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Designation: D 5729 – 97

Standard Test Method for

Thickness of Nonwoven Fabrics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5729; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope distance between an anvil, or base, and a presser foot used to

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thick- apply the specified pressure.
ness of most nonwoven fabrics. 3.1.3 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
1.2 This test method applies to most nonwoven fabrics that method, refer to Terminology D 123.
are treated or untreated, including those heavily sized, coated 4. Summary of Test Method
or resin-treated.
1.3 This test method may not be useful for highloft non- 4.1 The thickness of a textile material is determined by
woven fabrics. For thickness of highloft nonwoven fabric see observing the linear distance that a movable plane is displaced
Test Method D 5736. from a parallel surface by the specimen while under a specified
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the pressure.
standard. The U.S. customary units (inch-pound) may be 5. Significance and Use
approximate.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 5.1 This test method is used in the trade for acceptance
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the testing of commercial shipments of nonwoven fabrics; how-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ever, caution is advised since information about between-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- laboratory precision is incomplete. Comparative tests as di-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. rected in 5.1.1 may be advisable.
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
2. Referenced Documents reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
2.1 ASTM Standards: testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles2 plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing2 a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
D 5736 Test Method for Thickness of Highloft Nonwoven tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
Fabrics3 As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are
3. Terminology from a lot of material of the type in question. Test specimens
3.1 Definitions: should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each
3.1.1 pressure, n—the force or load per unit area. laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Pressure may be expressed in any ap- laboratories should be compared using the appropriate Stu-
propriate or specified units, such as Pascals (Pa), Newtons per dent’s t-test and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
square meter (N/m2), or pounds-force per square inch (psi). two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either is
3.1.2 thickness, n—the distance between one surface and its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
opposite. supplier must agree to interpret future test results with consid-
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In textiles, the distance between the eration to the known bias.
upper and lower surfaces of the material, measured under a 5.2 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties of
specified pressure. Thickness is usually determined as the nonwoven fabrics. In certain industrial applications, the thick-
ness may require rigid control within specified limits. Bulk and
warmth properties of nonwoven fabrics are often estimated
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on from their thickness values, and thickness is also useful in
Textiles, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.64 on Nonwoven measuring performance characteristics, such as, before and
Fabrics. after abrasion and shrinkage.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published August 1998. Originally
published as D 5729 – 95. Last previous edition D 5729 – 95.
5.3 The thickness values of most nonwoven fabrics will
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01. vary considerably depending on the pressure applied to the
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02. specimen at the time the thickness measurement is taken. In all

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 D 5729
cases, the apparent thickness varies inversely with the pressure 7.3.1.1 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution
applied. For this reason, it is essential that the pressure be within the laboratory sampling units and no nearer the edge
specified when discussing or listing any thickness value. than one-tenth its width. Ensure specimens are free of folds,
creases, or wrinkles. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, etc. on the
6. Apparatus specimens when handling.
6.1 Thickness Testing Gage—of the dead-weight, calibrated
spring force, or string gage type and having dimensions and 8. Conditioning
capabilities specified below, unless otherwise agreed upon 8.1 Condition 1, Unspecified Testing Conditioning:
between the purchaser and the supplier.
8.2 No conditioning is required unless otherwise specified
6.1.1 Presser foot, circular presser foot 25.40 6 0.02 mm
in a material specification or contract order.
(1.000 6 0.001 in.) diameter.
6.1.2 Anvil, 38 mm (1.629 in.) diameter or greater. 8.3 Condition 2, Standard Testing Conditioning:
6.1.3 Anvil/Presser Foot Parallelism, 0.01 mm (0.0005 in.). 8.3.1 When specified, precondition the specimens by bring-
6.1.4 Foot Surface Parallelism, 0.002 mm (0.0001 in.). ing them to approximate moisture equilibrium in the standard
6.1.5 Applied Force, 4.14 6 0.21 kPa (0.60 6 0.03 psi). atmosphere for preconditioning textiles as directed in Practice
6.1.6 Readability, 0.02 mm (0.001 in.). D 1776.
6.1.7 Automatic, microprocessor data gathering systems, 8.3.2 After preconditioning, bring the test specimens to
optional. moisture equilibrium for testing in the standard atmosphere for
6.2 Cutting Dies—Dies to cut specimens having linear testing textiles as directed in Practice D 1776 or, if applicable,
dimensions at least 20 % greater than the presser foot to be in the specified atmosphere in which the testing is to be
used in measuring the thickness, optional. performed.

