What is BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010?

BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010 is a professional technical standard that relates to the rubber and plastics industry. It provides guidelines for determining the physical properties of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) used in automotive applications. This article aims to explore the key aspects of this standard, including its purpose and significance, as well as the testing procedures it involves.

Purpose and Significance

The purpose of BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010 is to establish a standardized framework for evaluating the physical properties of TPEs, which play a crucial role in the automotive industry. These materials are extensively used in various applications such as seals, gaskets, hoses, and other components due to their excellent elasticity, durability, and resistance to chemicals and temperature fluctuations.

Compliance with this standard ensures that TPE manufacturers meet quality requirements and provides assurance to automotive manufacturers and suppliers regarding the performance and reliability of these materials. By adhering to BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010, companies can ensure consistency in production, facilitating seamless integration of TPE components into vehicles while maintaining safety and performance standards.

Testing Procedures

The testing procedures defined by BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010 are designed to assess several important physical properties of TPEs. These properties include hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear resistance, compression set, and heat aging resistance.

Hardness testing measures the material's resistance to indentation and provides an indication of its flexibility or rigidity. Tensile strength and elongation at break determine the ability of TPEs to withstand stretching forces without breaking. Tear resistance evaluates the material's resistance to tearing or cutting under specified conditions.

Compression set testing determines the material's ability to recover its shape after being compressed. Heat aging resistance evaluates the changes in the material's physical properties when subjected to elevated temperatures over an extended period. These testing procedures help manufacturers assess and validate the quality and performance of TPEs for automotive applications.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010 is a vital standard in the rubber and plastics industry, specifically for TPEs used in automotive applications. Compliance with this standard ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of these materials. By adhering to the testing procedures outlined in the standard, manufacturers can assess and validate the physical properties of TPEs, leading to consistent production and integration in vehicles.

Overall, BS EN ISO 13087-1:2010 serves as a guideline that plays a significant role in maintaining quality standards within the industry and fostering trust between TPE manufacturers and automotive manufacturers and suppliers. It underlines the importance of producing high-quality TPE components that meet the stringent requirements of the automotive sector.