Progress on Afera Test Methods

Afera works consistently on identifying and developing self adhesive tape test methods for Europe-wide and global use. The Association continues to develop closer relationships with its counterpart associations, the American Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) and the Japanese Adhesive Tape Manufacturer’s Association (JATMA). Contact among these organisations has proven invaluable in the process toward globalising tape markets, specifically in the area of test methods harmonisation.

On behalf of the self adhesive tape industry, Afera has obtained the adoption of a number of tape test methods by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) which promotes voluntary technical harmonisation in Europe in conjunction with world-wide bodies and its partners in Europe. The Association has achieved the world-wide recognition of the four International Harmonized test methods mentioned underneath. 

To foster the process of standardisation, the Association participated in a Round Robin Testing forum, which involved comparative analysis of various test methods performed by a group consisting of 10 European companies and 10 American companies. 

Currently Afera together with their counterparts PSTC (U.S.A.) and JATMA (Japan) is on track for certification by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) on September 30, 2007 for the methods:

• EN 14410 Self adhesive tapes - Measurement of breaking strength and elongation at break
  
• EN 1939 Self adhesive tapes - Determination of peel adhesion properties
  
• EN 1943 Self adhesive tapes - Measurement of static shear adhesion

The Association publishes the Afera Test Methods Manual, which includes the most current test methods, equipment suppliers and a glossary of terms, as well as a comparative table categorising Afera’s test methods and their corresponding CEN, ISO, ASTM and PSTC methods. 

Test Methods can obtained by ordering the Test Methods Manual through Aferas Secretariat - downloadable form available in right marginal line of this page! 

We recommend that you contact your local norm-institute to obtain EN-methods in your local language.