dwell time, for example, 640 HV 10.
Vickers is useful when one scale must cover very soft to very hard alloys and when thin sections or surface-hardened layers need characterization. Typical applications include case depth studies, weld zones, heat-treated steels, and small parts. Compared with Rockwell, Vickers takes longer due to optical measurement, but it offers a single continuous scale and fine spatial resolution. ASTM E92 and E384 are common counterparts; match force levels and procedures before comparing data across methods.
5. DIN EN ISO 6506-1: Brinell Hardness Test for Metallic Materials
DIN EN ISO 6506-1 defines the Brinell method using a hard metal ball indenter, typically tungsten carbide, pressed into the surface under a specified force. After unloading, the indentation diameter is measured in two perpendicular directions and averaged, then converted to a Brinell hardness value (HBW). Results are reported with ball size and force, for example, HBW 10/3000.
The standard links allowable ball diameters with force so that the force-to-diameter² ratio stays within target ranges. It also sets dwell times, minimum spacing between indents and from edges, and minimum part thickness so the imprint is valid. Surface condition, thickness, and spacing limits follow the document.
Brinell is well suited to coarse or inhomogeneous microstructures where a larger indent gives a more representative average, such as cast irons, cast aluminum, bronzes, and many low to medium strength steels. Typical outputs include the HBW value, test conditions, and any deviations affecting measurement. Instruments are checked with certified reference blocks and periodic indirect verifications. ASTM E10 is a close counterpart.
6. DIN EN ISO 148-1: Charpy Pendulum Impact Test for Metallic Materials
DIN EN ISO 148-1 defines the Charpy method for measuring the impact toughness of metals. A notched specimen is supported at both ends and struck opposite the notch by a pendulum hammer. The machine records the energy absorbed to fracture the sample in Joules. Higher absorbed energy indicates tougher behavior under sudden loading.
The standard specifies specimen geometry and notch options. Most metallic materials use a V-notch, while a U-notch is also defined. It covers striker design, support dimensions, alignment, and how to position the notch. Tests may be run at room or subzero temperatures to assess ductile-to-brittle behavior. Reported outputs typically include absorbed energy, test temperature, notch type, and any observations about fracture appearance.
Accurate results depend on verified equipment and consistent preparation. Surfaces and notches must meet the dimensional tolerances, and temperature control must be stable before each strike. Periodic verification of the pendulum and anvils is addressed in the companion document ISO 148-2.
Common applications include qualification of structural steels, pipeline and pressure-vessel grades, weld procedure testing, and material screening for cold-service conditions. A close North American counterpart is ASTM E23. The purpose aligns, but details differ in striker and anvil geometry and some calibration steps.
7. DIN EN ISO 9227: Salt Spray (Corrosion) Testing
DIN EN ISO 9227 specifies neutral salt spray (NSS) and two variants, acetic acid salt spray (AASS) and copper-accelerated salt spray (CASS), for comparative corrosion assessments of metals and coated parts. Specimens are placed in a controlled chamber where a 5% sodium chloride solution is atomized at about 35°C for NSS. The standard sets solution composition, pH targets for each method, temperature control, spray rate, and how to mount and space samples so condensate does not pool or drip from one to another.
Exposure time depends on the product requirement. Typical runs range from a few dozen hours to well over 1,000 hours. Evaluation is visual at intervals and at the end. Common outputs include hours to first red rust on steel, blistering or underfilm corrosion on coatings, scribe creep on cut panels, and photographic documentation. The method does not predict service life; it provides a repeatable basis to compare materials, pretreatments, or coating systems.
The document also covers chamber checks, nozzle and air supply, and daily records of temperature, pH, and fallout rate. It is widely used in automotive, appliances, fasteners, and architectural hardware to qualify finishes and track batch consistency. A frequent North American counterpart is ASTM B117 for NSS.
8. DIN 53504: Tensile Test for Rubber (Elastomers)
DIN 53504 defines how to measure the tensile behavior of vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers. It covers specimen shapes, conditioning, speed control, and how to calculate key results so labs consistently report rubber strength and stretch.
