SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026
Full title: Leather – Determination of water resistance of flexible leather – Part 1: Repeated linear compression (penetrometer) (ISO 5403-1:2025)
Published by: Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST)
ICS Classification:
59.140.30 – Leather and furs
61.060 – Footwear
Purpose:
SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026 specifies a standardized laboratory method for evaluating the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather. The test applies repeated linear compression using a penetrometer while the specimen is partially immersed in water. This method is applicable to all flexible leathers and is particularly suitable for footwear leather performance evaluation.
Scope
Determines water penetration, absorption, and transmission under repeated linear compression
Applicable to all flexible leathers, especially those used in footwear and outdoor applications
Supports quality control, material evaluation, supplier verification, and R&D
Test Principle
Form leather specimen into a trough
Compress repeatedly under partial water immersion
Measure time until water penetration, percentage water absorbed, and water transmitted mass
Apparatus Essentials
| Instrument / Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Penetrometer with cylinders | Pair of coaxial cylinders, Ø 30.0 ± 0.5 mm, max separation 40.0 ± 0.5 mm, for linear compression |
| Electric motor drive | Drives movable cylinder with crank motion at 50 ± 5 cycles/min, selectable compression amplitude (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 mm, ≈5–15%) |
| Water tank | Distilled/deionized water (ISO 3696 grade 3) for partial immersion |
| Precision balance | Measures water absorption and transmission, accuracy 0.001 g |
| Timer / Stopwatch | Records penetration time, accuracy ±1 s |
| Specimen holders / ring clamps | Fix specimen in test position |
| Cutting tools | Press knife (60 × 75 mm inner rectangle per ISO 2418), abrasive paper, absorbent cloth |
Specimen Preparation & Conditioning
Sampling and cutting: Follow ISO 2418
Conditioning: Follow ISO 2419
Tests performed shortly after conditioning for reproducibility
Test Output Metrics
Penetration time – Time until water passes through the leather
Percentage water absorbed – Water uptake by the specimen
Water transmission mass – Mass of water transmitted through the specimen
Note: Results are specific to linear compression flexing and not directly comparable with ISO 5403-2 (folding-type flexing).
Applications
Quality Control: Batch acceptance testing for footwear and flexible leather goods
Material Evaluation: Compare leathers for wet or outdoor performance
Supplier Verification & Incoming Inspection: Ensure compliance with water resistance requirements
R&D: Improve finishing, waterproofing, and leather treatments
Regulatory Compliance: Provide repeatable, standardized data on water penetration and absorption
Users of SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026
Leather manufacturers and tanneries
Footwear and leather goods developers
Independent testing laboratories
Procurement and quality assurance teams
R&D teams working on coatings, waterproofing, and leather treatments
Related Standards
| Standard | Relevance |
|---|---|
| ISO 5403 series | Other parts, e.g., ISO 5403-2 folding flexing method |
| ISO 2418 | Specimen position and preparation |
| ISO 2419 | Specimen conditioning |
| ISO 3696 | Water for analytical laboratory use |
| ISO 15115 | Leather vocabulary and terminology |
| SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2012 | Previous edition for historical comparison |
Professional Testing Solutions
Qinsun Instruments specializes in leather testing instruments and provides complete solutions for SIST EN ISO 5403-1:2026. Our equipment enables precise, reliable, and safe assessment of dynamic water resistance for flexible leathers, especially for footwear and outdoor applications.
For testing solutions or technical support, contact us today.
2026-01-04 16:36