Penetration test service

Penetration Test Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Puncture Resistance and Material Integrity Assessment for the Croatian Market

Penetration resistance is a critical mechanical property that quantifies the ability of a material, coating, or composite structure to withstand the intrusion of a sharp object, probe, projectile, or foreign body without being pierced, cracked, or compromised. This parameter is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of products used in personal protective equipment (PPE), packaging, automotive components, medical devices, construction materials, and aerospace structures. In the Croatian market, where the Hrvatski zavod za norme (HZN), the Državni inspektorat, the Ministarstvo gospodarstva i održivog razvoja, and the Carinska uprava enforce strict quality and safety standards aligned with EU directives and HRN EN (Croatian standards based on European norms), the accurate evaluation of penetration resistance is essential for product certification, CE marking, supplier qualification, type testing, quality control in manufacturing, and import‑export processes. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive penetration test service, applying standardized methods such as ASTM F1306, ISO 13936, ASTM D4833, EN 388, ASTM F1790, ISO 14971, and HRN EN 388 to measure puncture force, penetration depth, energy absorption, and failure mode under controlled conditions of speed, temperature, and probe geometry. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Croatian authorities and notified bodies, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, product validation, and market access in Croatia and the European Union.

Material and Product Samples We Regularly Test

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of materials, components, and finished products for penetration testing. Typical samples include:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) – protective gloves, footwear, clothing, face shields, and helmets for mechanical, chemical, and biological hazards.
• Packaging materials – flexible films, rigid containers, blister packs, and pouches for food, pharmaceutical, and medical device packaging.
• Medical devices and components – catheter materials, surgical drapes, protective covers, and implantable device packaging.
• Automotive and aerospace components – interior trim panels, seat covers, and composite structures.
• Construction and building materials – roofing membranes, waterproofing sheets, and vapour barriers.
• Textiles and fabrics – woven, nonwoven, and coated fabrics for protective clothing and industrial applications.
• Composites and laminates – fiber‑reinforced plastics for lightweight structural applications.
• Prototype and new material formulations – submitted by manufacturers for validation of penetration resistance before series production.
• Field‑retrieved components – for failure analysis and remaining life assessment.

Puncture Resistance Testing – Standard Methods for Flexible and Rigid Materials

Puncture resistance testing measures the force required for a probe (a needle, a stylus, or a blunt probe) to penetrate a material under specified conditions of speed and geometry. Our tests follow international standards and the requirements of the Croatian PPE, packaging, and manufacturing sectors.

• Puncture test for films and flexible materials (ASTM F1306 / ISO 13936 / NTC 5600 – for medical and packaging films) – we mount the specimen (film, sheet, or fabric) in a pneumatic or mechanical clamp, and a probe (typically a hemispherical or a sharp needle with a specified tip radius, e.g., 0.5 mm or 1 mm) is driven into the material at a constant speed (typically 50 mm/min to 500 mm/min). The maximum force (in N), the penetration depth (in mm), and the energy absorbed (in J) are measured. We report the puncture force, the penetration depth, the energy, and the failure mode (e.g., clean puncture, tearing, or cracking).
• Puncture test for rigid and semi‑rigid materials (ASTM D4833 / ISO 6603‑1 / NTC 5601 – for packaging and construction materials) – we use a pointed probe (a steel ball or a cone) with a specified diameter to penetrate the specimen, which is supported on a rigid backing plate. The test is performed at a specified speed (typically 50 mm/min). We measure the penetration force and the maximum displacement. We report the maximum force, the energy to puncture, and the failure mode.
• Puncture test for protective gloves (EN 388 / HRN EN 388 / NTC 5602 – for mechanical hazard protection) – we test the penetration resistance of protective gloves (against sharp objects and needles). A standard probe (with a specified geometry) is driven into the glove material at a controlled speed. The force required to penetrate the glove is measured and compared with the specified requirement. We report the penetration force and the pass/fail status.
• Puncture test for ballistic and cut‑resistant materials (ASTM F1790 / ISO 13997 / NTC 5603 – for high‑performance textiles) – we use a sharp blade or a pointed probe to evaluate the penetration resistance of cut‑resistant and ballistic materials. The test is performed at a controlled speed and the peak force is recorded. We report the penetration force and the cut resistance rating.
• Puncture test at different temperatures (NTC 5604 – for the thermal effect) – we perform the puncture test at elevated temperatures (e.g., 40 °C, 60 °C) or at low temperatures (e.g., -10 °C, -20 °C) to evaluate the effect of temperature on the penetration resistance. We report the puncture force and the energy at each temperature.

