NWSP Quality Standards

Find the right instrument for your NWSP test method

Thwing-Albert has been building precision materials testing instruments for over 125 years. Our instruments cover the full range of NWSP mechanical test methods — abrasion resistance, burst strength, stiffness, handle and softness, tear resistance, tensile strength, internal bond, and thickness — and are configurable to meet the specific sample dimensions, test speeds, and load ranges each method requires.

Many NWSP methods share technical requirements with ASTM, ISO, and TAPPI procedures. Instruments such as the VantageNX Universal Testing Machine, Electronic Elmendorf ProTear, Handle-O-Meter, and ProGage Touch Thickness Tester can be configured to satisfy both NWSP requirements and their equivalent ASTM, ISO, or TAPPI counterparts in a single test setup.

If your NWSP 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, ISO, TAPPI, and more.

Frequently asked questions

What does NWSP stand for?

NWSP stands for Nonwoven Standard Procedures. The standards were jointly developed by EDANA and INDA and introduced in 2005 to replace the separate EDANA and INDA IST legacy test method series with a single, globally harmonized framework for evaluating the performance and structure of nonwoven materials.

How are NWSP standard codes structured?

Each NWSP code has three parts: a three-digit category number that identifies the test property (e.g., 100 = tear, 110 = tensile strength, 120 = thickness), a sub-method number after the decimal point, and a revision suffix beginning with “R” that indicates the revision level since the standard’s introduction in 2005. For example, NWSP 100.2.R1 is the Trapezoid Tear method, first revision.

Are NWSP standards equivalent to ASTM, ISO, or TAPPI methods?

Many NWSP methods are technically harmonized with — or directly based on — existing ASTM, ISO, and TAPPI procedures. For example, NWSP 100.1.R0 (Elmendorf tear) aligns with ASTM D1424 and ISO 1974, and NWSP 090.3.R0 (Handle-O-Meter) aligns with ASTM D2923 and TAPPI T498. Thwing-Albert instruments can be configured to satisfy NWSP and their equivalent methods simultaneously, simplifying multi-standard compliance.

Can one instrument meet multiple NWSP standards?

Yes. Universal testing machines like the VantageNX, paired with the appropriate grips and fixtures, can cover the full NWSP 100 and 110 series for tear, tensile, and burst testing. Dedicated instruments such as the Handle-O-Meter and ProGage Touch Thickness Tester each address multiple NWSP methods within their respective test property categories.

Where can I access NWSP test methods?

NWSP standards are published jointly by EDANA and INDA. The full library, including previews and purchase options, is available through the NWSP standards resource on the INDA website.

Do Thwing-Albert instruments support the legacy INDA IST and EDANA test methods?

Yes. Instruments that meet current NWSP standards also satisfy the predecessor INDA IST and EDANA test methods where applicable. Contact our applications team to confirm compatibility for specific legacy method numbers.