ISO Quality Standards

Find the Right Instrument for Your ISO Test Method

Thwing-Albert has been building precision materials testing instruments for over 125 years. Our team works directly with QC labs, R&D engineers, and materials scientists to identify the right instrument configuration for your specific test method — including load range, test speed, grip and fixture selection, and software requirements.

If your ISO standard isn’t listed above, or you need help confirming which instrument meets your method requirements, contact our team or request a quote. We also offer calibration and preventive maintenance services to keep your instruments performing to standard over time.

Testing to a different standard? Browse our full range of supported test methods including ASTM, TAPPI, FINAT, PSTC, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which ISO standard applies to my material?

The best starting point is identifying the physical property you need to measure and matching it to your material type. For example, ISO 534 and ISO 3034 both address thickness, but ISO 534 applies to paper and board while ISO 3034 is specific to corrugated fiberboard. Similarly, ISO 4593 covers thickness of plastic film and sheeting. If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help narrow it down based on your material, industry, and customer or regulatory requirements.

Can one instrument meet multiple ISO standards?

Yes. Many Thwing-Albert instruments — particularly our universal testing machines — are configurable to meet multiple ISO standards by changing grips, fixtures, test speed, and software test methods. A single tensile testing frame configured with the appropriate fixtures can be used to run ISO 5893 for rubber and plastics, ISO 3781 for wet tensile strength of paper and board, and ISO 12625-5 for wet tensile strength of tissue products. This flexibility makes our instruments a cost-effective solution for labs that test across multiple material types or need to satisfy multiple customer specifications.

How do I select the right grip or fixture for my ISO test method?

Grip and fixture selection depends on the material being tested, the required sample geometry, and the specific test method. ISO standards define the gauge length, grip separation rate, and in many cases the grip type required. Selecting the wrong configuration can introduce slippage, sample damage at the grip face, or inconsistent results that invalidate your data. Thwing-Albert offers an extensive range of grips and fixtures, and our applications team can recommend the correct configuration for your specific ISO method and material.

Can Thwing-Albert configure an instrument for an ISO standard not listed here?

Yes. The ISO standards listed on this page represent a selection of the methods our instruments are commonly used to meet — not a complete list. If your required standard isn’t shown, contact us with your test method number and material type. Our engineering and applications team will review the method requirements and recommend the instrument, fixture, and software configuration best suited to meet it.

What are the most commonly referenced ISO standards for plastic film and sheeting?

Several ISO standards on this page directly address plastic film and sheeting. ISO 4593 covers thickness by mechanical scanning, ISO 8295 covers coefficient of friction, ISO 6383-2 covers tear resistance, and ISO 7765-1 covers impact resistance using the free-falling dart method. The right combination of standards for your application will depend on your material specifications, customer requirements, and any applicable regulatory obligations.