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How Many Kinds of Testing Methods for Fabric Pilling Tests?
Pilling is considered a quality disorder of a fabric. It occurs on the fabric surface due to wear and abrasion. The hairiness of yarn forms small balls of fiber on the garment’s surface, which does not look good. A pilling test is done to evaluate this quality parameter. This article will discuss Testing Methods for Fabric Pilling, how to perform this test, and the different testing methods of pilling.
Table of Contents
What is Pilling in Textile?
“A pill is commonly known as a lint ball, fuzzball, or bubble. These tiny balls of fibers form on the fabric’s surface due to abrasion.” This is traditionally seen as making the fabric look cheap, unsightly, or excessively worn in, so it’s not usually desired.
Over time, the more that fabric piece is subjected to friction, abrasion, and scratching, the more the fibers on the surface of the fabric come up and roll into mini balls of fibers, or what we call pills, and this process is called pilling.
What Causes Pilling?
The first thing that we need to understand is that all fabrics are made of fibers. Depending on how loose these fibers are, they tend to rise to the fabric’s surface.
1. Natural Friction
Over time, loose fibers will ball up due to natural friction, forming rounded or small fuzz balls, which we consider pills. The remaining fiber structure holds these pills onto the fabric’s surface like Velcro onto these small pill balls.
One thing to note is that anything from day to day can cause pilling.
Regular movements, such as walking, sitting, and stretching, create friction on the fabric’s surface, which can cause these lint balls to form and cause the pilling effect. However, it also depends on what fibers construct that garment.
2. Washing Cycle
One thing that causes pilling to happen faster is more extreme or agitated movements like putting fabric through a wash cycle.
The agitation caused by this wash cycle, the tumbling effect of these fabrics rubbing up against each other, accelerates the process of filling. It can create a more significant issue than regular day-to-day movements.
Is Piling a Fabric Defect?
It’s essential to note that pilling is not a fabric defect or default healing. It is a natural occurrence created by normal and unavoidable everyday wear and tear and does not affect the performance or functionality of a fabric long term.
Let’s look at the types of testing methods for the fabric pilling test.
Kinds of Testing Methods for Fabric Pilling Tests
There are 06 major testing methods of pilling.
- Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Test
- ICI Pilling Box Test
- Circular Locus Pilling Test
- Elastomeric Pad Pilling Test
- Pilling Resistance Test using a Brushing Device
- Random Tumble Pilling Test
Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Test
Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester
Abrasion is a surface damage process of a fabric caused by rubbing with another surface. We have to measure the quality assurance of textile products and the extent to which the fabric is resistant to abrasion and pilling.
Martindale’s abrasion tester evaluates it. This test follows the guidelines of ISO 12947 Part 1 and two, which assure the quality of the textile and resistance to abrasion and pilling.
Apparatus & Consumables
The Martindale abrasion and piling tester is used to test the wear resistance and piling performance of woven, knitted, fleece, and other fabrics.
The device is easy to control. The stainless steel accessories are wear-resistant and durable. The LCD touchscreen operation interface is easy to operate.
For the accessory box, users can replace the corresponding accessories according to different tests.
Martindale abrasion and pilling tester accessories
This makes for a versatile test machine that can be used for different textiles, saving you greatly on costs and time.
Consumables include a magnifier glass up to a minimum of 8X to examine the specimens, a sample cutter, a grayscale for changing shade, and aberrant fabric cut into pieces at least 140 mm in diameter.
Martindale Consumable
Woven wool felt is cut into 140 mm-diameter pieces, while polyurethane backing foam is cut into 38 mm-diameter pieces.
Sample Preparation
Sample Preparation
Proper sample preparation is necessary before starting the test. The testing fabric should be conditioned for 18 hours and relaxed while maintaining controlled conditions at 20 plus -2° C and 65 plus – 2% relative humidity.
Cut four specimens, ensuring a diameter of 38 mm and keeping the face of the fabric uppermost.
Cutting four specimens
Machine Setup
Now, let’s set up the machine for testing. Lift the top plate away from the abrading tables. Remove the abradant clamping Rings and place a piece of felt on each abrading table, followed by a piece of abradant over the felt.
Machine Setup
Place the press weight on top and secure it with the clamping. Finally, replace the top plate. Once the machine is set up, it’s time to mount the specimens. Place the base of the specimen holder into the mounting device on the machine frame.
Take the test specimen face down into the base of the holder. Place a foam circle onto the test specimen, and secure the specimen foam in place with the specimen holder. Insert and screw down tightly.
Place a foam circle onto the test specimen
After mounting the test specimens place the specimen holders and spindles in their designated workstations accurately. Finally, it is based on the fabric weight or specific buyer requirements, place the 9 KPa or 12 Kpa auxiliary weights at the top of the spindles.
Place the 9 KPa or 12 Kpa auxiliary weights
Start Testing
Let the testing begin. Set the machine counter to a preset number of rubs as per the specification. Start the machine and wait until the preset number of rubs is reached.
