Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture - PDF

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Overview

ASTM F1342 is the standard test method used to evaluate the puncture resistance of protective clothing materials. This test is commonly applied to gloves, body armor, aprons, and other safety gear designed to guard against sharp objects in industrial, medical, and emergency response environments.

Unlike general tensile or tear testing, this method focuses specifically on localized puncture resistance, simulating the force of a sharp object (like a needle or nail) pressing into the fabric under controlled conditions.

Test Equipment and Fixtures

The test requires a universal testing machine equipped with the appropriate puncture test fixture. The fixture consists of:

• Puncture probe: A standardized, hardened steel stylus with either a 1 mm radius hemispherical tip (Probe B) or a 2mm diameter probe with a sharpened tip (Probe A, or Probe C) - See picture.

• Clamping ring or support: The test specimen is tightly clamped over a 6.4 mm (0.25 in) diameter hole to simulate a uniform, stretched surface.

• Load cell: Measures the force applied until the probe punctures the material.

• Displacement sensor: Measures how far the probe travels before failure.

The test is typically run at a constant crosshead speed of 500 mm/min (20 in/min) until the stylus penetrates the material.

Specimen Preparation

• Cut test specimens to a size large enough to fit securely in the clamping fixture (usually a square at least 100 mm × 100 mm).

• Condition specimens at 21 ± 2°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

• Avoid wrinkles or slack in the material during clamping.

Test Procedure

1. Mount the specimen into the clamping fixture with no visible folds or looseness.

2. Position the puncture probe so that it is centered over the test specimen.

3. Begin the test by moving the probe downward at a constant rate until it punctures through the material.

4. Record the maximum force (F) required to puncture the sample.

5. Repeat on multiple samples and report the average puncture resistance.

Puncture Resistance Calculation

There is no complex formula for this test—puncture resistance is simply reported as the maximum force (in newtons) required to penetrate the material.

Example:
If the probe punctures a glove sample at a peak force of 82 N, then the puncture resistance = 82 N.

Multiple samples are tested to account for variability in material properties, and the average value is reported.

Applications and Use Cases

• Medical gloves and PPE exposed to needles and surgical instruments

• Industrial workwear in environments with sharp tools or metal fragments

• Military and tactical gear for protection against spikes or shrapnel

• Law enforcement body armor, especially in corrections or riot control settings

This test provides a standardized way to compare products for performance and regulatory compliance.

Similar ASTM Standards

If you're working with protective clothing or puncture testing, several related ASTM standards may apply depending on your application:

• ASTM D624 – Tear resistance of rubber and elastomeric materials (used in glove and boot materials)

• ASTM D3763 – High-speed puncture testing for plastic films and laminates, such as those used in flexible armor

• ASTM F2878 – Test method for resistance of materials to hypodermic needle puncture (used for high-risk environments like prisons or hospitals)

• ASTM F1790 / ASTM F2992 – Cut resistance of materials used in protective clothing (complementary to puncture testing)

• ISO 13997 – European equivalent of ASTM F2992, often cited in PPE regulations

Each of these methods assesses a different mechanical threat—puncture, tear, cut, or abrasion—and may be used together to fully characterize a garment’s protective performance.

Summary

ASTM F1342 is a critical standard for evaluating the puncture resistance of protective clothing materials. By simulating a real-world hazard—sharp-point impact—this test helps manufacturers and buyers ensure that protective garments meet safety requirements. Whether for industrial, medical, or tactical use, puncture resistance data is a key metric in protective clothing performance.