ISO 3386-1-1986 PDF

Full title and description

Polymeric materials, cellular flexible — Determination of stress‑strain characteristics in compression — Part 1: Low‑density materials. This part specifies a laboratory method to determine the compression stress/strain characteristic and to calculate a compression stress value for low‑density flexible cellular polymeric materials (foam) used as a measure of load‑bearing properties.

Abstract

ISO 3386‑1:1986 defines a test procedure for low‑density flexible cellular polymeric materials (nominally up to 250 kg/m³). It describes specimen geometry, conditioning, test machine and speed, and calculation methods for the compression stress/strain characteristic and the compression stress value. Part 1 covers low‑density materials; Part 2 covers high‑density materials.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn.
• Publication date: June 1986 (1986‑06).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.100 (Polymeric materials, rubber and plastics; cellular materials).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (1986).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

Specifies a laboratory method for determining the compression stress/strain characteristic and a compression stress value for low‑density flexible cellular polymeric materials (foam) with density up to about 250 kg/m³. The method includes requirements for specimen shape and size, conditioning, compression rates, test sequence (repeated load cycles with measurement on the fourth cycle) and calculation of stress values. It is intended for characterizing load‑bearing properties rather than long‑term creep performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Applicable material: low‑density flexible cellular polymeric materials (≤ 250 kg/m³).
• Specimen geometry: cuboid (square cross‑section) or cylindrical specimens with minimum width/diameter to thickness ratio of 2:1; preferred thickness ≈ 50 ± 1 mm; minimum thickness 10 mm; minimum loaded area ≈ 2 500 mm².
• Conditioning: do not test sooner than 72 hours after manufacture; condition specimens immediately before testing for at least 16 hours at standard laboratory conditions (e.g., 23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5% RH) or tropical conditions where specified.
• Test machine and speed: controlled vertical motion—typical crosshead speed ≈ 100 ± 20 mm/min; force and thickness measurement accuracies are specified to ensure repeatability.
• Test sequence and measurement: specimens are compressed and released repeatedly (usually three pre‑loads) and the compression stress/strain characteristic is recorded on the fourth loading; common test end condition is up to 70% compression or a specified strain.
• Calculation and reporting: procedures are given for computing the compression stress value from the recorded force/thickness data and for reporting specimen dimensions, conditioning, test speed and environment.

Typical use and users

Used by material and product test laboratories, foam manufacturers, quality control teams, R&D departments and OEMs (automotive, furniture, bedding, packaging) that need standardized compression performance data for low‑density flexible foams. Automotive and other industries may compare ISO 3386 results with industry‑specific factory standards or ASTM methods when specifying seat pads and cushioning components.

Related standards

Closely related: ISO 3386‑2 (compression test method for high‑density materials), ASTM D3574 (foam compression tests, Test C among others), and other ISO test methods for flexible cellular materials (e.g., ISO 3385 for fatigue). Note: ISO 3386‑1:1986 has been withdrawn and later work led to a revised edition (ISO 3386‑1 published in a more recent revision cycle).

Keywords

compression stress/strain, compression stress value, flexible cellular polymeric materials, foam, low‑density, specimen conditioning, test speed, ISO 3386‑1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 3386‑1:1986 is an international test standard that defines a method to determine compression stress/strain characteristics and a compression stress value for low‑density flexible cellular polymeric materials (foam).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen geometry and preparation, conditioning, test apparatus and speed, test procedure (including repeated loading with measurement on the fourth loading), calculation methods and reporting requirements for low‑density foams (up to ~250 kg/m³).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Material testing laboratories, foam manufacturers, R&D and quality control teams, and OEM specification engineers in industries such as automotive seating, furniture and bedding.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 3386‑1:1986 is listed as withdrawn. The subject has been revised in later ISO work (a more recent revision of ISO 3386‑1 is available from ISO). Check the current ISO catalogue or national standards body for the latest active edition before specifying tests.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 3386 is a multi‑part series. Part 1 covers low‑density materials and Part 2 covers high‑density materials; other related ISO test methods exist for cellular polymeric materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression stress value, compression stress/strain characteristic, flexible cellular polymeric material, foam testing, specimen conditioning, ISO 3386‑1.