Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester
The Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester is used to determine the abrasion resistance and pilling performance of fabrics with different constructions. Under a specified pressure, test specimens are subjected to continuous multi-directional rubbing against a defined abrasive material. The resulting abrasion damage and pilling formation are evaluated by comparison with standard reference parameters.
The instrument adopts a removable specimen holder system recognized by BS EN ISO 12947-1:1999, allowing any individual specimen to be removed without affecting the remaining test stations. This design ensures independent and synchronized testing, improving accuracy and repeatability.
The tester is equipped with an electronic preset timer, total counter, specimen holders, and loading devices compliant with international test standards. Models with 4, 6, 8, or 9 test heads are available.
Application
The Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester is suitable for evaluating the abrasion resistance and pilling performance of the following products:
(1) Woven apparel fabrics such as shirts, trousers, jackets, and uniforms
(2) Knitted fabrics including sweaters, underwear, and sportswear
(3) Upholstery fabrics for furniture and seating applications
(4) Automotive interior textiles such as seat covers and trims
(5) Home textiles including bedding fabrics, curtains, and decorative textiles
(6) Safety footwear uppers and coated or laminated textile materials
Standards
(1) ISO 5470 — Rubber- or Plastics-Coated Fabrics – Determination of Abrasion Resistance
(2) DIN 53863 / DIN 53865 — Testing of Textiles; Abrasion and Pilling Tests
(3) BS 3424 / BS 5690 — Testing of Coated Fabrics
(4) IWTO 40-88 — Wool Abrasion Resistance Test
(5) BS EN 388 / BS EN 530 — Protective Gloves and Materials Abrasion Resistance
(6) IWSTM 112 / IWSTM 196 — International Wool Secretariat Test Methods
(7) ASTM D4966 — Martindale Abrasion Test Method
(8) ASTM D4970 — Martindale Pilling Test Method
(9) IS 12673 — Textiles – Abrasion Resistance Using Martindale Method
(10) JIS L1096 — Testing Methods for Woven and Knitted Fabrics
(11) SFS 4328 — Abrasion Resistance of Textiles
(12) EN ISO 12947-1 — Martindale Abrasion Test – Apparatus and General Requirements
(13) EN ISO 12945-2 — Determination of Fabric Propensity to Surface Fuzzing and Pilling
(14) SATRA TM31 — Abrasion Resistance of Footwear Materials
(15) ISO 20344 — Footwear Test Methods
Features
(1) Multi-directional Martindale motion ensures realistic abrasion simulation
(2) Removable specimen holder system allows independent operation of each test head
(3) Touch-screen control with programmable batch and total counters
(4) Individual counter setting for each test station
(5) Four selectable test speeds including standard speed
(6) Fully compliant loading system according to international standards
(7) Stable mechanical structure suitable for long-term continuous testing
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of Test Heads | 4 / 6 / 8 / 9 |
| Display | Touch screen |
| Loading Mass – Specimen Holder | 200 ±1 g |
| Loading Mass – Apparel Specimen Weight | 395 ±2 g |
| Loading Mass – Upholstery Specimen Weight | 594 ±2 g |
| Stainless Steel Disc Weight | 260 ±1 g |
| Effective Abrasion Diameter – Type A Head | Ø28.8 −0.084 mm (200 g / 1.96 N) |
| Effective Abrasion Diameter – Type B Head | Ø90 −0.10 mm (155 g / 1.52 N) |
| Relative Motion Speed | 47.5 r/min |
| Mounting Press Weight | 2385 ±10 g |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz |
Standard Accessories and Consumables
(1) Specimen holders: 9 sets
(2) 9 kPa and 12 kPa loading weights: 9 pcs each
(3) Ø38 mm and Ø140 mm sampling cutters: 1 set each
(4) Ø38 mm and Ø140 mm cutter backing plates: 1 pc each
(5) Pilling test accessory kit: 1 set
(6) SM50 standard pilling photographs: 1 set
(7) EMPA standard pilling photographs: 1 set
(8) SM-25 standard abrasion fabric: 1.6 m × 5 m, 1 pc
(9) Standard foam: 1.5 m × 0.5 m (4 pcs/set)
(10) Standard felt sheet: 1 pc
(11) Ø90 mm felt discs: 20 pcs
(12) Ø38 mm and Ø140 mm cutter blades: 50 pcs each
(13) Other accessories recommended by the manufacturer
FAQ
(1) What is this product?
The Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester is a laboratory instrument used to evaluate the abrasion resistance and pilling behavior of textile materials under controlled conditions.
(2) What is this product used for?
It is used to simulate fabric wear through multi-directional rubbing against standard abrasives, allowing assessment of durability and surface pilling performance.
(3) Why is this product important?
Abrasion and pilling directly affect the service life and appearance of textiles. This tester provides standardized, repeatable data essential for quality control and product development.
(4) What problems does this product solve for users?
It enables accurate comparison of materials, identification of weak fabric structures, and verification of compliance with international standards.
(5) What types of products can be tested?
Apparel fabrics, knitted textiles, upholstery fabrics, automotive interior textiles, home textiles, protective materials, and footwear uppers.
(6) How is the test performed?
Specimens are mounted in holders and subjected to a defined load. The samples rub against standard abrasives in a Lissajous motion for a preset number of cycles, after which abrasion damage or pilling is visually assessed and graded.
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