7. Sampling and Test Specimens 9. Procedure

7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing, 9.1 Test the specimens in the environment as directed in an
take at random the number of rolls, or pieces, of fabric directed applicable material specification or contract order.
in an applicable material specification or other agreement
9.2 Verify calibration of the thickness gage as directed in the
between the purchaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls, or
manufacturer’s instructions.
pieces, of fabric to be the primary sampling units. In the
absence of such an agreement, take the number of fabric rolls 9.3 When using microprocessor automatic data gathering
specified in Table 1. systems, set the appropriate parameters as defined in the
manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the 9.4 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering the
purchaser and supplier requires taking into account the variability between
rolls or pieces of fabric and between specimens from a swatch from a roll
natural state of the material. Place the specimen on the anvil of
or pieces of fabric to provide a sampling plan with meaningful producer’s the test apparatus and bring the presser foot into contact with
risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level. the opposite side of the material (often referred to as the
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For the laboratory sample, take a “face”).
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1 9.5 Gradually increase the pressure to the specified level
m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll, or piece, allowing approximately 5 s to apply the full pressure. Release
in the lot sample. For rolls of fabric, take a sample that will the platen and record the thickness value to the nearest 0.02
exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap mm (0.001 in.) 5 to 6 s after the full pressure has been applied.
around the core. NOTE 2—For most unwoven materials, 5 s after the full pressure is
7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit, applied will represent a stable condition.
take ten specimens. Use the cutting die or template described in
6.2. It is permissible to make the thickness tests of a nonwoven 9.6 Continue as directed in 9.4–9.5 until ten specimens have
fabric without cutting providing it can be maintained in a plane been tested from each laboratory sample.
parallel to the presser foot and anvil while making measure-
ments. 10. Calculation
7.3.1 Cutting Test Specimens—When cutting specimens, cut 10.1 Thickness Average—Calculate the average thickness
having linear dimensions at least 20 % greater in size than the for each the laboratory sample and the lot.
presser foot to be used. Label to maintain specimen identity. 10.2 Standard Deviation, Coefficient of Variation-Calculate
when requested.
TABLE 1 Number of Rolls, or pieces, of Fabric in the Lot Sample 10.3 Computer Processed Data—When data are automati-
Number of Rolls, Pieces in cally computer processed, calculations are generally contained
Number of Rolls or Pieces in Lot, Sample
Lot, Inclusive in the associated software. Record values as read from the
1 to 3 all direct reading scale to the nearest 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) unless
4 to 24 4 otherwise specified. In any event, it is recommended that
25 to 50 5
over 50 10 % to a max. of 10 rolls or pieces computer processed data be verified against known property
values and its software described in the report.

