ISO 13997 Protective Clothing - Mechanical Properties - Determination of Resistance to Cut by Sharp Objects

The ISO 13997 standard published by the International Standards Organization (ISO) defines a shear test method for use on materials and assemblies designed for protective clothing and describes the relevant calculations. This test method is for determining resistance to cutting by sharp edges such as knives, sheet metal parts, sawdust, glass, bladed tools and castings.

However, this test method does not provide data on resistance to penetration by pointed objects such as needles and thorns. The test method described in this standard is not considered suitable for testing materials made of chain mail and metal plates. In addition, this standard does not contain provisions on the protection of the operator.

Textiles, composites, leather, rubbers and reinforced materials resist cutting by sharp edges in different ways. However, a test method for assessing the cut resistance of materials in protective clothing is expected to be applicable to all materials. The test method described in the ISO 13997 standard is a method that allows calculation of a downward force required to cause a blade to be pulled across the sample from a fixed distance to cut the sample. The performance of protective clothing materials is classified using the numerical values ​​obtained from this test.

For the purposes of the ISO 13997 standard,

• The term transition refers to the event that occurs when the blade edge first comes into contact with the conductive material under the test specimen.
• The expression cutting force refers to the calculated force required to be applied to a standard sharp blade just to cut a material in a 20 mm long blade stroke.
• Cutting stroke length refers to the distance traveled by the cutting edge before the cutting occurs.

In fact, the protection depends not only on the type of material, but also on the density and friction surface. In this regard, in addition to shear resistance, tear strength and seam slippage should also be tested.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer testing services, within the framework of the ISO 13997 standard, for determining the mechanical properties of protective clothing, specifically their resistance to cuts from sharp objects. This is achieved through our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.