Specimens are dumbbell-shaped, typically cut to a defined die geometry. Tests are run on a universal testing machine with grips that prevent slip and an extensometer suited to large strains, for example, long-travel clip-on or optical measurement. Because elastomers can extend hundreds of percent, the method uses higher test speeds than metals or rigid plastics and requires clear gauge marks for accurate strain tracking.
Reported outputs include tensile strength at break, elongation at break, and, where relevant, tensile stress at a specified elongation, which helps compare stiffness between compounds. The standard also notes how to document conditions that influence results, such as specimen thickness, speed, and any interruptions.
DIN 53504 aligns closely with ISO 37, and many users treat the procedures as equivalent for routine work. A common North American counterpart is ASTM D412. Purposes match, but specimen types and some rate definitions differ.
9. DIN 53505: Shore Hardness of Rubber (A and D)
DIN 53505 defines durometer hardness for elastomers using the Shore A and Shore D scales. A spring-loaded indenter is pressed into the surface, and the instrument reads the depth of penetration on a 0–100 scale. Shore A targets soft to medium rubbers, Shore D targets hard rubbers, and some rigid plastics. A typical result looks like 70 Shore A.
Method specifics focus on controlling variables that shift readings. The sample must be thick enough for a full indentation (commonly about 6 mm; thin sheets are stacked of the same compound). The foot needs full, flat contact. Readings are taken at a defined time after contact to limit viscoelastic creep, and some procedures record a second, later reading. Curved or textured surfaces, temperature drift, and operator hand pressure add scatter, so many labs use a deadweight stand, condition samples at lab temperature, and space indents to avoid interaction.
DIN 53505 was the long-time reference in Europe and is now superseded by ISO 7619-1 and ISO 868 with equivalent practice. North American labs typically use ASTM D2240. These documents pursue the same property, but details such as presser foot geometry, timing, and tolerances can vary.
10. DIN 53516: Abrasion Resistance of Rubber (DIN Abrasion Test)
DIN 53516 measures how quickly a rubber compound wears under controlled abrasive contact. A test piece is pressed against a rotating drum covered with a specified abrasive sheet. Either the specimen or the drum traverses during the run, creating a spiral track so fresh abrasive is engaged throughout. After a set distance or number of revolutions, the mass loss is recorded and converted to volume loss (mm³) using the material’s density. A lower number means better abrasion resistance.
The method ties force, drum conditions, and abrasive grade to defined limits so results are repeatable between labs. Test pieces must be cut cleanly and mounted so they contact the drum evenly. Indents from prior runs, dust build-up on the sheet, or drift in the applied force can skew results, so routine checks of the fixture and abrasive are part of good practice.
Outputs are typically the volume loss and, when required, an abrasion index relative to a reference rubber. DIN 53516 is common for footwear soles, tires and treads, conveyor belts, hoses, and linings where sliding wear dominates. The international counterpart is ISO 4649, which includes the DIN procedure as Method A, and ASTM D5963 offers a similar option for North American labs.
11. DIN EN ISO 178: Flexural Testing of Rigid Plastics (3-Point Bending)
DIN EN ISO 178 defines a three-point bend method for rigid and semi-rigid plastics. A rectangular bar is supported at two anvils and loaded at the midpoint until it fractures or reaches a specified strain. The setup, span, nose, support radii, and deflection rate are prescribed so that stress and strain in the outer fiber are comparable between labs.
Specimens are commonly 80×10×4 mm molded to ISO 178 or machined from ISO 527 multipurpose bars. The support span is proportional to thickness, typically about 16×h, which keeps bending dominant over shear. Conditioning is usually at a standard laboratory climate before testing. The method records force and mid-span deflection to derive two primary results: flexural modulus from the initial linear region and flexural strength at break or at a defined strain when the specimen does not fully fracture.
Report items include specimen dimensions, span, loading rate, temperature, humidity, and any departures from the document. Typical uses: comparing stiffness of grades (e.g., ABS vs. PC), checking the effect of fillers or fibers, and qualifying materials for housings, panels, and profiles where bending governs performance.
