Manufacturing Solutions Center

Pilling Resistance

Test Method(s):
    · ASTM D 3512
    · ASTM D 4970
    · AATCC/ASTM TS-008

ASTM D 3512, Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: (Random Tumble Pilling Tester)

Scope: Determines the resistance to the formation of pills and other related surface changes of textile fabrics using the random tumble pilling tester.

• Samples are laundered 3 times and then conditioned in atmospheric conditions for textiles
• The edges of 3 4”x4” squares cut on the bias are sealed with glue and allowed to dry
• The 3 samples are placed in the pilling chamber along with 25mg of gray-dyed cotton fiber and tumbled for 30 minutes
• The samples are evaluated in a viewing apparatus against photographic standards (ASTM ADJD 3512) or in house fabric standards

 

 

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ASTM D 4970, Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester

Scope: Determines the resistance to the formation of pills and other related surface changes o textile fabrics using the Martindale tester*

• Samples are laundered 3 times and then conditioned in atmospheric conditions for textiles
• Sample is mounted in the bottom table as well as in the specimen holder
• A lissajous figure is used to perform one cycle. A cycle consists of the 16 movements in the lissajous figure
• The machine is run for 100 cycles and evaluated
• It may be run up to 1000 cycles with 100 cycle evaluation intervals
• The samples are evaluated in a viewing apparatus against photographic standards (ASTM ADJD 3512) or in house fabric standards
• Specimen holder pressure is 3kPa

*Note: This test method is not suitable for fabrics thicker than 3mm (0.125 in.) because such fabrics cannot be mounted in the specimen holder

 

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AATCC/ASTM TS-008, Procedure for Appearance of Apparel and Other Textile End Products After Repeated Home Laundering

Scope: Evaluates the overall general appearance of a garment and other textile product after repeated home laundering

• Samples are laundered 5 times and then conditioned in atmospheric conditions for textiles
• The samples are evaluated in a viewing apparatus against photographic standards (ASTM ADJD 3512) or in house fabric standards and the original unlaundered control

 

 

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