ISO 5403-1-2011 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 5403-1:2011 — Leather — Determination of water resistance of flexible leather — Part 1: Repeated linear compression (penetrometer). This international standard defines a dynamic test method, using a penetrometer (repeated linear compression), to assess the water‑resistance performance of flexible leathers (particularly relevant to footwear uppers and similar applications).

Abstract

ISO 5403-1:2011 specifies a laboratory procedure for determining the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather by subjecting conditioned specimens to repeated linear compressive action (penetrometer). The method evaluates how leather resists penetration and performance loss under cyclical compression in the presence of water. The document was published in December 2011 (Edition 1) and has since been withdrawn and superseded by a later edition published in 2025.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (superseded).
• Publication date: 5 December 2011 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: ISO — International Organization for Standardization.
• ICS / categories: 59.140.30 (Leather and leather products); 61.060 (Footwear and leather technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2011.
• Number of pages: 7 pages (original ISO publication).

Scope

This part of ISO 5403 gives a method for determining the dynamic water resistance of flexible leathers by repeated linear compression using a penetrometer‑type apparatus. It is applicable to all flexible leathers and is particularly intended for leathers used in footwear uppers and other applications where repeated flexing under wet conditions can affect performance. The standard covers apparatus, specimen preparation and conditioning, the test procedure (compression cycles under water), criteria for observation and measurement, and the format for reporting results.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the penetrometer (repeated linear compression) test apparatus and required calibration checks.
• Specimen dimensions, sampling and conditioning (standard temperature and relative humidity preconditioning).
• Detailed test procedure: mounting, immersion/wetting method, applied compression stroke and frequency, and number of cycles.
• Observations and measurements: visual assessment, water penetration indicators, mass change and other measurable effects.
• Criteria for test repeatability, permitted tolerances and reporting of deviations from the standard method.
• Required information to be recorded in test reports (sample identification, test parameters, environmental conditions, results and any abnormalities).

Typical use and users

ISO 5403-1:2011 is used by test and calibration laboratories, leather manufacturers, footwear and leather goods producers, quality assurance and R&D departments, material specification authors, and certification bodies. Typical uses include routine quality control, comparative testing of leather treatments or finishes, material selection for wet‑use applications and failure analysis related to water resistance under dynamic flexing.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or related to ISO 5403-1:2011 include: ISO 5403-2:2011 (Repeated angular compression — Maeser method), the earlier consolidated ISO 5403:2002 (withdrawn and split into parts), EN/UNE/BS national adoptions such as EN ISO 5403-1 (national implementations), and related IULTCS/IUP test method references (IUP 10 series). Other complementary leather test standards (conditioning, sampling and related physical tests) include ISO 2419 (sample preparation and conditioning) and other ISO leather physical test methods used together for comprehensive leather evaluation.

Keywords

leather; water resistance; dynamic water resistance; penetrometer; repeated linear compression; footwear; IULTCS; IUP 10; leather testing; quality control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 5403-1:2011 is an ISO test method that defines a penetrometer (repeated linear compression) procedure to assess the dynamic water resistance of flexible leathers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus requirements, specimen preparation and conditioning, step‑by‑step test procedure (compression cycles while wet), measurement and observation criteria, and reporting requirements for the penetrometer method.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Leather and footwear manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, quality/technical departments, material researchers and conformity assessment bodies use this standard for product development, QC and comparative testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 5403-1:2011 (published 5 December 2011) has been withdrawn and superseded by a later edition published in 2025 (ISO 5403-1:2025). National adoptions and withdrawal dates may vary by body; for example, some national catalogues record withdrawal/adoption transitions in late 2025. Users should reference the 2025 edition for the current method and requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 5403 is a series addressing water resistance of flexible leather. Part 1 covers the penetrometer (repeated linear compression) method and Part 2 covers the repeated angular compression (Maeser) method (ISO 5403-2:2011). The series replaced the earlier ISO 5403:2002 (now withdrawn).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include leather, water resistance, penetrometer, repeated linear compression, dynamic water resistance, footwear, IULTCS, IUP 10, and leather testing.