EN 12971-2:1999

Overview

EN 12971-2:1999 (CEN) is the European standard specifying test methods and general requirements for textile glass chopped strands used as reinforcements. As Part 2 of the EN 12971 series, this document defines the procedures laboratories and manufacturers must use to determine the designated and specified properties referenced in Part 1 and Part 3 of the standard series. It sets general requirements that apply to all chopped strand types covered by the specification in Part 1.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Establishes which types of chopped glass strands fall within the standard’s remit and how Part 2 relates to Parts 1 and 3.
• Test methods: Defines standardized test procedures to verify the properties identified in the other parts of EN 12971 (e.g., properties used for product specification and quality control).
• General requirements: Sets overarching requirements for sampling, test conditions, reporting and conformity assessment that apply across chopped strand types.
• Reference and traceability: Encourages consistent documentation and traceability of test results to support product specification and interchangeability.
• Quality assurance: Provides the framework for repeatable, comparable measurements that support production control and specification compliance.

(EN 12971-2 defines how to determine the properties listed in Part 1 and Part 3; specific property lists and numerical limits are found in those parts.)

Applications and users

Who uses EN 12971-2:

• Manufacturers of textile glass chopped strands for ensuring product conformity and for production testing.
• Quality control and testing laboratories performing routine and acceptance testing.
• Composite processors and compounders who require certified material properties for process control and product claims.
• Specifiers and procurement teams in automotive, construction, marine, electrical insulation and other industries using glass-fiber-reinforced materials.
• Standards writers and certification bodies referencing consistent test methods across the supply chain.

Practical uses:

• Verifying strand properties prior to incorporation into molding compounds, sheet molding compounds (SMC), bulk molding compounds (BMC) and other composite formulations.
• Supporting supplier declarations and material data sheets with standardized test data.
• Enabling consistent comparison of chopped strand products across suppliers.

Related standards

• EN 12971-1 - Specification / classification (see Part 1 for product definitions and scope)
• EN 12971-3 - Properties and specified values (defines the properties that Part 2 test methods determine)
• CEN standards on textile glass and composite reinforcements (for broader context)

Keywords: EN 12971-2:1999, textile glass chopped strands, test methods, general requirements, reinforcements, chopped strand specification, material testing, quality control.