Penetration Resistance Testing – Evaluating the Resistance to Sharp Objects and Needles

Penetration resistance testing evaluates the ability of a material or a protective device to resist the passage of a sharp object (a needle, a lancet, or a pointed tool). This test is essential for medical devices, PPE, and packaging that must protect against needlestick injuries and contamination. Our procedures follow international standards and the requirements of the Croatian medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors.

• Needle penetration test (ASTM F1306 – variant / NTC 5610 – for medical packaging and protective gloves) – we use a standard hypodermic needle (with a specified gauge, e.g., 21G or 25G) to penetrate the specimen. The needle is driven into the material at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm/min) and the penetration force is measured. We report the maximum penetration force (in N) and the pass/fail status.
• Sharp object penetration test (ISO 13997 / NTC 5611 – for protective clothing and equipment) – we use a sharp blade (or a pointed tool) to evaluate the resistance of the material to the penetration of sharp edges. The test is performed at a controlled speed and the peak force is recorded. We report the penetration force and the cut‑resistance rating.
• Penetration test for medical device packaging (ISO 11607‑1 / NTC 5612 – for sterile barrier systems) – we test the penetration resistance of medical device packaging (e.g., the pouches and the trays) to ensure that the packaging is not punctured during handling and transport. The test is performed using a pointed probe. We report the penetration force and the pass/fail status.
• Needle penetration test at different speeds (NTC 5613 – for the speed effect) – we perform the needle penetration test at different speeds (e.g., 10 mm/min, 50 mm/min, 100 mm/min, 500 mm/min) to evaluate the speed‑dependence of the penetration resistance. We report the penetration force at each speed.
• Needle penetration test after aging (NTC 5614 – for the durability assessment) – we age the material (e.g., by thermal aging, UV exposure, or humidity) and then perform the needle penetration test. The change in the penetration resistance is reported. We report the penetration force after aging and the retention of the resistance.

Penetration and Energy Absorption – Evaluating the Protective Capability

The penetration resistance is not only about the force required to puncture the material, but also the energy absorbed during the penetration process. Our tests measure the energy absorption, which is a measure of the material's ability to dissipate the kinetic energy of the impacting object.

• Energy absorption measurement (NTC 5620 – for the impact energy dissipation) – we measure the area under the force‑displacement curve during the penetration test. The area represents the energy absorbed (in J) by the material before puncture. A high energy absorption indicates a good protective capability. We report the energy absorption (in J) and the penetration force.
• Penetration resistance and energy absorption at different speeds (NTC 5621 – for the dynamic behaviour) – we perform the penetration test at different impact speeds (e.g., 1 m/s, 5 m/s, 10 m/s) using a drop‑weight impact tester or a high‑speed servo‑hydraulic testing machine. The energy absorption and the peak force are measured at each speed. We report the speed‑dependence of the energy absorption.
• Penetration resistance and energy absorption at different temperatures (NTC 5622 – for the thermal effect) – we perform the penetration test at low and elevated temperatures to evaluate the effect of temperature on the energy absorption. We report the energy absorption at each temperature.
• Penetration resistance and energy absorption after environmental exposure (NTC 5623 – for the durability assessment) – we expose the material to a corrosive environment (e.g., salt spray, humidity) and then perform the penetration test. The change in the energy absorption is reported. We report the energy absorption after the exposure and the retention of the protective capability.
• Correlation of penetration resistance and energy absorption with the application (NTC 5624 – for the performance‑based assessment) – we correlate the measured penetration force and the energy absorption with the specific application (e.g., the needlestick protection of a glove, the puncture resistance of a packaging film). The correlation is based on the relevant standards or the manufacturer's specifications. We report the correlation and the application‑specific recommendations.

Influence of Environmental Factors – Evaluating the Long‑Term Penetration Resistance

The penetration resistance of materials can change over time due to aging, environmental exposure, and mechanical stress. Our environmental and aging tests evaluate the long‑term stability of the penetration resistance, ensuring the reliability of the product over its service life in the diverse Croatian climate (coastal, continental, and mountainous).

