ISO 16630:2026 Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 403-1

Basic Standard Profile

Full Title: Metallic materials - Sheet and strip - Hole expanding test

Edition: Latest version published in 2026

Standard Positioning: Specialized international testing standard for evaluating the edge formability of metallic sheet and strip materials

ISO 16630:2026 – Metallic materials - Sheet and strip - Hole expanding test is an international standard published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It specifies a reliable method for determining the hole expansion ratio of metallic sheet and strip materials, particularly for thicknesses ranging from 1.2 mm to 6.0 mm and widths of at least 90 mm. The main purpose of the hole expanding test is to assess the formability of sheet metals, especially their suitability for forming flanges through operations such as bending or stretching.

This test is widely recognized in industries like automotive manufacturing and metal forming, where the ability to predict sheet metal behavior during fabrication is essential for product quality and performance. Adherence to ISO 16630:2026 ensures consistent, validated assessment methods across organizations and supply chains.

Core Covered Topics

Scope and Applicability

Applies to metallic sheets and strips with thickness of 1.2 mm to 6.0 mm and minimum width of 90 mm.

Particularly useful for evaluating suitability in forming flanges from sheet metal.

Test Methodology

Involves punching a circular hole in a test piece and expanding it using a conical tool until edge cracking occurs.

Limiting hole expansion ratio is determined as the increase in diameter relative to the original punched hole.

Minimum procedures ensure repeatability, including precise control of punch/die alignment and clamping force.

Test Conditions

Standard test temperature ranges from 10 °C to 35 °C.

Special provisions are outlined for specimen dimensions, punch and die tolerances, and observation of cracks.

Both manual and automated crack detection methods are allowed (by agreement between parties).

Reporting

The test report includes reference to ISO 16630:2026, test piece identification, thickness, average limiting hole expansion ratio, and any deviations from the standard procedure.

Primary Application Scenarios

Automotive Manufacturing

Used in the quality control of sheet metals for car body parts, especially where flanges and formed edges are critical.

Supports selection of materials that will withstand forming stresses without premature cracking.

Material Development and Certification

Enables reliable comparison of the formability of new metallic materials or coatings.

Assists in material certification, supplier qualification, and technical data sheet preparation.

Manufacturing Process Optimization

Helps engineers determine the best material and punch/die configurations to prevent failures during metal forming.

Reduces production downtime and material waste by identifying formability limits early.

Standardized Communication

Provides a uniform language for suppliers and manufacturers to specify and validate material performance requirements.

Reference Standards

ISO 80000-1: Quantities and units – Part 1: General, referenced for rules on rounding and expressing test results.

ISO 10113: Metallic materials - Sheet and strip - Determination of plastic strain ratio

ISO 10275: Metallic materials - Sheet and strip - Determination of tensile strain hardening exponent

Automotive Material Standards: Frequently used in conjunction with OEM-specific or industry-wide quality requirements for sheet steel and other metals.

Closing Summary

By following ISO 16630:2026, manufacturers and engineers ensure accurate, comparable, and reliable assessment of metal formability, supporting quality assurance and optimized manufacturing across global markets.