ISO 9073-4:2021 is a test method for determining the tear resistance of nonwoven materials using the trapezoid procedure. It is commonly used for product qualification and quality control where resistance to tearing during handling, converting, or end use is a critical performance requirement.
Because trapezoid tear testing depends on specimen geometry, cutting quality, and grip setup, most labs treat equipment configuration and operator technique as just as important as the test itself. If you need help aligning your tester, grips, and sample preparation approach to the edition cited by your customer, you can talk with our team.
ISO 9073-4:2021 — Nonwovens — Test methods — Part 4: Determination of tear resistance by the trapezoid procedure
ISO 9073-4 specifies a laboratory procedure for measuring tear resistance of nonwovens using a trapezoid-type specimen. It is written for nonwoven materials and is typically referenced when tear performance is part of a technical specification, supplier approval, or internal release criteria.
This standard is part of the ISO 9073 series of nonwovens test methods, and it focuses specifically on trapezoid tear resistance rather than general tensile strength or puncture resistance.
Quick Definition
What it is: A standardized trapezoid tear resistance test for nonwovens.
What it measures: A tear resistance result derived from the force response while a tear propagates under tension, using the specimen shape and procedure defined in the standard.
What This Standard Covers
ISO 9073-4 describes how to prepare and load a trapezoid specimen so that a tear can be initiated and propagated in a controlled way while force is recorded. The method is intended to create a repeatable tear condition for nonwovens, where structure, bonding, and basis weight can strongly influence tearing behavior.
The standard defines the trapezoid procedure details (including specimen shape and key procedural requirements) that must be followed to produce comparable results between labs.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Tear resistance is often a functional property for nonwovens that see snagging, edge damage, stretching during converting, or pulling forces in service. ISO 9073-4 provides a common way to document tear performance for purchasing, supplier comparisons, and ongoing QC trending.
For many nonwovens, tear behavior can be sensitive to fiber orientation and manufacturing direction, so consistent specimen cutting, direction labeling, and grip alignment are critical for meaningful data.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
This method applies broadly to nonwoven materials. It is commonly referenced for products where resistance to tearing during processing or use is a performance concern.
Examples of use contexts: roll goods used in hygiene and medical products, wipes, filtration media, protective and industrial nonwovens, geotextile-type nonwoven layers, and other engineered nonwoven webs where tear performance is specified.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most labs run ISO 9073-4 as part of incoming inspection, supplier qualification, product development comparisons, or routine quality monitoring.
Common workflow:
- Condition and identify specimens (including direction, where applicable) and prepare trapezoid-shaped test pieces as required by the standard.
- Set up a tensile testing system with appropriate grips and a load cell suited to the expected tear forces.
- Mount the specimen per the trapezoid procedure so the tear initiates and propagates under controlled tension while force is recorded.
- Calculate and report tear resistance results using the method and reporting requirements defined in ISO 9073-4.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 9073-4 is typically performed on a universal testing machine configured for textile/nonwoven force levels, with grips that can hold the specimen securely without introducing avoidable slippage or premature jaw breaks.
Common equipment: Universal testing machine (electromechanical is common), suitable load cell capacity for the material, wedge or pneumatic grips with appropriate jaw faces for nonwovens, and test software capable of capturing and reporting force results.
Common accessories: Specimen cutting tools/templates appropriate to the trapezoid geometry defined in the standard, alignment aids, and (where required by internal practice) conditioning/standard-atmosphere capability for consistent pre-test conditioning.
If you are comparing tester frames, grip styles, or load cell ranges for a nonwovens tear program, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your force range and throughput.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 9073-4 identifies Part 4 of the ISO 9073 nonwovens test methods series.
ISO 9073-4:2021 indicates the 2021 edition of the standard (Edition 3). When a customer or specification cites ISO 9073-4, matching the cited year matters because method details and reporting expectations can change between editions.
Earlier editions exist (for example, ISO 9073-4:1997), and older citations should be reviewed carefully to ensure the correct procedure is being followed.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
ISO 9073-4 is one part of the ISO 9073 series used for nonwovens characterization. In many lab programs it is paired with other nonwovens mechanical tests (such as tensile-related or other durability-focused methods) selected by the product specification or end-use requirements.
When results are used for compliance, it is common to document the material direction tested (when applicable), conditioning approach, and the exact ISO 9073-4 edition cited alongside the reported tear resistance values.
Talk with us about ISO 9073-4 test setups
If you are setting up trapezoid tear testing for nonwovens, we can help you select a practical combination of frame capacity, load cell range, and grips that fits ISO 9073-4 workflows and your sample types. To discuss an equipment package and pricing, request a quote.