Cone Penetration

Cone penetration testing is a precision method used to determine a material's resistance to penetration by a standardised cone-shaped probe under specific force conditions. Originally developed for soil mechanics and materials testing, it is now widely used in safety compliance testing for child use articles such as cutlery, feeding utensils, and toys.

The principle is straightforward. A probe of known dimensions and cone angle is pressed into a sample at a controlled rate, and the depth of penetration is measured. The results provide key indicators of hardness, resilience, and deformation resistance. In the context of child safety, the test ensures products cannot be easily pierced or damaged in ways that may create hazards such as sharp points or choking risks.

Cone penetration testing has evolved alongside international product safety standards to address increasing safety requirements in consumer products. Today, it is a recognised and standardised approach for compliance testing across multiple manufacturing sectors.

BS EN 14372 overview

BS EN 14372 is a key European standard for cutlery and feeding utensils intended for children up to three years of age. It specifies mechanical and physical requirements, including penetration resistance, to ensure products withstand foreseeable use and misuse without presenting hazards.

Importance of compliance

Compliance ensures products meet minimum safety benchmarks before entering the market. For manufacturers, adherence to BS EN 14372 and other applicable standards is both a legal requirement in many regions and an important commitment to consumer safety. Failure to comply can lead to product recalls, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

Comparative standards

Other regions have similar requirements. ASTM F963 in the United States includes penetration resistance criteria for toys. Although probe dimensions, applied forces, and test rates may differ slightly between standards, the overall objective is consistent - to ensure high levels of child safety.

Cone penetration testing is primarily used to confirm that child use articles resist penetration by sharp or pointed objects during normal use and foreseeable misuse. This prevents breakages or deformation that could create dangerous sharp edges.

Example: A manufacturer of silicone-tipped feeding spoons used cone penetration testing to verify tip durability. Adjusting the silicone formulation improved penetration resistance by around 18 percent, increasing safety margins while retaining the flexibility required for feeding.

Beyond cutlery, cone penetration testing is applied to toys, pacifiers, and other safety-critical products. Each category has defined penetration thresholds within its relevant standard.

Essential equipment

• Cone point probe - typically 8 mm in diameter with capacity for up to 500 N. Used for general penetration testing of child use articles, delivering a controlled force to measure surface resilience.
• Needle probe - stainless steel, typically 2 mm in diameter. Used for assessing more localised penetration risks or simulating pointed impacts.

Both probe types must be mounted on a calibrated force-measurement system capable of applying force at a controlled rate and recording precise penetration depths.

Mecmesin test systems

Mecmesin’s OmniTest and MultiTest-dV motorised test stands, paired with VectorPro software, provide accurate, repeatable cone penetration testing to meet BS EN 14372 and other global standards. The systems offer:

• Digital force control and measurement to 0.1 N
• Penetration depth resolution to 0.01 mm
• Programmable test speeds for standard compliance
• Automated data capture and analysis, with compliance reporting directly from VectorPro

Step-by-step procedure

• Sample preparation - Condition the sample according to the standard, controlling temperature and humidity where required.
• Equipment calibration - Confirm the force-measurement system and probe dimensions meet the specified tolerances.
• Probe alignment - Position the probe perpendicular to the test surface.
• Force application - Apply force at the rate specified in the standard until the required load or penetration depth is reached.
• Data recording - Measure and record penetration depth and any material failure such as cracking or tearing.
• Analysis - Compare the results to the standard's thresholds to determine pass or fail.

Avoiding common pitfalls

• Misalignment can cause inconsistent results.
• Inadequate environmental conditioning can alter material properties.
• Poor calibration may invalidate results.

Maintaining a controlled, repeatable process is essential for compliance and to protect product integrity.

Modern Mecmesin systems combine motorised precision with advanced software control. OmniTest and MultiTest-dV systems, driven by VectorPro software, enable real-time data analysis, consistent test speeds, and full traceability. This allows engineers to run multiple test sequences, store results, and create automatic compliance reports for quality audits.

Cone penetration testing is a vital element of product safety compliance, particularly in the manufacture of child use articles. By following recognised standards such as BS EN 14372, using calibrated Mecmesin equipment, and applying best practice testing methods, manufacturers can achieve the highest safety performance.

For expert advice on cone penetration testing, equipment selection, or compliance requirements, speak to Mecmesin’s technical team. Our consultative approach ensures you receive the most suitable and effective testing solution for your application.