ASTM D6478-10 (2019) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Packability of Fabrics Used in Inflatable Restraints (ASTM D6478-10, reapproved 2019). This practice defines a repeatable procedure and index for measuring the ability of airbag and other inflatable-restraint fabrics to be folded and packed into constrained module volumes.

Abstract

This test method provides a laboratory procedure to produce a specific packability index for coated and uncoated fabrics intended for inflatable restraints (airbags). The method prescribes specimen preparation, a folding/packing procedure and specified loads to derive a comparative volume-based packability value; supplemental operator training and adjunct drawings are referenced. The procedure is intended primarily for design and development evaluation and for certification testing programs.

General information

• Status: Published / Active (reapproved as D6478-10R19).
• Publication date: Reapproved/updated in the 2018–2019 timeframe (document last updated Jan 16, 2019; bibliographic listings show publication date as 31 Dec 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 43.040.60 (Vehicle bodies and components); 59.080.30 (Textile fabrics).
• Edition / version: Designated D6478-10 (with reapproval/version marker D6478-10R19 listed as the active reapproval).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (ASTM bibliographic entry).

Scope

This test method covers procedures for determining the ability to fold and pack fabrics used for inflatable restraints using an index of specific packability. It specifies operator techniques, specimen handling, measurement of packed volume under specified loads, and notes that supplemental operator training (and ASTM adjuncts with drawings) is required for repeatability. SI units are treated as the standard units for the procedure.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and calculation of a specific packability index based on folded specimen volume under defined loading conditions.
• Specimen preparation and folding/packing technique — operator technique is critical and must be followed closely to obtain repeatable results.
• Apparatus and fixtures including a folding jig and tensile/packing tester (adjunct CAD drawings referenced as ADJD6478/ADJD6478A).
• Applicable to both coated and uncoated airbag fabrics; intended for design/development analysis and periodic certification testing rather than high-throughput production inspection.
• Use of SI units as the standard measurement system within the practice.

Typical use and users

Primary users are automotive OEMs, airbag/module manufacturers, textile suppliers for inflatable restraints, and accredited test laboratories performing design verification or annual certification testing. The method is used during material selection, module design optimization (to satisfy spatial constraints) and comparative performance testing of fabric lots.

Related standards

This practice is produced by ASTM Committee D13 (Textiles) with drafting by subcommittee D13.20 (Inflatable Restraints) and is commonly used alongside other D13 textile and airbag-test standards and ASTM adjuncts (e.g., ADJD6478 and ADJD6478A containing apparatus drawings). Users should consult the D13 committee suite for complementary test methods relevant to airbag fabrics.

Keywords

packability, specific packability index, airbag fabric, inflatable restraint, folding jig, ADJD6478, material selection, D13 textiles.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6478-10 (reapproved 2019) is a standardized test method for measuring the specific packability of fabrics used in inflatable restraints such as airbag fabrics, producing a comparative index of how compactly a fabric can be folded and retained under specified loads.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, folding/packing procedure, measurement of packed volume under defined loads, calculation of a packability index, and references adjunct drawings and operator-training requirements to ensure repeatable results. SI units are the standard in the practice.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive manufacturers, airbag module and textile suppliers, research and development teams, and accredited test laboratories performing comparative evaluations and certification testing for airbag fabrics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D6478-10 designation has been reapproved and listed with a 2019 reapproval marker (D6478-10R19) and is shown as active in ASTM bibliographic records (document updates recorded in January 2019). Users should verify the current status in the ASTM catalog before purchase or citation to ensure no later revisions after 2019.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ASTM Committee D13 (Textiles), subcommittee D13.20 (Inflatable Restraints). Supplementary adjuncts (ADJD6478, ADJD6478A) provide detailed apparatus drawings and are referenced by the practice.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Packability, specific packability index, airbag fabric, inflatable restraint, folding/packing procedure, folding jig, ADJD6478.