ASTM D751 is a collection of standard test methods for coated fabrics — materials such as vinyl-coated textiles, canvas, sailcloth, and other fabric substrates with applied coatings. Unlike standards that cover a single physical property, ASTM D751 encompasses multiple test methods including tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and puncture resistance, each of which requires a different type of instrument.
Thwing-Albert offers instruments that can be configured to meet the tensile, tear, and puncture test methods within ASTM D751, including the VantageNX Universal Testing Machine, the ProTear Electronic Elmendorf Tear Tester, the Heavy Duty Electronic ProTear, and a dedicated ASTM D751 Puncture Fixture.
Which Instrument Do You Need for ASTM D751?
Because ASTM D751 covers several physical property test methods, the right instrument depends on which test method you are running. With over 125 years of experience in materials testing, Thwing-Albert offers the following options for D751 testing, backed by our ISO 9001 certified commitment to quality:
- VantageNX Universal Testing Machine — for tensile strength and elongation test methods within ASTM D751. The VantageNX is a configurable universal testing machine with interchangeable load cells from 5N to 5kN and a broad range of grips and fixtures for testing coated fabric specimens in tension.
- ProTear Electronic Elmendorf Tear Tester — for the Elmendorf tear test method within ASTM D751. The ProTear covers capacities from 200g to 12,800g and is suited to lighter coated fabrics and materials within the standard’s tear testing requirements.
- Heavy Duty Electronic ProTear — for Elmendorf tear testing of heavier coated fabrics such as canvas, sailcloth, and denim. With capacities up to 25,600g, the Heavy Duty ProTear is specifically designed for materials that exceed the capacity range of the standard ProTear and is explicitly listed as meeting ASTM D751 and ASTM D5734.
- ASTM D751 Puncture Fixture — a dedicated fixture for the puncture resistance test method within ASTM D751, used in conjunction with a universal testing machine such as the VantageNX.
Common Applications for ASTM D751
ASTM D751 is referenced in the textile and specialty materials industries for quality control and acceptance testing of coated fabrics used in industrial, commercial, and performance applications. Common materials tested to ASTM D751 include vinyl-coated textiles, tarpaulins, awning fabrics, marine canvas, protective clothing materials, and other coated or laminated fabric products where multiple physical properties must meet defined specifications.
Related Standards
Thwing-Albert instruments used for ASTM D751 testing can also be configured to meet related coated fabric and textile testing standards, including:
- ASTM D752 — Puncture Resistance of Cellophane
- ASTM D1424 — Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum
- ASTM D5734 — Tearing Strength of Woven Fabrics
- ASTM D882 — Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
The standards listed above represent a selection of common test methods — not a complete list. If you don’t see your standard, contact us and our team can help confirm the right instrument and configuration for your specific test method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ASTM D751 cover?
ASTM D751 is a collection of standard test methods for coated fabrics rather than a single property test. It specifies test methods for multiple physical properties including tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. Because it covers several distinct test types, more than one instrument may be needed to run all tests within the standard depending on which methods your specification requires.
Why is the Heavy Duty ProTear listed for ASTM D751 rather than the standard ProTear?
Both tear testers are listed for ASTM D751 because the standard covers a range of coated fabrics with very different tear resistance values. The standard ProTear is suited to lighter coated fabrics within its 200g to 12,800g capacity range. The Heavy Duty ProTear, with capacities up to 25,600g, is designed specifically for heavier materials such as canvas, sailcloth, and denim-weight coated fabrics that exceed the standard model’s capacity. The correct instrument depends on the tear resistance of the specific material being tested.
Do I need more than one instrument to test to ASTM D751?
It depends on which test methods within ASTM D751 your specification or customer requires. If you need to run tensile, tear, and puncture tests, each requires a different instrument or fixture. The VantageNX with the ASTM D751 Puncture Fixture covers tensile and puncture; an Elmendorf tear tester covers the tear test method. If your spec only requires one or two of these properties, you may need only one instrument. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
What types of materials does ASTM D751 apply to?
ASTM D751 applies to coated fabrics — fabric substrates with a coating applied to one or both surfaces. Common materials include vinyl-coated textiles, tarpaulins, awning and marine canvas, protective and industrial fabric products, and other laminated or coated fabric constructions. The standard is used across industries where coated fabrics must meet defined physical performance requirements for strength, tear, and puncture resistance.
If You Don’t See The Standard You Need, Click Here TO Contact Our Experts
