Joint Industry Foam Standards and Guidelines

TAPERED CUSHION IFD STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

6.1 Measurement Options

Seat or back foam cut into tapered shapes is measured for IFD by option A or B below, depending on the available equipment.

6.1.1 Option A: Swivel Indentor

A free, mobile, universal swivel on the indentor foot provides the simplest set up for tapered foam IFD measurements. The indentor foot with a universal swivel is brought in contact with the tapered side of the foam sample and the standard IFD protocol (ASTM D-3574) is carried out. Note: The operator should determine that the thin edge of the linear taper has sufficient depth to measure a 65% deflection. If not, only report the 25% deflection result.

6.1.2 Option B: Fixed Indentor or Ball and Socket Indentor

This procedure requires an adjustable inclined plane and a light weight carpenter's level. The indentor foot is rigidly mounted so as to prevent any angular movement. In the test, the base on the inclined plane is secured under the geometric center of the indentor foot. Use a piano hinge or equivalent to attach the adjustable 1" thick plywood incline member to the base plate. Laboratory jacks, adjustable turnbuckles or adjustable screws can be used to elevate or depress the 1" thick plywood inclining plane. Use a retainer strip if needed to keep the test sample in position.

6.2 Procedure

6.2.1 Option A

Use the standard method for IFD measurement following ASTM D-3574.

6.2.2 Option B

Center the incline device base plate under the indentor foot. Place the sample on top of the adjustable top plate and use the jacks or adjustable screws to level the sample. Fix final position of the sample with the carpenter's level. Check that the sample is centered under the indentor foot ready for the test. Determine the IFD according to ASTM D-3574.