Textile Testing: Abrasion Resistance

By conducting external tests at a reputable laboratory in Melbourne, we obtain vital information about the durability and appropriateness of our textiles for specific applications. This allows us to make well-informed recommendations on their usage. Our laboratory of choice is known for its strict and conservative testing standards, which are necessary due to the harsh environmental conditions we face in Australia and New Zealand. 

We have compiled answers to some commonly asked questions about abrasion below.

In our development process, we have a series of non-negotiable tests known as ‘gateway’ tests that every textile must pass to be included in our range. One crucial gateway test we conduct for upholstery textiles is abrasion resistance.

What is the meaning of ‘abrasion resistance’?

Abrasion resistance refers to a textile's capacity to resist the wearing down or damage of yarns caused by surface friction. This can happen when the fabric comes into contact with a chair or sofa during normal usage in a home or project environment, resulting in friction between the fabric and the surface it rubs against.

Why do we list both ‘Martindale Cycles’ and ‘Wyzenbeek Double Rubs’ as two abrasion results on our sampling and website?

Martindale Cycles and Wyzenbeek Double Rubs are two different standards used to measure abrasion resistance. The Martindale Cycles is a British Standard that is also recognised in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, while Wyzenbeek Double Rubs is the North American standard.

Since they are conducted on different machines and with distinct methodologies, Martindale Cycles and Wyzenbeek Double Rubs are exclusive tests that are not correlated with each other. Thus, a high score in one test does not necessarily indicate a high score in the other test, and they should be considered as separate results.

How are abrasion tests conducted?

To perform the Martindale Cycles test, a small swatch of the fabric (known as the testing swatch), is wrapped around an oscillating head. The head is then rubbed against a standard abradant (which could be a wire mesh or cotton duck), in a looping figure-8 motion, creating irregular abrasion. The machine used for the Martindale Cycles test is motor-driven and equipped with an electronic digital counter that measures the number of loop cycles or ‘rubs.’ The test concludes when two adjacent yarns break. For pile fabrics like velvet, the test ends when the pile has worn away entirely, or when the count reaches 100,000 rubs, whichever happens first. The machine is turned off at this point because any result higher than 100,000 rubs is not considered to be indicative of an increased lifespan. The test is repeated four times, and the final average is calculated. The result is then recorded as a numerical rub rating on our sampling.

The Wyzenbeek Double Rubs test is conducted in a similar manner, where a series of small testing swatches are rubbed against a stationary abradant. However, instead of an oscillating motion, the test involves a back-and-forth motion along both the warp and weft yarn directions.

Similar to the Martindale Cycles test, the test concludes when two adjacent yarns break, or the count reaches 100,000 rubs. An average of the various tests is taken, recorded, and listed on our sampling.

In essence, a higher number indicates better resistance to surface abrasion.

How to interpret the numbers

The numbers generated from the abrasion resistance tests provide an indication of the level of surface resistance for a particular textile. Abrasion resistance test results can give an insight into the level of surface durability of a particular textile. For instance, a design such as our Linex upholstery, which has a Martindale result of 25,000, can withstand up to 25,000 circular rubs in one specific spot before the yarns start to deteriorate. Given the amount of time it would take for this degree of wear to manifest in real-world usage, achieving a result of 25,000 rubs is truly remarkable.

Why can a textile receive vastly different results between Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests?

Based on our experience, the type of yarn construction used on a particular test machine has a significant impact on the resulting abrasion resistance. The results of Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests can be vastly different because the type of yarn construction used in the textile can be impacted by the testing machine's motion. Martindale's circular motion and Wyzenbeek's back-and-forth motion, apply different stresses to the yarns and constructions, leading to varying results.

Our FibreGuard design Bolt is an excellent example, as it garners a Martindale result of 100,000 cycles and 48,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek test, both of which are considered heavy-duty commercial results. The variance in these results can be ascribed to the fabric's robust basket weave construction, which is more resilient to circular movements.

When unsure about the abrasion resistance of a textile, it's best to refer to our recommended usage, which is noted on our website and sampling. This will help ensure that you're selecting a fabric that is appropriate for its intended purpose.

What is your opinion on the recent trend of excessive specification of abrasion rub rates in the market within the last five years?

While abrasion resistance, or ‘rub rates,’ are undoubtedly important factors to consider when evaluating the durability of a textile, they have been overly emphasised and perhaps given too much significance. To be clear, rub rates do provide useful insight into the potential longevity of an upholstery fabric, but they are not the sole or most crucial factor in determining its overall performance. In truth, it is more probable that an upholstery fabric may encounter problems such as seam slippage or pilling caused by regular wear and tear well before any visible signs of abrasion damage become apparent. It is crucial to factor in maintenance requirements, such as cleaning, when assessing upholstery fabric. While an abrasion test is a helpful indicator of surface wear, it does not provide any insight into the day-to-day care required to maintain the fabric. To address this, we make sure to include care instructions and relevant finishes on the cloth, which can contribute to its care and maintenance, on our website and sampling. Relying solely on the rub test results would be ill-advised!

We frequently encounter clients who request upholstery fabrics with a minimum of 100,000 rubs for their lounge room sofas. However, it's time for an industry reset on this issue. It's worth noting that in accordance with Australian standards, a fabric with a Martindale result of 20,000 cycles is classified as heavy-duty for residential use, while exceeding 30,000 cycles is considered a commercial rating, provided all other mandatory upholstery tests are passed. It's important to keep in mind that an abrasion test, whether for residential or commercial use, is just one aspect to consider when evaluating an upholstery fabric's overall performance.

An essential point to consider from upholstery test results

It is crucial to recognise that while abrasion results provide valuable information, they should not be considered in isolation and must be viewed as part of the bigger picture. The fabric wholesaler determines the recommended usage based on a comprehensive analysis of all pertinent external test results, rather than relying on a single result in isolation. Moreover, they reference industry experience spanning several years, including the particular construction and composition of the textile, while considering the inherent characteristics of these variables.

It is advisable for clients to follow the recommended usage and care instructions provided by their textile wholesaler when deciding on the appropriate specification. Additionally, clients should consult with their upholstery manufacturer as certain textile requirements may exist for their chosen furniture frame.

In case of uncertainty or a desire to gain more insight, feel free to ask for assistance. Moreover, we offer a plethora of product information that is regularly published on our website, as well as our industry guidebook, Woven. Additionally, our sales and customer service team members possess a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips, acquired through years of experience in the field.