EN 12971-1:1999

Overview

EN 12971-1:1999 (CEN) establishes a standardized method of designation for chopped strands produced from continuous filament textile glass strands. Part 1 defines the naming and identification approach that can be used as the basis for formal specifications. The designation system is intended specifically for chopped strands used in the reinforcement of plastics and in the manufacture of synthetic bonded non-woven materials. It does not apply to chopped strands made from staple fibres.

This Part 1 is useful for manufacturers, material specifiers, and procurement teams who need a consistent, unambiguous way to refer to chopped strand products across technical documents, data sheets, and purchase orders.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: method of designation for chopped strands from continuous filament textile glass strands.
• Material focus: textile glass chopped strands intended for plastics reinforcement and synthetic bonded non-wovens.
• Exclusions: specifically excludes chopped strands made from staple fibres.
• Specification basis: designation can be used as the foundation for product specifications, enabling clear communication between suppliers and users.
• Practical benefits: supports traceability, consistent material selection, and harmonized documentation across supply chains.

Applications

EN 12971-1:1999 is applicable where a clear, industry-recognized designation assists product development, manufacturing, and procurement. Typical practical uses include:

• Producing and referencing technical data sheets for chopped strand reinforcements
• Creating procurement specifications and supplier agreements that require unambiguous material identification
• Supporting quality control and traceability programs by standardizing how chopped strand types are named
• Facilitating communication between composite part designers, materials engineers, and non-woven manufacturers

By adopting the designation system, organizations can reduce ambiguity in material descriptions, accelerate supplier selection, and simplify compliance with downstream manufacturing requirements.

Related Standards

• Other parts of the EN 12971 series where applicable; Part 1 provides the designation framework
• National adoptions and identical standards, for example SIST EN 12971-1:2000 (national implementation noted in the document extract)
• Standards addressing staple fibre chopped strand products and other glass fibre material specifications (these are outside Part 1 scope and should be consulted separately)

Adopting EN 12971-1:1999 for designation helps standardize references to textile glass chopped strands, improving specification clarity, procurement efficiency, and traceability for reinforced plastics and synthetic bonded non-woven applications.