Indentation Force Deflection Test for Urethane Foam - ASTM D3574

Posted by Andrew DeWolfe on Mon, Dec 14, 2009 @ 19:12 PM

Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) test on Polyurethane (PU) foam. Custom test influenced by Test B1 in ASTM D3574 (D 3574) Indentation Force Deflection Test - Specified Deflection .

Equipment Required: Please see our other post to learn about the other equipment required.

Simple summary of the test:

1. Preflex foam by compressing it 75% - 80% of its thickness two times
2. Wait 6 +/- minutes after preflex
3. Apply a preload of 1 lb of force
4. Measure foam thickness
5. Compress foam to 25% of its thickness (example: 10mm thick foam should compress 2.5mm to final thickness of 7.5 mm)
7. Wait 60 seconds
8. Record force in Newtons
9. Further indent to 65% of original thickness
10.Wait 60 seconds
11.Record force in Newtons

Many people pick other compression ratios that are more important to them.  25% and 65% are just listed in the specification.  If you are going to perform the test, read the specification as there are important things you should know such as the speed of testing, etc.  If you are doing this type of test with your ADMET machine equipped with MTESTQuattro, tell us, and we will provide you with the profile.  If you are using a different controller, you can still do the test, call us if you need help.

Watch the video of the test below: 

We also have other articles and videos that discuss ASTM D3574 Tear Resistance and Tensile Testing

Click here if you would like to ask an engineer a question, or click here if you would like a quote on a system. 

Topics: Compression Test, ASTM Tests, Packaging, Foam