The force required to increase the length of the tear is recorded. The result is typically expressed in Newtons per millimeter (N/mm). How to Access the Updated DIN 53507 PDF
: One trouser leg is clamped in the upper grip of a universal tensile testing machine, and the other is clamped in the lower grip. The machine pulls the legs in opposite directions, perpendicular to the cut plane, causing the tear to propagate through the remaining material.
The standard is a legacy German specification for determining the tear growth resistance of rubber and elastomers using a "trouser" test piece. As of 2026, it is withdrawn and has been superseded by DIN ISO 34-1 .
) is calculated by dividing the peak force required to propagate the tear by the exact thickness of the specimen.
The most current iteration is ISO 34-1:2022 , which technically revised previous versions to clarify test methods and figure layouts.
: High N/mm ratings indicate that a rubber material will reliably withstand real-world punctures, stress concentration points, and structural notches during operation. 3. Core Testing Methodology: The Trouser Test
In practical terms, tear propagation resistance is particularly critical for applications where a seal, O-ring, or molded part might be subject to assembly damage, sharp edges, or localized overstretching. A high tear propagation resistance means that even if the component sustains a small cut, the tear is less likely to propagate through the component, significantly reducing the risk of sudden failure.
Before purchasing or downloading an outdated technical file, you must recognize that .
The two trouser legs are clamped into the upper and lower jaws of a standard tensile testing machine. As the machine pulls the jaws apart at a highly regulated, constant speed, the tensile force acts perpendicular to the plane of the cut. This forces the pre-existing crack to propagate further down the length of the rubber strip. 3. Calculating Tear Strength