ISO 8295 — Plastics — Film and Sheeting — Determination of the Coefficients of Friction
ISO 8295 is the international standard for determining the static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and sheeting, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under Technical Committee TC 61. It is widely used in Europe, Asia, and markets where ISO standards govern procurement and quality specifications. The MXD-02A Coefficient of Friction Tester supports both ISO 8295 Method A (200 g sled) and Method B (100 g sled), making it suitable for all ISO 8295 test configurations.
Quick Answer
ISO 8295 defines two methods: Method A uses a 200 g sled and is comparable to ASTM D1894; Method B uses a 100 g sled for lighter or more delicate films. Both methods specify a test speed of 100 ± 10 mm/min and a minimum stroke of 80 mm. The MXD-02A supports both methods.
What Is ISO 8295
ISO 8295 specifies a horizontal-plane test method for determining the static coefficient of friction (also called the breakaway friction) and the kinetic coefficient of friction of plastic film and sheeting. It was developed by ISO/TC 61 (Plastics) and harmonizes with European EN standards through the CEN adoption process. Like ASTM D1894, it uses a weighted sled drawn across a flat specimen at constant speed while a load cell records the resisting force. Static COF is derived from the initial peak force; kinetic COF is derived from the mean force during sustained sliding. Results are expressed as dimensionless COF values. ISO 8295 is commonly referenced in European packaging film specifications, flexible packaging quality plans, and international trade contracts between European and Asian film producers.
Differences from ASTM D1894
The most significant difference between ISO 8295 and ASTM D1894 is test speed: ISO 8295 requires 100 ± 10 mm/min, while ASTM D1894 requires 150 ± 30 mm/min. Because kinetic friction can be rate-dependent for viscoelastic polymer films, the two standards do not always produce identical kinetic COF values on the same material. ISO 8295 also offers two sled weight options (Method A: 200 g; Method B: 100 g), whereas ASTM D1894 specifies only the 200 g sled. The minimum stroke requirement in ISO 8295 is 80 mm, compared to the 130 mm typically used in D1894 practice. Conditioning requirements are similar (23 ± 2°C, 50 ± 5% RH) but ISO 8295 specifies a minimum conditioning period of 16 hours, slightly shorter than the 40 hours recommended in D1894.
Test Methods A and B
ISO 8295 Method A uses a 200 g sled with a flat base of 63 × 63 mm. This method is appropriate for most commercial plastic films including PE, PP, PET, and multilayer laminates. It is the method most directly comparable to ASTM D1894 and is preferred when dual compliance reporting is required. ISO 8295 Method B uses a 100 g sled, also with a 63 × 63 mm base. The lighter sled reduces the normal force to approximately 0.98 N, making it appropriate for very light or delicate films where the 200 g sled might compress surface treatments or slip additives and produce artificially low COF readings. Method B is also used when testing thin single-layer films where the 200 g load could cause excessive deformation. The test report must specify which method was used.
Apparatus Requirements
ISO 8295 requires a horizontal test bed that is smooth, flat, and level. The sled must be of the specified mass (200 g for Method A, 100 g for Method B) and must have a flat, smooth, rigid base of 63 × 63 mm. The connecting line between the sled and the force transducer must be inextensible and oriented parallel to the test bed surface. The drive mechanism must maintain a constant speed of 100 ± 10 mm/min. The force transducer must have an accuracy of 1% or better over the measurement range. The test stroke must be at least 80 mm. If the apparatus can record a continuous force-displacement curve, the static peak and kinetic plateau are identified analytically; if not, the peak and plateau readings are noted manually. Temperature, humidity, and specimen identity must be recorded with each test.
Procedure and Reporting
Condition specimens for at least 16 hours at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% RH. Cut specimens large enough to cover the test bed with adequate overhang. Secure the bed specimen flat. Mount the sled specimen on the sled with the test surface facing outward. Attach the connecting line to the load cell and verify it is horizontal. Initiate the drive at 100 mm/min. Record the peak force (static event) and the mean plateau force over the kinetic zone (excluding the first 10 mm and last 10 mm of stroke). Repeat for a minimum of five specimens. Report: method used (A or B), mean and standard deviation of static COF and kinetic COF, test speed, sled mass, ambient conditions, specimen material identification, and any deviations from the standard.
How MXD-02A Meets ISO 8295
The MXD-02A fully supports ISO 8295 through software-selectable test parameters. Speed can be set to 100 mm/min for ISO compliance. The instrument ships with the standard 200 g sled (63.5 × 63.5 mm) for Method A; the 100 g sled for Method B is available as an accessory. The 0–5 N load cell with 0.001 N resolution accurately captures both the static peak and kinetic plateau at the lower normal force of Method B (0.98 N normal force). The selectable stroke covers 70 mm and 150 mm, with 150 mm providing the 80 mm minimum ISO stroke with adequate margin. The PC software allows the operator to select ASTM D1894 or ISO 8295 mode, automatically applying the correct speed and calculation zone, and produces a test report that cites the applicable standard and method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need an ISO 8295 Compliant COF Tester?
Tell us your material type and we'll configure the right MXD-02A system. Factory-direct pricing, 24-hour response.