ISO 1974: Paper Tear Resistance (Elmendorf Method)

← Back to all standards

ISO 1974 is the international method for the out-of-plane tearing resistance of paper using the Elmendorf pendulum. To match this to your program, talk with our team.

What ISO 1974 Covers

It measures the force to propagate a tear through paper with a pendulum, the ISO Elmendorf tear method.

How the Test Is Run

Pre-cut specimens are torn by a falling pendulum, and the energy lost gives the tearing resistance.

Why It Matters

Tear resistance indicates paper toughness and fiber quality; a calibrated Elmendorf tester and controlled conditioning are used.

Reading the Designation

Cited as ISO 1974 with its edition year. Confirm the edition and specimen or fixture requirements before finalizing setup. To configure a testing setup, request a quote.

Related Standards

TAPPI T 414 and DIN 53128 are equivalent paper Elmendorf methods.

Request a Quote

Setting up paper tear testing to ISO 1974? Request a quote and our team will help you build a system matched to your grammage and specimen count.


TensileMill CNC products for ISO 1974

Our specimen-preparation systems and testing equipment compatible with ISO 1974:


Build your ISO 1974 workflow with TensileMill CNC

TensileMill CNC builds testing systems used across quality control, research, and production. Depending on your specimens, that can include universal testing machines with tear, peel, and puncture fixtures. Tell us your materials, specimen forms, and required test sections, and our team will match the right configuration.