Textile Testing Instruments at a Glance

In the world of textiles, ensuring the quality and performance of fibers, yarns, and fabrics is paramount. Various testing instruments are employed to measure different parameters, each providing crucial insights into the material’s properties. Here’s a comprehensive overview of some key textile testing instruments and the parameters they measure:

1. Crystallinity

• Testing Instrument: X-ray diffraction or Density measurement
• Purpose: Determines the degree of crystallinity in fibers, which affects their strength and thermal properties.

2. Semi Crystallinity

• Testing Instrument: Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction
• Purpose: Measures the semi-crystalline regions in fibers, providing insights into their structural properties.

3. Orientation / Spherulite Size (Amorphous)

• Testing Instruments: Birefringence, Optical Microscopy
• Purpose: Assesses the orientation and size of spherulites in amorphous regions, influencing the mechanical properties of fibers.

4. Surface Texture

• Testing Instrument: SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)
• Purpose: Examines the surface morphology of fibers, yarns and fabrics, revealing details about texture and surface defects.

5. Functional Group

• Testing Instrument: FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
• Purpose: Identifies functional groups in fibers, aiding in the analysis of chemical composition and modifications.

6. Crystallization Temperature

• Testing Instrument: DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)
• Purpose: Measures the temperature at which fibers crystallize, important for understanding thermal behavior.

7. Degradation Temperature

• Testing Instrument: TGA (Thermal Gravimetric Analysis)
• Purpose: Determines the temperature at which fibers degrade, crucial for assessing thermal stability.

8. Melting Temperature

• Testing Instruments: DSC, DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis)
• Purpose: Measures the melting point of fibers, essential for processing and application.

9. Shear Rigidity

• Testing Instrument: Kawabata Evaluation System (KES)-F1
• Purpose: Evaluates the shear rigidity of fabrics, affecting their drape and handle.

10. Bending

• Testing Instruments: Kawabata Evaluation System (KES)-F2, Fabric Assurance By Simple Testing (FAST) -2, Shirley Stiffness Tester
• Purpose: Measures the bending properties of fabrics, influencing their stiffness and flexibility.

11. Compression

• Testing Instruments: Kawabata Evaluation System (KES)-F3, Fabric Assurance By Simple Testing (FAST) -1
• Purpose: Assesses the compressive properties of fabrics, important for comfort and resilience.

12. Surface Friction

• Testing Instrument: Kawabata Evaluation System (KES)-F4
• Purpose: Measures the surface friction of fabrics, affecting their tactile properties.

13. Dimensional Stability

• Testing Instrument: Fabric Assurance By Simple Testing (FAST) -4
• Purpose: Evaluates the dimensional stability of fabrics, including relaxation shrinkage and hygral expansion.

14. Fiber Fineness and Uniformity

• Testing Instruments: HVI (High Volume Instrument), AFIS (Automatic Fibre Inspection System)
• Purpose: Measures fiber fineness, uniformity, and defects, crucial for yarn quality.

15. Yarn Faults

• Testing Instrument: Classimat
• Purpose: Detects faults in yarns, ensuring consistency and quality.

16. Count Strength Product (CSP)

• Testing Instrument: Les CSP Strength Tester, Wrap reel
• Purpose: Measures the strength and count of yarns, important for durability.

17. Fabric Strength and Elongation

• Testing Instrument: UTM (Universal Testing Machine), Instron Tensile Tester
• Purpose: Assesses the strength, elongation, and recovery properties of fabrics.

18. Thickness

• Testing Instrument: Unilab Thickness Meter / Gauge
• Purpose: Measures the thickness of fabrics, affecting their insulation and comfort.

19. Crease Recovery

• Testing Instrument: Shirley Crease Recovery Tester
• Purpose: Evaluates the ability of fabrics to recover from creasing, important for appearance.

20. Stiffness / Bending Rigidity

• Testing Instrument: Shirley Stiffness Tester
• Purpose: Measures the stiffness and bending rigidity of fabrics, influencing their drape and handle.

21. Abrasion Resistance

• Testing Instrument: Martindale Abrasion Tester
• Purpose: Assesses the abrasion resistance of fabrics, crucial for durability.

22. Drape

• Testing Instrument: Drape Meter
• Purpose: Measures the drape of fabrics, affecting their aesthetic and functional properties.

23. Water and Air Permeability

• Testing Instruments: Cup Test, Air Permeability Tester
• Purpose: Evaluates the permeability of fabrics to water and air, important for comfort and performance.

24. Thermal Conductivity

• Testing Instruments: Alambeta, Sweat Guard, Hot Guard Plate, Thermal Mannequin
• Purpose: Measures the thermal conductivity of fabrics, affecting insulation properties.

25. Water Absorption

• Testing Instrument: Drop Test
• Purpose: Assesses the water absorption capacity of fabrics, important for comfort and functionality.

26. Color Fastness

• Testing Instrument: Grey Scale (Staining and Fading)
• Purpose: Evaluates the color fastness of fabrics to various conditions, ensuring longevity.

27. Pilling Resistance

• Testing Instrument: Digital Pilling Tester
• Purpose: Measures the resistance of fabrics to pilling, affecting appearance and durability.

28. Elongation and Stress Percentage of Carpet

• Testing Instrument: Dynamic Loading Tester
• Purpose: Assesses the elongation and stress properties of carpets, important for performance.

29. Optical Microscopy Image

• Testing Instrument: Leica Microscope, ATM (Advance Travelling Microscope)
• Purpose: Provides detailed images of fibers and fabrics, aiding in structural analysis.

30. Rubbing Fastness

• Testing Instrument: Crockmeter
• Purpose: Measures the rubbing fastness of fabrics, ensuring color durability.

31. Friction of Yarn

• Testing Instrument: Yarn Friction Meter
• Purpose: Assesses the friction properties of yarns, important for processing and performance.

32. Count of Different Fibers

• Testing Instrument: Beasley Balance
• Purpose: Measures the count of different fibers, ensuring consistency and quality.

33. Moisture regain and content

• Testing Instrument: Hot air Oven, Weighing Balance, Digital Moisture meter
• Purpose: To measure the moisture regain and content percentage in different fibers.

These instruments play a vital role in the textile industry, ensuring that the materials meet the required standards and perform as expected in their end-use applications. By understanding and utilizing these testing instruments, manufacturers can produce high-quality textiles that meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements.