ISO 3385:2014 describes a laboratory test used to evaluate fatigue-related changes in flexible cellular polymeric materials (such as upholstery foams) when they are repeatedly “pounded” under a constant load.
The method is commonly used to compare foam formulations or components by measuring changes in thickness and hardness before and after cyclic loading. If you need help determining whether ISO 3385 fits your product and sample geometry, talk with our team.
ISO 3385:2014 — Flexible cellular polymeric materials — Determination of fatigue by constant-load pounding
ISO 3385:2014 is an International Standard that outlines a constant-load pounding procedure to assess service-related fatigue performance of flexible cellular materials used in load-bearing applications such as upholstery.
Results are based on measured changes in thickness and hardness after cyclic loading. The standard also makes clear that it is not intended to be a detailed engineering design specification for fatigue apparatus.
Quick definition
Standard type: Test method (fatigue assessment by constant-load pounding).
What it measures: Loss in thickness and loss in hardness after repeated pounding under a constant load.
Typical use: Comparing flexible foam materials or parts intended for load-bearing upholstery and cushioning applications.
What this standard covers
ISO 3385:2014 specifies a method to determine fatigue-related property changes in flexible cellular materials by applying repeated “pounding” under a constant load.
The method is applicable to both standard-sized test pieces cut from slabstock material and to shaped components. It is intended for flexible cellular materials used in load-bearing applications, including materials based on rubber latex or polyurethane.
Reported outcomes focus on loss in thickness and loss in hardness. These measured losses are related to, but not necessarily the same as, losses likely to occur in service.
Why this standard matters in testing
Foams and cushioning components can change in feel and support after repeated use. ISO 3385 provides a repeatable way to stress materials in a controlled lab cycle and quantify how much thickness and hardness change after fatigue loading.
For QA/QC teams, this can support incoming material comparisons, supplier qualification, or product-change validation where “after-use” performance is a practical concern.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
ISO 3385:2014 is used for flexible cellular polymeric materials intended for load-bearing use, especially upholstery-related applications.
Common examples: Flexible polyurethane foam, rubber latex foam, seat cushioning materials, and shaped foam components used where repeated occupant loading is expected.
Common test or verification workflow
A typical ISO 3385 workflow includes establishing baseline measurements, applying constant-load pounding for a defined number of cycles, and then measuring post-fatigue changes.
Common workflow: Measure initial thickness and hardness → run constant-load pounding cycles → re-measure thickness and hardness → calculate loss in thickness and loss in hardness for comparison or acceptance decisions.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
ISO 3385 testing typically relies on a dedicated fatigue “pounding” setup capable of applying repeated impacts/indentations while maintaining a constant applied load.
Common equipment: Constant-load foam pounding (fatigue) machine with cycle counting and repeatable loading geometry; fixtures/support platens suited to slab samples and/or shaped components; measurement tools for thickness and hardness before and after fatigue exposure.
Because the standard is not intended to serve as a detailed engineering design specification for the fatigue apparatus, equipment selection is often driven by the sample type (slabstock versus shaped parts), target load range, cycle requirements, and how thickness/hardness measurements will be taken in your lab workflow.
If you are specifying a fatigue pounding system for ISO 3385 and want to compare load ranges, platen/indenter options, or automation features, you can request a detailed quote based on your sample geometry and throughput.
How to read this designation or revision
ISO 3385:2014 identifies the ISO standard number (3385) and the publication year (2014) for the referenced edition.
When purchasing equipment, writing procedures, or comparing supplier data, it is important to cite the exact edition year used for the test, since requirements and reporting expectations can vary between editions.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks when useful
ISO 3385 results depend on thickness and hardness measurements taken before and after fatigue exposure. In many lab workflows, separate internal procedures (or other published methods) are used to define how those measurements are performed and documented.
When you build a complete test plan, align your specimen identification, conditioning approach, measurement approach, and reporting format so that results remain comparable across materials and production lots.
Get help selecting an ISO 3385 test setup
If you are planning ISO 3385 fatigue testing for slabstock foam or shaped upholstery components, contact our team to discuss load range, sample support, measurement approach, and the right configuration for your lab throughput.