ASTM D3574 Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials

ASTM D3574 is a widely accepted test standard for testing soft polyurethane foam. Samples come in a variety of forms, including plate, bonded, and molded flexible cellular urethane foams. There are a wide variety of applications for the D3574, including car seats, furniture, mattresses, bedding, pillows, foam products and materials and supports.

Various test procedures are included in this standard to help determine the compression, deflection, tear and tensile properties of flexible cellular materials (urethane foams and polyurethane foams). IFD/ILD (Indent force deflection/indentation load deflection) is the most common compression test in this standard.

Indent Force Deflection (IFD/ILD)

This test is one of the most common methods used from ASTM D3574. The indentation force deflection or IFD test measures the force required to produce 25% and 65% deflections in foam products. For Test B1, the sample consists of the whole product or a suitable part of it and must not be 380mm WX 380mm LX 100mm thick.

Test Method

The sample thickness is measured. The sample is placed on the lower compression plate of your compression tester. The sample is preflexed by lowering it twice and raising the top plate to 250-75% of the thickness at a rate of 80 mm per minute. The sample is allowed to rest for 6 minutes without the plate touching the sample. The plate is brought into contact with the sample at 50 mm per minute and its thickness is determined at a force of 4,5 N. The sample is indented at 50% of the thickness of 25 mm per minute. The force is set to 60 seconds. The deviation is increased to 65%. IFD/ILD values ​​are recorded.

EUROLAB can guide you through the process with the right compression testing machine, software and accessories. We are waiting for you in our laboratory to achieve the best results.