• Thermal aging and its effect on penetration resistance (ASTM D573 / ISO 188 / NTC 5630 – for the heat‑aged materials) – we age the material in an oven at a specified temperature (e.g., 70 °C, 100 °C) for a specified duration (e.g., 7, 14, or 28 days) and then perform the penetration test. The change in the penetration force and the energy absorption are reported. We report the penetration resistance after aging and the retention of the resistance.
• UV aging and its effect on penetration resistance (ASTM G154 / NTC 5631 – for the UV‑exposed materials) – we expose the material to UV radiation (UVA‑340) and condensation cycles for a specified duration (e.g., 500 hours) and then perform the penetration test. The change in the penetration resistance is reported. We report the penetration resistance after UV exposure and the change.
• Humidity and moisture effect (ASTM D570 / NTC 5632 – for the moisture‑exposed materials) – we condition the material at a high‑humidity environment (e.g., 40 °C, 95 % RH) for a specified duration (e.g., 7 days) and then perform the penetration test. The effect of the moisture on the penetration resistance is reported. We report the penetration resistance after the humidity exposure and the moisture uptake.
• Chemical exposure effect (ASTM D543 / NTC 5633 – for the chemically exposed materials) – we immerse the material in various chemicals (e.g., mineral oil, 10 % HCl, 10 % NaOH, or a solvent) for a specified duration (e.g., 7 days) and then perform the penetration test. The effect of the chemical exposure on the penetration resistance is reported. We report the penetration resistance after the chemical exposure and the compatibility.
• Abrasion and wear effect (NTC 5634 – for the surface‑damaged materials) – we subject the material to a specified number of abrasion cycles (e.g., using a Taber abraser) and then perform the penetration test. The effect of the surface wear on the penetration resistance is reported. We report the penetration resistance after the abrasion and the wear depth.

Complementary Tests – Thickness, Hardness, and Tensile Properties for Penetration Correlation

To fully understand the penetration resistance and to correlate it with the material's properties, we perform complementary tests, including thickness measurement, hardness testing, and tensile testing.

• Thickness measurement (NTC 5640 – for the material thickness) – we measure the thickness (in mm) of the material using a calibrated micrometer. The thickness is correlated with the penetration resistance. We report the thickness and the correlation.
• Hardness testing (ASTM D2240 / NTC 5641 – Shore A or Shore D for polymers; ASTM E18 / NTC 5642 – Rockwell for metals) – we measure the Shore A or Shore D hardness (for polymers) or the Rockwell hardness (for metals). The hardness is correlated with the penetration resistance. We report the hardness and the correlation.
• Tensile testing (ASTM D638 / ISO 527 / NTC 5643 – for plastics; ASTM E8 / ISO 6892 / NTC 5644 – for metals) – we perform a tensile test on the material to measure the tensile strength (in MPa) and the elongation at break (in %). The tensile properties are correlated with the penetration resistance and the energy absorption. We report the tensile properties and the correlation.
• Microstructural examination (SEM – ASTM E1508 / NTC 5645 – for the material structure) – we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the material's microstructure (the grain size, the phase distribution, and the presence of defects) and to correlate it with the penetration resistance. We report the SEM images and the microstructural observations.
• FTIR spectroscopy (ASTM E168 / NTC 5646 – for the chemical composition and the degradation) – we use FTIR spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of the material and to detect any degradation (e.g., oxidation, chain scission) that may affect the penetration resistance. We report the FTIR spectra and the chemical changes.

Test Report and Recognition in the Croatian PPE, Healthcare, and Industrial Sector

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with equipment calibrated periodically (universal testing machines, penetration testers, environmental chambers, and analytical instruments) and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in English (with a Croatian summary available on request) and include:

• Full identification of the test sample (material, product, manufacturer, and intended application).
• Detailed description of the test methods applied (ASTM/ISO/EN/HRN EN/NTC standards, test conditions, probe geometry, and speed).
• Numerical results: puncture force (N), penetration depth (mm), energy absorption (J), penetration resistance (N/mm), thickness (mm), hardness (Shore/HRC), tensile strength (MPa), and property retention after aging (%).
• Graphical data: force‑displacement curves, energy‑displacement curves, and penetration force vs. speed curves.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the relevant standards (ASTM F1306, ISO 13936, EN 388, HRN EN 388, and the requirements of the HZN, Državni inspektorat, and the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425).
• Statement of compliance and pass/fail status.
• Photographs of the test specimens before and after the test, and SEM images of the penetration site.
• Recommendations for material selection, design optimization, and quality control measures to achieve the required penetration resistance.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98‑3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Hrvatski zavod za norme (HZN) for the verification of product conformity, by the Ministarstvo gospodarstva i održivog razvoja for industrial safety compliance, by the Državni inspektorat for market surveillance, and by the Carinska uprava (Croatian Customs) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of protective equipment, packaging, and medical devices. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the selection of puncture‑resistant materials, the design of robust protective products, and the implementation of quality control programs for penetration performance, contributing to the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of products in the diverse and growing Croatian market, from the healthcare and PPE sectors to the automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries.