This document specifies three methods for measuring the flexibility of rubber and plastics hoses and tubing (methods A1, B and C1), where the deformation of the hose or tubing is measured, and two methods for measuring the stiffness (methods A2 and C2) by measuring the force required to bend rubber or plastics hoses or tubing to a specific radius at ambient temperature.

Methods A1 and A2 are suitable for rubber and plastics hoses and tubing with inside diameter of up to and including 80 mm.

Method A1 allows the measurement of the flexibility of the hose or tubing by measuring the reduction in outside diameter when the hose is compressed between two plates.

Method A2 provides a means of measuring the force required to reach a specific bend radius when the hose or tubing is compressed, as between two plates. The test can be carried out at a specified internal pressure.

Method B is suitable for rubber and plastics hoses and tubing with inside diameter of up to and including 100 mm, and provides a means of assessing the behaviour of the hose and tubing when bent around a mandrel. The final mandrel diameter used can be taken as the minimum bend radius of the hose or tubing. As this value is determined by the reduction of the outside diameter, it can be used as a measure of the flexibility of the hose or tubing. The hose or tubing being tested can be unpressurized, pressurized or under vacuum and, if required, with the curvature or against the curvature of the hose or tubing, if such curvature is present.

Methods C1 and C2 are suitable for rubber and plastics hoses and tubing with inside diameter of 100 mm and greater.

Method C1 provides a means of determining the flexibility of the hose and tubing at the minimum bend radius.

Method C2 provides a method of measuring the stiffness of the hose and tubing at the minimum bend radius.