How do you perform abrasion testing?
Instruments used for abrasion testing apply controlled and consistent levels of abrasion in order to quantify the performance of the test sample.
James Heal's Martindale Abrasion and Pilling tester performs a cyclic Lissajous figure which 'rubs' on the sample with industry-approved and recommended abrasive materials.
What types of products would be tested like this?
Interchangeable 'stations' on the instrument cater for a variety of applications, such as textiles and non-textiles, including socks, leather, carpets, coated upholstery and edges, as well as wood.
James Heal recommends...
Related articles
Expert Interview: Meet Colin Whittaker
First responders and military personnel are routinely exposed to various types of hazards in their line of duty, ranging
Applications Insight: Testing safety footwear
In our latest industry insight, we’re focusing on testing safety footwear.
Case Study: 30 years of testing with CETTEX
Established in 1991, CETTEX (Centre Technique du Textile) provides advice and expertise to manufacturers in the textile and clothing sector, as well as publi
How W. L. Gore teamed up with James Heal to meet sustainability challenges
W. L. Gore the inventor of GORE-TEX has worked with James Heal for many years.
Applications Insight: Protective wear in the line of duty
In our latest Applications Insight, we are focusing on protective fabrics, specifically for the emergency services and military.
Case Study: Workwear brand STRAUSS achieves in-house lab ambition with James Heal
In this case study we discover how with the support of James Heal, Engelbert Strauss brought their in-ho
Expert Q&A: Durability testing in the age of fast fashion and diverse performance
In this Expert Q&A, we spent some time in the James Heal lab, speaking with Technical Specialist, Peter Goodwin.
AquAbrasion: Assessing the true impact of the outdoors on outdoor wear
The AquAbrasion is an accurate and repeatable way of conducting wet abrasion testing, which we have proven to be a crucial and often detrimental step in establishing the durability of outdoor wear.
The Lab Manager's Guide to Performance Testing
A guide to performance testing for technical textiles including athleisure, activewear, outerwear and protective workwear. Key trends, how to test and which standards are used.
[Essentials] Martindale - What it does and how it works
This blog will explain the basics of a Martindale instrument, how they work and what is needed to complete both abrasion and pilling tests.
Supporting STC through innovation and design
STC Group is a textiles testing, inspection and certification organisation based in Vietnam.
A historic partnership: Hohenstein Institute
Like all great partnerships, trust is key.
A close-knit relationship: Case study with Mobus
Since its humble beginnings in 1994 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Mobus Fabrics has expanded globally and is now a £3
History of the Martindale
In 2022 the classic Martindale abrasion and wear testing instrument, that is a staple in textile and other materials testing laboratories worldwide, reached
Getting Technical: A case study with Balas Textile
In our latest customer case study, we spoke to Sabrina Mimoune, Quality Manager and Alan Badrov, Lab Manager at French company Balas Textile, to discuss the
Partnership with a perfect fit: Case study with Riga Technical University
With a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation in ergonomics and performance for the PPE sector, Latvia’s top university, Riga Technical University (RTU