ISO 3384-1:2024 is an International Standard for measuring compression stress relaxation in vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber by tracking how the compressive counterforce decreases over time while the specimen is held at a constant deformation and a predetermined constant temperature.
This standard is commonly used when you need comparable retention-of-sealing-force data for elastomer components exposed to sustained squeeze at ambient or elevated temperature. If you are unsure whether stress relaxation (ISO 3384-1) or compression set is the better fit for your requirement, you can talk with our team about the workflow and equipment approach.
ISO 3384-1:2024 — Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of stress relaxation in compression — Part 1: Testing at constant temperature
ISO 3384-1 focuses on stress relaxation in compression at constant ambient or elevated temperature. It is typically applied to rubber materials and products where maintained compressive force matters (for example, sealing and vibration-isolation applications).
Because the standard is written around maintaining a fixed deformation and monitoring counterforce loss, equipment selection usually centers on controlled compression, stable temperature control, and reliable force measurement over time.
Quick Definition
What it is: A constant-deformation compression stress relaxation test for vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber at a constant test temperature.
What it measures: The decrease in counterforce exerted by a compressed rubber test piece over time.
How it’s run: Using either continuous measurement or discontinuous measurement, with two defined approaches (Method A and Method B) that differ in whether compression/measurement occur at test temperature or at standard laboratory temperature.
What This Standard Covers
ISO 3384-1 specifies procedures for determining compression stress relaxation by compressing a rubber test piece to a constant deformation and maintaining that deformation at a predetermined constant temperature while measuring the counterforce decrease.
The standard allows two forms of test piece: cylindrical test pieces and ring test pieces. Ring specimens are noted as particularly suitable when stress relaxation is being determined in liquid environments.
| Item | What ISO 3384-1 Addresses |
|---|---|
| Standard type | International Standard (test method for compression stress relaxation) |
| Temperature mode | Constant ambient or elevated temperature |
| Measurement approach | Continuous or discontinuous counterforce measurement |
| Defined methods | Method A (compression & measurement at test temperature) and Method B (compression & measurement at standard laboratory temperature) |
| Permitted specimen forms | Cylindrical test pieces and rings |
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
In many rubber applications, performance depends on maintaining compressive force over time rather than simply achieving an initial squeeze. ISO 3384-1 supports this by quantifying how the counterforce decays under constant deformation at a controlled temperature.
The choice between Method A and Method B can materially affect results, so test planning, equipment configuration, and data comparisons should be aligned to the exact method cited in your requirement.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ISO 3384-1 applies to vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber. It is often referenced for materials and products expected to experience sustained compression at controlled temperature.
- Rubber compounds used in sealing or gasketing designs where retained contact force is critical
- Elastomer components evaluated for long-term compressive force retention at ambient or elevated temperature
- Use cases where ring specimens are preferred, including certain liquid-exposure environments
Common Test or Verification Workflow
A typical ISO 3384-1 workflow centers on applying a defined compressive deformation, holding it constant, stabilizing at the specified temperature, and recording counterforce loss over the specified time intervals.
Common workflow elements: Selecting specimen form (cylindrical or ring), setting constant deformation using a compression fixture, controlling the constant test temperature, measuring counterforce continuously or at defined times, and reporting results in a way that is comparable only for similar specimen size and shape.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 3384-1 equipment is usually built around maintaining a fixed compressive deformation while measuring force over time at a controlled constant temperature. The exact configuration depends on whether you use a continuous or discontinuous measurement setup, and whether you run Method A or Method B.
Common equipment: Compression stress relaxation fixture (to set and hold constant deformation), calibrated force measurement (load cell/force transducer), temperature-controlled environment (oven or environmental chamber), and time-based data recording for counterforce versus exposure time.
If you are selecting between a compact fixture-in-oven approach and an integrated chamber with continuous force readout, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your temperature range, specimen style, and measurement approach.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 3384-1 identifies Part 1 of the ISO 3384 series and is focused on testing at constant temperature.
ISO 3384-1:2024 indicates the year of publication for the cited edition (Edition 3, published in March 2024). Older documents may reference earlier years (for example, ISO 3384-1:2019 or ISO 3384-1:2011), and test setup and reporting expectations should always be matched to the exact edition and method (A or B) stated in the requirement.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
When a requirement involves changing temperatures rather than a single constant temperature, ISO 3384-2 is commonly referenced for compression stress relaxation testing with temperature cycling.
Get help selecting an ISO 3384-1 setup
If you need help aligning Method A vs. Method B, continuous vs. discontinuous measurement, and fixture/chamber choices to your exact cited edition and specimen style, contact our team to discuss your application and equipment requirements.