Introduction to double rip tongue tear testing
Double rip tongue tear testing is a recognised method for assessing the tear resistance of flexible materials including coated fabrics, textiles and leather. The test measures the force required to propagate a tear from a pre-cut slit, replicating the stresses that materials experience during real-world use.
This method is important in industries where material performance directly affects durability, safety and service life. It is used in automotive upholstery, outdoor equipment, protective clothing, marine covers and consumer goods. By quantifying tear behaviour under load, manufacturers and quality control teams can make informed choices about material selection, product design and manufacturing processes.
Key standards for double rip tongue tear testing
ASTM D751-06 for coated fabrics
ASTM D751-06 defines test methods for coated fabrics, including the double rip tongue tear procedure. It specifies:
- Specimen preparation - Samples cut to defined dimensions with a central slit to create a tongue shape.
- Testing conditions - Temperature, humidity and strain rate requirements to minimise variability.
- Test execution - The specimen is extended at a constant rate until tearing occurs, with force recorded in newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf).
This standard is widely used for coated materials in applications such as outdoor gear, marine equipment and upholstery where coating integrity and tear resistance are critical.
ISO 13937-4 for textiles
ISO 13937-4 provides a standard method for measuring the tear resistance of textiles using the tongue tear approach. It applies to woven and nonwoven fabrics and specifies how to create consistent slits, mount specimens and record the force required for tear propagation. It is commonly used in garment production, protective clothing and industrial textile manufacturing.
Leather testing standards
For leather, the most relevant standards are:
- ISO 3376 - Measures tensile strength and percentage elongation at break.
- ISO 23910 - Measures tear load, including adaptations of the tongue tear method for leather.
These standards are essential in footwear, automotive interiors and premium upholstery, where tear resistance influences both product lifespan and customer satisfaction.
Step-by-step test methodology
Preparation
- Sample selection - Choose representative specimens, avoiding faults unless deliberately testing them.
- Specimen cutting - Cut to standard dimensions with a central slit of specified length.
- Conditioning - Store specimens at a controlled temperature and humidity to remove environmental effects.
- Equipment check - Verify tensile tester calibration and install grips that prevent slippage without damaging the sample.
Execution
- Mount each tongue in opposing grips, ensuring alignment is straight to avoid twisting.
- Apply load at the standard rate of extension until the tear propagates through the specimen.
- Record peak and average tear forces as specified in the relevant standard.
- Test multiple specimens and calculate an average tear strength.
Best practices for accurate results
- Use representative sampling to reflect real-world performance.
- Control environmental factors, especially humidity, which can significantly affect textiles and leather.
- Calibrate tensile testers regularly to maintain compliance.
- Run multiple tests per batch for statistical confidence.
- Select grips designed for the specific material to avoid grip-related failures.
Why choose Mecmesin for double rip tongue tear testing
Standards-compliant solutions
Mecmesin tensile testers are fully compatible with ASTM D751-06, ISO 13937-4, ISO 3376 and ISO 23910. They provide the controlled loading conditions, high-resolution data capture and flexible configuration needed for accurate tear resistance evaluation.
Versatile equipment for diverse materials
From lightweight woven fabrics to heavy-duty leathers and coated technical textiles, Mecmesin’s systems offer:
- Interchangeable grips for different material types.
- Adjustable crosshead speeds for compliance with different standards.
- Advanced VectorPro software for automated calculations, detailed analysis and secure data storage.
This adaptability ensures testing professionals can meet a wide range of industry requirements without sacrificing accuracy or repeatability.
Speak to an expert
If you need to measure tear resistance for quality control, safety certification or product development, Mecmesin’s technical specialists can recommend the right testing configuration for your material and industry. We ensure your testing process is aligned with international standards so you can obtain reliable, repeatable and compliant results.
Standards
Featured or equivalent test standards for Mecmesin solutions in this section