Start the machine
Then, using the magnifier, examine each specimen for signs of breakdown. Inspect the fabric continually after a specific rub as per the method to check for wear and tear. If you notice any change in the appearance of the fabric or when two Yarns break, end the test immediately.
Martindale’s abrasion
The breakdown is defined in the table. In woven fabrics, two separate threads are completely broken. Knitted Fabrics one thread is completely broken causing a hole to appear.
Pile Fabrics pile is completely worn away. Non-woven Fabrics’ first hole to appear is of a diameter of at least 0.5mm limit.
End Points
End Points
Finally, it’s time to report the results. The test report should include information such as the mass and nominal pressure.
The number of rubs at which breakdown occurred for each specimen and the mean result. If a breakdown did not happen, report the result as more significant than the number of rubs at which the test was stopped.
You can control and monitor the Smartindale from your Smartphone by connecting to the SmarTex lab app. The test data can be uploaded to an ERP or LIMS system to achieve innovative testing.
Through the SmarTex lab app, you can set parameters to monitor the test status, receive equipment warning reminders, replenishment reminders, etc., and share the Martindale abrasion and pilling test results with one click.
Martindale abrasion and pilling test results with one click
It generates a pulse curve with a digital algorithm and then drives the friction, achieving accurate running without calibration. You can switch test modes, such as the abrasion and pilling tests, with one click without changing the pins.
The Lissajous curve is calibration-free
ICI Pilling Box Test
Pill formation occurs due to yarn hairiness, which pulls out and becomes entangled during wear. The pill box method uses a cubical box lined with cork.
The box is rotated at a set speed, and test specimens mounted on rubber tubes tumble around it for several revolutions. The specimens are folded in half, one in the direction of length and two in the direction of width.
The specimens are sewn together to form a tube using a balanced seam, with the face of the fabric facing inward. The tubes are turned inside out. PVC tape is wrapped around the tube to fix the fabric onto it.
Each specimen is assessed for pilling and or surface fuzzing under standard lighting conditions against a set of descriptive statements to arrive at a grade on a scale from one to five.
Circular Locus Pilling Test
How to Perform the Circular Locus Pilling Test
First, get all the accessories ready and then adjust this level. The horizontal bubble for leveling is in the middle. Adjust the four feet to level the instrument. Then, open the power supply.
Load up this wool abrasive. The wool abrasive must be tensed and leveled. Otherwise, it will fall off during the test. Then, adjust the height of the brush according to the test requirements.
Turn the wheel down to lengthen the brush. We have the standard three weights here. The dead weight of the fixture is 490cN and has a 100cN and 290cN weight.
They can be combined into a standard required weight. The fixture is placed on this to mount the sample. The sample should be locked. Add weight according to the standard. You can choose either counting or timing. We choose to count tests. Set 10 times.
First, do a fuzzing test. The machine automatically stops after setting the test time. Decide whether to continue the pilling test according to different standards. Next, transfer the sample to the pilling test station.
A weight of equal weight is applied. Set test times. After completing the test now Remove the samples and put in a special rating box to note the wear results.
Elastomeric Pad Pilling Test
Elastomeric Pad Pilling Test
The pilling formation takes place on the fabric’s surface due to tiny fibers or thread hairiness. These small fibers get entangled and form small balls which are called pills.
Various methods can check the resistance of pilling. The Elastomeric Pad Pilling test is one of them, and it is used for knitted and woven fabrics.
In this test, a circular elastomeric pad is placed on the fabric’s surface and rubbed with a controlled force. This rubbing process creates small pills on the fabric’s surface.
After a specific number of rubs, the fabric specimen is removed from the apparatus, and its resistance to pilling is measured with a grayscale.
Advantages
The main advantage of this test is that it simulates the fabric’s daily wear and tear, which gives us more accurate results than other tests. It is also quick and easy to perform.
The Elastomeric Pad Pilling test is widely used on different types of textiles. It evaluates pilling resistance for woven, knitted, and fabrics of various fibers. The test is highly customizable, which is very helpful for the technician.
You may customize the number of rubs according to customer requirements, change the application of pressure, and adjust its parameters according to the demand for different types of fabrics.
Limitation
Every test and apparatus has some advantages and some limitations. Similarly, the Elastomeric Pad Pilling test also has limitations. It does not contain the effects of washing and drying, which also play an essential role in forming pills.
How to Overcome Limitation?
To overcome such limitations of this apparatus, you may take the sample for washing and drying before the test. You can conduct the result of two sets, one without and one after washing and drying.
This testing approach will give you more accurate results and confirm the fabric behavior and resistance to pilling more precisely and accurately.
Overall, the elastomeric pad pilling test is a good test for evaluating the resistance of fabrics to pilling. It is widely used, customizable, and quick and easy to perform.
Pilling Resistance Test using a Brushing Device
Pilling Resistance Test using a Brushing Device
Pills are defined as small balls of entangled fibers attached to the surface of a fabric or material. Pilling resistance is a measurement of the tendency of a material fabric to form pills on its surface.
Pilling of textiles is a common issue that many factors, including the type of fiber or blend, fiber dimensions, yarn and fabric construction, fabric finishing treatments, and end-use, can cause.
