EN 14477 is an increasingly important testing standard due to the increasing popularity of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries include a separator material - the membrane between the battery’s anode and cathode - which has become increasingly thinner as manufacturers seek to improve conductivity and minimize the amount of space that it occupies. These separator films are commonly made from polymers and must be mechanically strong enough to withstand the winding operation during assembly of the battery. From a material evaluation standpoint, understanding the mechanical properties such as puncture resistance is important when determining which material is optimal. 

ASTM F1306 describes a method with very similar objectives for measurement of flexible barrier films and laminates. It uses an indenter with a tip radius of 1.6 mm and a conical shaft with a 6° angle. The test is performed on a film strip, which is fastened over an opening with a 35 mm diameter.

Applying load using hard, sharp, or angular objects is important for packaging materials. Understanding puncture resistance is necessary if films are used as packaging material for food or parts with sharp edges.

The static puncture test to EN 14477 measures this behavior using a pointed tip with a diameter of 0.8 mm. This test is also known as the Parker Ball-Point Test.

In this test, a strip specimen is gripped in the lower specimen holder. It is punctured from above with an exchangeable probe to measure the maximum penetration force.