Round Track Pilling Tester

The Round Track Pilling Tester is a standardized testing instrument designed to evaluate fabric pilling resistance by simulating repeated friction and abrasion in a controlled circular motion. It quantifies fiber entanglement and surface deterioration, essential for textile quality assurance and product development.

Applications

Quality Control: Batch testing of upholstery fabrics

R&D: Developing wear-resistant synthetics

Forensic Analysis: Evaluating garment wear patterns

Textile Education: Training on pilling mechanisms

Standard Operation Workflow:

Sample Mounting: Secure fabric on rotating platform

Parameter Setup: Select cycle count/abrasion mode

Testing: Auto-run cycles with real-time imaging

Analysis: Generate pilling severity heatmaps

Cleaning: Automated abrasive track decontamination

Safety Precautions:

Use safety goggles during operation

Avoid contact with moving abrasion track

Maintain 30cm clearance from rotating parts

Standards

ASTM D3512 : Martindale abrasion

ISO 12945-2 : Pilling resistance

AATCC 8 : Durability testing

GB/T 4802.2 : Chinese pilling standard

Features

Multi-Test Modes:

Standard Mode: Continuous circular motion

Edge Stress Mode: Simulates collar/edge wear

Advanced Imaging:

3D surface reconstruction via photogrammetry

AI pilling classification (5 severity levels)

Real-time pill counting (±2% accuracy)

Automation:

Auto-load sample carousel (10-position)

Motorized weight adjustment

Self-cleaning abrasive track

Technical Parameters

Test Procedures

1. Sample Preparation

(1) Pre-treatment: If pre-treatment is required, the samples can be washed or dry-cleaned using a method agreed upon by both parties. (Pre-treatment is recommended to protect the friction surface of the pilling tester and the sample tubes from the effects of residual lubricants or finishing agents on the fabric.)

(2) Cut four samples from the fabric sample, each measuring 125mm*125mm. Cut another piece of fabric of the same size to be used as a comparison sample for grading. Fold two samples lengthwise with the right side facing inward, and fold the other two samples crosswise with the right side facing inward. Sew them together using a sewing machine at a distance of 12mm from the edge.

(3) Turn the sewn samples inside out, with the right side facing outward. Trim 6mm from each end of the sample tube to remove sewing deformation. Place the sample onto the polyurethane sample tube and secure it with PVC tape (ensure that 6mm of polyurethane is exposed at both ends, and the tape length should not exceed 1.5 times the circumference of the polyurethane tube).

2. Test Procedure

(1) Clean the pilling tester;

(2) Place the four prepared sample tubes into the box, securely close the lid, and set the counter to the required number of rotations;

(3) Preset the number of rotations. The number of rotations should be agreed upon. If there is no agreement, coarse fabrics should be rotated 7200 times, and fine fabrics should be rotated 14400 times;

(4) Start the pilling tester. After the test is completed, remove the samples, remove the stitches, and grade the samples.

3. Pilling and Fuzzing Grade Evaluation

Under standard lighting conditions, compare the samples with standard photographs for grading.  Multiple graders should compare the samples with the standard photographs in the grading box, and the result will be used as the pilling and fuzzing grade of the sample. The photographic method uses five grades, from 1 to 5. A smaller grade indicates more severe pilling and fuzzing, while a higher grade indicates better resistance to pilling and fuzzing.