How to Perform Tests with the Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester According to Standards

The Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester is a really important tool for checking how durable fabrics are. To get accurate and dependable results, you need to follow specific steps and rules when you use it. Here’s a simple guide on how to use the Martindale Tester the right way.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Standards

ASTM D4966 and ISO 12945-2 are rules used to test how well fabrics hold up against wear and tear and pilling (when little balls of fuzz form on the surface). It’s important to know these rules to make sure the tests are done correctly

2. Preparing for the Test

Sample Preparation:

Cutting: Cut fabric samples into 38mm diameter circles, as specified by the standards.
Conditioning: Place samples in a standard atmosphere (usually 21°C and 65% relative humidity) for at least 24 hours before testing.

3. Setting Up the Martindale Tester

Mounting the Samples:

Fixation: Secure the fabric samples onto the testing plates of the Martindale Tester.
Head Selection: Use the appropriate abrasion and pilling heads as per the test requirements. Ensure they are clean and correctly installed.

4. Conducting the Test

Abrasion Testing:

Cycle Setting: Set the Martindale Tester to the number of cycles required by the standard. For ASTM D4966, this might range from 500 to 2000 cycles, depending on the fabric.
Operation: Start the test and allow the machine to complete the cycles.

Pilling Testing:

Test Head: Use the pilling head to simulate wear and evaluate how the fabric forms pills.
Observation: Periodically check the samples to observe the development of pills during the test.

5. Evaluating the Results

Abrasion Resistance:

Assessment: After the test, examine the fabric for signs of abrasion. Compare the level of wear with standard reference photos.

Pilling Resistance:

Evaluation: Evaluate the amount and severity of pilling on the fabric. Use visual grading scales or standard reference images to determine the pilling grade.

6. Reporting

Write down everything you discovered after testing. This should include:

How many times you did the test.
What the fabric looks like after the test.
Any signs of damage, like scratches or little balls of fluff on the fabric.

Make sure your report follows the testing rules.

Conclusion

Using the Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester, if you follow the right steps, will give you trustworthy results about how strong a fabric is. This way, you can be sure about how well the fabric holds up and make smart choices about its quality.