Pilling is one of the four key topics we will introduce next (other topics include abrasion resistance, seam slippage and color fastness).

What is the pilling test?

The pilling test measures and determines the resistance of the fabric to pilling or fuzzing. It is the same machine as the Martindale abrasion test, but instead of rubbing the test fabric against a standard abrasive, the test fabric is rubbed against another piece of the same fabric.

How do you test fabric for pilling?

The most popular pilling machines on the market that simulate wear conditions are the ICI Pilling Box Tester, Martindale Tester and Random Tumble Pilling Tester. The method of abrasion differs in the following respects.

•Martindale tester.

Surface wear specified in ASTM D4970 pilling test. The instrument causes the sample to perform a frictional movement in a straight line, and the movement will widen into an ellipse, and then gradually become a straight line in the opposite direction. Repeat this rubbing pattern until the fabric thread breaks or the color of the fabric under test changes.

•ICI Pilling Box Tester.

Mount the sample on a polyurethane tube and tumble randomly for a period of time in a cork-lined box.

•Random tumble pilling tester.

Place the sample in a cylindrical chamber and tumble inside the chamber. The chamber is lined with a mild abrasive material to brush the sample to the free fiber ends.

The method of wear has a significant effect on the appearance of pilling. When comparing abrasion instruments, notice that the test results may be affected by the instrument type and instrument settings. Therefore, the choice of the pilling test machine should be considered according to the material characteristics and the end use of the product.

What is the regular pilling test standards?

Martindale Pilling: ISO12945-2, ASTM D4970, IWS TM 196, M﹠S P17, Next TM26, SN 198525, GB/T 4802.2.

ICI Pilling: GB/T4802.3, ISO 12945.1, BS5811, JIS L1076, IWS TM152

Random tumble pilling: GB/T4802.4 ISO12945.3 ASTM D3512 ASTM D1375

Looking for a pilling tester? Learn more about our pilling testers here.