The durability of textiles plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and product longevity. By subjecting textiles to rigorous testing, this instrument helps manufacturers identify and address potential issues related to pilling and snagging, ultimately enhancing product quality.

1. The Importance of Textile Durability

Textile durability is a key factor directly impacting customer satisfaction and the overall lifespan of textiles. When textiles exhibit signs of pilling or snagging, their aesthetic appeal is significantly diminished and their functionality compromised. Therefore, manufacturers strive to develop textiles with exceptional durability to meet consumer expectations and maintain competitive market advantages.

2. Test Principle:

Place the specimen tube containing the test sample into the pilling test chamber. Activate the instrument, allowing the samples to tumble and rub against each other within the chamber. After the specified number of tumbling cycles, remove the samples for grading.

3. Sample Preparation:

(1) Pretreatment: If pretreatment is required, samples may be washed or dry-cleaned using methods mutually agreed upon by both parties. (Pretreatment is recommended to protect the friction surfaces of the pilling chamber and sample tubes from residual lubricants or finishing agents on the fabric.)

(2) Cut four specimens measuring 125mm × 125mm from the fabric sample. Additionally, cut one identical piece as a reference sample for grading. Fold two specimens lengthwise with the right side facing inward, and fold two specimens widthwise with the right side facing inward. Sew each fold 12mm from the edge using a sewing machine.

(3) Turn the stitched specimens right side out. Trim 6mm ports at both ends of the specimen tube to eliminate stitching distortion. Slip the specimen over the polyurethane specimen tube and secure with PVC tape (ensuring 6mm of polyurethane remains exposed at each end; tape length should not exceed 1.5 times the tube's circumference).

(4) Humidify.

4. Test Procedure:

(1) Clean the pilling chamber.

(2) Place four sample tubes with attached samples into the chamber, securely close the lid, and set the counter to the required rotation count.

(3) Preset rotation count. Agreed rotation count. In the absence of agreement, coarse fabrics undergo 7,200 rotations, while fine fabrics undergo 14,400 rotations.

(4) Start the pilling machine. After testing, remove samples, trim threads, and grade samples.

5. Result Evaluation: Pilling Grade Determination

(1) Evaluation Environment Requirements

Light source: Use standard D65 light source (color temperature 6500K, illuminance 500lx±100lx). The light source angle to the sample surface is 45°, and the observer's line of sight angle to the sample surface is 90° (vertical observation) or 45° (oblique observation, as specified by the standard, typically vertical observation).

Environment: Avoid direct strong light, dust, and colored backgrounds (use neutral gray background, color code N7) to prevent environmental color interference with pilling observation.

(2) Evaluation Method (Example: GB/T 4802.3)

Comparison with reference images: After resting, lay the sample flat on the neutral gray platform and compare it individually with the standard pilling reference images (Grades 1-5), focusing on the quantity, size, and density of pills on the sample surface:

Grade 5: No pills or only extremely slight fuzz (no noticeable spherical protrusions);

Grade 4: Surface exhibits a small number of fine pills (≤5 pills/cm², diameter ≤0.5mm);

Grade 3: Surface exhibits a moderate number of pills (5–10 pills/cm², diameter 0.5–1mm), with no significant large pills;

Grade 2: Numerous pills on surface (pill count >10/cm², some diameter >1mm), with a few large pills;

Grade 1: Surface completely covered with pills, including numerous large pills (diameter >2mm), with some pills adhering together.

Multiple Assessors: At least two trained assessors independently determine the grade. If the difference between their assessments is ≤1 grade, take the average (e.g., one assessor grades 3, another grades 4, resulting in 3.5). If the difference is >1 grade, a third assessor must re-evaluate, and the two consistent results are adopted.

Result Documentation: Record the pilling grade for each specimen. The final pilling test result for the fabric is the average grade of the three specimens (rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 3.3 grade). Include parameters such as the test standard, abrasive type, and test date.

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