A frequent counterpart is ASTM D790. The purpose aligns, but specimen types, span rules, and options like four-point bending differ. Match geometry and rate settings before comparing numbers across methods.
12. DIN EN ISO 75: Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of Plastics
DIN EN ISO 75 defines how to determine the temperature at which a plastic bends a set amount under a constant bending load. A rectangular bar (often 80×10×4 mm) is placed in a three-point fixture and loaded to a specified outer-fiber stress (commonly 1.80 MPa or 0.45 MPa). The specimen is then heated at a controlled rate, typically about 2 °C per minute, until the mid-span deflection reaches 0.25 mm. That temperature is reported as the HDT.
The document is split into parts: Part 1 covers general principles, Part 2 gives guidance for different plastics (filled, unfilled, and reinforced), and Part 3 addresses high-strength thermosets and ebonite. It standardizes items that influence results, such as specimen finish, span rules, nose and support radii, heating medium, and rate.
HDT appears on most datasheets because it gives a quick screen for thermal stiffness in service. Typical use cases include material selection for components near engines, power electronics, lighting, and hot fluids. When comparing grades, note both the stress level (1.8 vs. 0.45 MPa) and any conditioning history.
A common counterpart in North America is ASTM D648, with alignment on purpose and key criteria.
13. DIN EN ISO 306: Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
DIN EN ISO 306 measures how to determine the Vicat softening temperature (VST) using a small, loaded needle that penetrates a flat plastic specimen as it is heated at a controlled rate. The test reports the temperature at 1 mm penetration, which marks the point where the polymer has softened significantly under a light, localized load.
Two main methods are used. Vicat A applies a 10 N load with a 50°C per hour heating rate. Vicat B applies a 50 N load with either 50°C per hour or 120°C per hour. Specimens are typically about 3 mm thick and immersed in a heated medium, often an oil bath, to maintain uniform temperature. The standard sets requirements for indenter geometry, alignment, temperature calibration, and how to record the method code used, for example, VST A50 or VST B50.
Vicat is especially useful for amorphous plastics that do not have a sharp melting point. Typical applications include comparing PVC, PC, or PMMA grades; screening materials for hot water or near-engine environments; and setting design margins for parts that must hold shape up to a defined temperature. Use Vicat alongside HDT: Vicat probes local softening under a point load; HDT probes bending stiffness under a broader load.
DIN-Ready Equipment From NextGen Material Testing
NextGen Material Testing supplies a full line of testing systems that comply with DIN and DIN EN ISO methods. If you work with European partners or need reports recognized in Germany, DIN-ready setups help your data move across borders without rework.
We cover far more than metals, plastics, and rubber. Our portfolio spans universal testing machines for tension, compression, and flexure; Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell hardness; Charpy impact; Shore durometers; DIN abrasion; salt spray corrosion; and thermal rigs for HDT and Vicat on plastics. Beyond polymers and metals, we also support cement and concrete testing (compression frames, curing and conditioning systems, fresh-concrete workability tools), soil mechanics (triaxial and direct shear, consolidation, permeability), and rock testing (uniaxial and point-load strength, durability).
All systems are configured to match the procedures discussed in this guide, with fixtures, extensometry, and control modes set up for DIN methods. If you need to align DIN with ASTM or other requirements, our team can map your test list to the right machines and accessories and help with method templates.
Turning DIN Standards Into Useful Results
The 13 DIN documents above cover the tests most labs rely on: tensile for metals and plastics, three hardness methods, Charpy impact, salt spray corrosion, rubber tensile, Shore hardness, DIN abrasion, and thermal checks like HDT and Vicat. Together, they form a practical toolkit: clear specimen geometry, control modes, and reporting rules that keep results comparable across sites.
In day-to-day work, pick the DIN method that matches your material and decision point, note the edition and control mode in your SOP, and keep fixtures and verification blocks aligned with that choice. When your projects cross borders, the DIN EN ISO naming helps partners read your reports without extra explanations, and mapping to close ASTM equivalents is straightforward when geometry and rates match.
If you need help choosing DIN-compliant equipment for material testing, contact us or request a quote. We’ll match your test list to the right machines and accessories.