The formation of pills causes loss of cover color, change in localized frosting, or the development of fuzz.
Pills form both during wear and laundering. Most pills are formed in laundering, where wet and dry abrasion from tumbling occurs, and a sufficient supply of loose fiber is available to aid in the formation of pills.
The brushing device method is used to determine pilling resistance. This method simulates fabric wear and tear according to daily use.
Testing Procedure
Turn on the Brush Pilling Tester. The instrument has a touchscreen display for setting parameters. You may move the cursor or touch the screen to set parameters.
Two parameters are displayed on the screen. One is the speed of the moving fixture, and the second is the number of rubs. You may change these according to test requirements. The standard number of cycles for the rub-in brush pilling tester is used to set 100.
After setting the parameters, remove the fixture and install the fabric specimen. You may use a rubber ring to hold the fabric specimen on the fixture.
Use a rubber ring to hold the fabric specimen
Once you install it, put the sample on the fixture and install it back into the apparatus.
Click start to run the machine. The instrument will stop the test when the set number of rubs is achieved. When the machine stops after completing the number of rubs, remove the fixture and brush.
To operate the test procedure, install one fixture with the sample face up on the test table and place another on top. Click start to run the test.
The machine is automatic and will end the test after the setting cycles are completed.
After completing the test, take out the specimen and observe the pilling. Compare the pilling rating with grayscale.
Limitation
Due to its brushing type, this method is not suitable for all textiles. Delicate fabrics may tear during the testing, so that type of fabric is not recommended for testing for pilling resistance on this device.
Random Tumble Pilling Test
ASTM D 3512 standard gives the guidelines for performing the Random Tumble Pilling test. This test is performed in an apparatus called a random rumblings tester. The fluff in the cloth is checked with the help of this test.
We are using a replica for the test which is done according to care instructions.
If the customer needs a sample to be tested after washing and dry cleaning, then we will prepare the specimen according to this instruction. For performing the test, we will take three samples with 05 × 105 mm that will be cut at a 45-degree angle.
The warp and weft threads intersect, so we cut the sample at a 45-degree angle to the threads’ angle. We will apply any adhesive or glue up to 3 mm on the ends of the specimens so that threads do not come out during the test.
We will apply glue to each sample and leave it for 02 hours to get conditioned.
The random tumble pilling tester has a chamber with a depth of 146 mm minimum. Inside the camber is a cork liner with 146 × 452 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm. The crock liner on one side is used for 60 minutes and then changed to the other.
Cork liners on both sides are used for up to 02 hours. Cotton saliva of 4108 Tex of 06 mm is used, which usually has 25 milligram weight. Now, we will put the specimens in the chamber with cotton saliva of 06 mm.
Random Tumble Pilling Chamber with Cork Liner & Specimen
The Character of Random Tumble Pilling Test
Turn on the machine. The air pressure should be 2 – 3psi, or 14 – 21 Kpa. Time will be given according to test requirements or customer demand. After setting the parameters, run the test. The cylinder inside the chamber will start rotating along the specimens.
When the test time is completed, the machine will automatically stop, and we will take out the specimens and turn off the machine. After this test, you have to hang the specimen to remove the extra cotton saliva by vacuuming it.
After that, you can rate the samples with the help of a replica or grayscale, which has a 1 – 5 rating. One is used for a poor rating, which means that the sample will have more pills, and five is used for a good rating, which means that the sample has minor pilling.
Conclusion
The Martindale abrasion and pilling tester uses a circular rubbing motion. The fabric is placed flat to rub in the Circular Locus Pilling Tester.
The pilling box evaluates fabric pilling by placing it on a rough surface and rotating it for a set period. In a random tumble pilling tester, specimens are placed in the chamber with a rotating cylinder.
Each pilling testing method has its advantages and limitations. The technician should thoroughly analyze the customer’s requirements to choose the proper test.
FAQs
What is Pilling in Textile?
“A pill is commonly known as a lint ball, fuzzball, or bubble. These tiny balls of fibers form on the fabric’s surface due to abrasion.”
What Causes Pilling?
Natural friction of the fabric during daily routine activities, as well as washing and drying cycles, causes pilling.
Is Piling a Fabric Defect?
Pilling is not a fabric defect or default healing. It is a natural occurrence caused by normal and unavoidable everyday wear and tear and does not affect the performance or functionality of a fabric long-term.
What is the difference between the Martindale abrasion pilling test and the Circular Locus Pilling Tester?
The Martindale abrasion and pilling tester uses a circular rubbing motion. The fabric is placed flat to rub in the Circular Locus Pilling Tester.
How does the ICI Pilling box work?
The pilling box evaluates fabric pilling by placing it on a rough surface and rotating it for a set period.
What is the function of a random tumble-pilling tester?
In a random tumble pilling tester, specimens are placed in the chamber with a rotating cylinder.
For more information on textile testing methods/standards
or textile testing machines, contact us:
What’s App: +86 180 2511 4082
Tel: +86 769 2329 4842
Fax: +86 769 2329 4860
Email: [email protected]
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