This International Standard specifies three methods for determining the indentation hardness of flexible cellular materials:
method A (indentation hardness index), which gives a single indentation measurement for laboratory test purposes;
method B (indentation hardness characteristics), which provides information about the shape of the hardness indentation curve;
method C (indentation hardness check), which is a quick procedure suitable for quality control testing.
The methods are applicable only to latex, urethane foam and PVC foam of the open cell type.
NOTE - The indentation hardness of flexible cellular materials is a measure of their load-bearing properties. The methods specified can be used for testing finished articles and for the characterization of bulk material.
The results obtained by these methods relate only to the test conditions specified and cannot, in general, be used directly for design purposes.