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Test methods

Our 200-headed R&D department combined with having our own in-house testing laboratory is what drives our innovative spirit. It enables us to create state-of-the-art protective garments, to efficiently test them and to adapt them to your needs. We can swiftly respond to new requirements and standards.

Chainsaw rig

EN ISO 11393

Even before the first Chainsaw Standard EN 381 was published in 1995, we had our own test rig. It took us more than 250 tests with different materials and fabric combinations to launch the world’s first 6 layer blocking material compliant to EN 381.

A few years ago, we have invested in a state-of-the-art test rig that matches the ones in the most stringent European laboratories. It allows us to continue our research for always better performing fabrics, more comfortable garments, higher protection.

Testing rig

Tensile strength of outer fabric

EN ISO 13934-1

During the test the material has to present a minimum tensile strength of 450 N.

Tear strength single tear method

EN ISO 13937-2

The outer material has to present a minimum tear strength of 25 N when the fabric already presents a tear.

Tensile strength of the seams

EN ISO 13935‑2

The principal seams of the outer material have to present a minimum tensile strength of ≥ 225 N.

Water penetration resistance

EN 20811

This test submits the assembly to hydrostatic pressure. The water penetration resistance has to reach one of the following levels:

  • Level 1 Y1 < 20 kPa: for the parts of the garment without waterproof barrier
  • Level 2 Y2 ≥ 20 kPa: for the parts of the garment with waterproof barrier

Water vapour resistance

EN 31092

The entire assembly is tested to verify the breathability of the assembly. This standard determines 2 levels of resistance limiting breathability:

Level 1 = Z1
Higher than 30 Pa/W m² (< 45 Pa/W m²)

The water vapour resistance is high, the garment has a poor breathability. The EN 469 warns that a high water vapour resistance can involve an increased risk of burns caused by water vapour.

Level 2 = Z2
≤ 30m² Pa/W

A lower water vapour resistance, the garment has a better breathability. It has to be noted that suits without membrane are far more breathable (< 10m²Pa/W).

Crumple flex

EN ISO 7854/B

This is a bi-directional flex fatigue test performed on waterproof outer fabrics as a pretreatment to determine the durability, the resistance to damage by flexing.
After 9000 flexing cycles the hydrostatic head pressure test is performed.