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 D 5729
11. Report Resin Bonded Soft 0.1
Wet Laid Firm 3.0
11.1 Report that the thickness was determined as directed in Meltblown Soft 0.1
Test Method D 5729. Describe the material or product sampled Thermal Bonded Soft 0.1
and the method of sampling used. Hydroentangled Moderate 1.0
Spunbonded Firm 3.0
11.2 Report the following information for both the labora- Dry Laid Moderate 1.0
tory sampling unit and the lot as applicable to a material Needlepunched Moderate 1.0
specification or contract order. Analysis of the data using the adjunct to D2904 suggested
11.2.1 Thickness. reporting the components of variance and least critical differ-
11.2.2 When calculated, the standard deviation or the coef- ences for each material. The components of variance, ex-
ficient of variation. pressed as standard deviations, for material evaluated are listed
11.2.3 For computer processed data, identify the program in Table 2 (see Note 3). Further testing is in progress to
(software) used. elucidate the ruggedness of this test method, including the
11.2.4 Any modification of the test method. effect of presser foot dimensions and pressure during testing.
12. Precision and Bias 12.3 Precision—For the components of variance listed in
Table 2, the averages of two observed values should be
12.1 Summary—Preliminary interlaboratory test data have
considered significantly different at the 95 % probability level
shown that the variance in testing thickness of nonwoven
if the difference equals or exceeds the critical differences listed
fabrics by this test method is dependent upon the nominal
in Table 3 (see Note 4). Due to the dependence of the
thickness and the manufacturing method of the material under
components of variance on the manufacturing process no
evaluation; therefore, no general statement can be made
meangingful statement can be made at this time relative to
concerning least critical differences. The following data were
between material comparisons.
generated during the interlaboratory test and are presented for
12.4 Bias—The procedure in Test Method D 5729 for de-
reference. In comparing two averages of five observations, the
termining the thickness of nonwoven fabrics has not been
difference between averages should not exceed the following
checked against accepted reference materials but contains no
values in 95 out of 100 cases when all the observations are
known bias other than those noted. This test method is accepted
taken by the same well-trained operator using the same piece of
as a referee method.
equipment and specimens are randomly drawn from the same
sample having a nominal thickness as indicated: NOTE 3—The square roots of the components of variance are listed in
Nominal Thickness (inches) (critical differences) Thickness (inches)
Table 1 so that the variability is expressed in the appropriate units of
Manufacturing Method (critical differences) measure rather than as the square of those units of measure.
NOTE 4—The values of the tabulated differences should be considered
0.005 (Resin Bonded) 0.0007 to be a general statement, particularly with respect to between-laboratory
0.007 (Wet Laid) 0.0004 precision. Before a meaningful statement can be made about two specific
0.008 (Meltblown) 0.0006 laboratories, the amount of statistical bias, if any, between them must be
0.008 (Thermal Bonded) 0.0010
0.014 (Hydroentangled) 0.0009
established with each comparison being based on recent data obtained on
0.016 (Spunbonded) 0.0017 specimens taken from a lot of material of the type being evaluated so as
0.074 (Dry Laid) 0.0063 to be as homogeneous as possible, and then randomly assigned in equal
0.117 (Needlepunched) 0.0154 numbers to each of the laboratories.
Larger differences are likely to occur under all other circum- 13. Keywords
stances. This procedure for determining thickness has no other
known bias and is considered a referee method. 13.1 nonwoven fabric; thickness
12.2 Interlaboratory Test Data—A preliminary interlabora- TABLE 2 Components of Variance as Standard Deviations
tory test was run in 1992 in which randomly drawn samples of (Thickness in inches)
eight materials were tested in each of five laboratories utilizing Single Within Between
Nominal Thickness-
the “dry” conditions. Two operators in each laboratory tested Manufacturing Method
Operator Laboratory Laboratory
five specimens of each material. The eight materials used in Component Component Component

this evaluation were all manufactured by different processes. 0.005 (Resin Bonded) 0.0006 0.0007 0.0007
0.007 (Wet Laid) 0.0004 0.0002 0.0006
The pressure on the presser foot was varied according to the 0.008 (Meltblown) 0.0005 0.0011 0.0004
classification of the material under evaluation in accordance 0.008 (Thermal Bonded) 0.0008 0.0006 0.0014
with the following: 0.014 (Hydroentangled) 0.0007 0.0006 0.0016
0.016 (Spunbonded) 0.0014 0.0006 0.0000
Presser Foot 0.074 (Dry Laid) 0.0051 0.0000 0.0126
Manufacturing Method Classification Pressure (psi) 0.117 (Needlepunched) 0.0124 0.0054 0.0113

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 D 5729
TABLE 3 Critical Differences for Conditions Noted 95 %
Probability Level (Tearing Strength expressed as pounds force)
Nominal Observations Single Within Between
Thickness-Mfg. in Each Operator Laboratory Laboratory
Method Average Precision Precision Precision
0.005 (Resin Bonded) 5 0.0007 0.0020 0.0029
10 0.0005 0.0019 0.0028
0.007 (Wet Laid) 5 0.0004 0.0007 0.0017
10 0.0003 0.0006 0.0017
0.008 (Meltblown) 5 0.0006 0.0032 0.0034
10 0.0004 0.0032 0.0034
0.008 (Thermal Bonded) 5 0.0010 0.0018 0.0043
10 0.0007 0.0017 0.0042
0.014 (Hydroentangled) 5 0.0009 0.0020 0.0058
10 0.0006 0.0019 0.0058
0.016 (Spunbonded) 5 0.0017 0.0023 0.0023
10 0.0012 0.0020 0.0020
0.074 (Dry Laid) 5 0.0063 0.0063 0.0354
10 0.0045 0.0045 0.0351
0.117 (Needlepunched) 5 0.0154 0.0215 0.0381
10 0.0109 0.0186 0.0365

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