ASTM D6674-01(2017)

Standard Guide for Proficiency Test Program for Fabrics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Proficiency testing is a means of securing estimates of the variability of results obtained by different laboratories testing homogeneous materials taken from batch samples when following procedures prescribed in a specific test method.  
4.1.1 For the purpose of this guide, homogeneous materials are considered to be laboratory samples cut from the same batch sample (roll or garment lot) and selected at random for the participant laboratories.  
4.2 This proficiency test program is to be considered a full-scale interlaboratory test, in which a reasonably large number of laboratories participate by testing a series of materials using one or more operators per laboratory and report the data for analysis.  
4.2.1 For the purposes of this guide, Full Scale Laboratory Test is defined in Practice D2904. This is not to be confused with the full scale testing terminology and definitions which appear in other test methods, such as flammability, that describe the size of the specimens being tested.  
4.3 The statistical data generated by this practice provide information needed to exhibit participation in a formal proficiency test study.  
4.4 All data are submitted to the program coordinator at ASTM Headquarters for the preparation and distribution of the proficiency testing program reports. All laboratory data are confidential with no disclosure of lab identity except for each participant's own laboratory. Published reports contain all laboratory test data (coded), statistical analysis of test data, charts plotting test results versus lab code, and other information.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide outlines the Proficiency Test Program for Fabrics. Elements for planning the proficiency test program, selecting the sample fabrics to be used, the testing protocol, and the calculations for the data to be reported are included in this practice.  
1.2 The planning of the proficiency test program requires a general knowledge of testing of textile fabrics and statistical principles included in the analysis of the data.  
1.3 This guide is designed to meet the quality systems proficiency and competence requirements of participating laboratories. This program is not accredited to any international standard.  
1.4 The instructions in this guide follow the logic of full scale laboratory tests as described in Practice D2904 and Guide E1301, except with this new guide placing its emphasis on proficiency testing.  
1.5 Procedures given in this guide are applicable to methods based on the measurement of discrete measurement data and grades or scores.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jul-2017
• ICS: 59.020 - Processes of the textile industry
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.60 - Fabric Physical Test Methods B

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6674-01(2013) - Standard Guide for Proficiency Test Program for Fabrics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2024) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5035-11(2019) - Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D737-04(2016) - Standard Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1230-10(2016)e1 - Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013

Overview

ASTM D6674-01(2017): Standard Guide for Proficiency Test Program for Fabrics is an internationally recognized guide developed by ASTM International. This guide outlines the framework for establishing and conducting proficiency test programs that assess laboratory testing performance in evaluating textile fabrics. Proficiency testing is essential for ensuring laboratory competence, consistency, and reliability in the textile industry. Under this guide, multiple laboratories test samples from the same batch, following standardized methods, and submit their results for statistical analysis and comparison.

The guide supports laboratory quality systems by providing objective assessments of data reliability and identifying areas for improvement. While it is designed to meet the proficiency requirements of participants, it is not itself an accredited program under an international standard.

Key Topics

• Scope of Proficiency Testing: Details how homogeneous textile samples are prepared and distributed to participating laboratories for analysis using prescribed test methods.
• Test Planning and Protocol: Covers the process for test program planning, including selection of test fabrics, test method protocols, and the number of determinations (replicates) to ensure valid results.
• Data Collection and Confidentiality: Laboratories submit their test results to a central program coordinator. Results are anonymized and presented with coded identifiers, ensuring confidentiality.
• Statistical Analysis: The program includes rigorous statistical evaluation, such as Z-score calculations, outlier identification, and performance flagging to assess laboratory consistency and accuracy.
• Reporting: Comprehensive reports include coded laboratory data, statistical charts, and visual aids to help participants benchmark their performance.
• Continuous Improvement: The guide provides a checklist for investigating unsatisfactory performance, including checking calibration, operator training, method adherence, and instrument maintenance.

Applications

• Quality Assurance in Textile Testing Laboratories: Provides a structured approach for labs to demonstrate testing competence and maintain reliable, traceable results, which is critical for compliance with both customer and regulatory requirements.
• Interlaboratory Comparisons: Facilitates benchmarking among laboratories, allowing participants to identify variability, verify the accuracy of their methods, and improve procedures.
• Support for Accreditation Processes: Although not accredited itself, successful participation in a proficiency testing program per ASTM D6674-01(2017) strengthens a laboratory’s credentials and supports applications for formal accreditation.
• Industrial and Regulatory Compliance: Beneficial for manufacturers, quality controllers, and regulatory agencies needing objective evidence that textile testing results are consistent and accurate across different facilities.
• Development of Testing Protocols: Assists organizations in developing or refining internal textile testing methods to align with industry best practices and statistical evaluation requirements.

Related Standards

• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D737: Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics
• ASTM D1230: Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
• ASTM D2261: Test Method for Tearing Strength by Tongue Method
• ASTM D2904: Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test Method
• ASTM D3775: Test Method for Fabric Count of Woven Fabric
• ASTM D5034: Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation (Grab Test)
• ASTM D5035: Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation (Strip Method)
• ASTM D6545: Test Method for Flammability of Textiles Used in Children’s Sleepwear
• ASTM E1301: Guide for Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparisons

These related standards provide foundational terminology and methods referenced in the proficiency testing program, helping laboratories align with established industry practices.

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Keywords: ASTM D6674, proficiency testing, fabrics, textile testing, laboratory quality, interlaboratory comparison, statistical analysis, Z score, quality assurance, test method, benchmarking

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6674 −01 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Guide for
Proficiency Test Program for Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6674; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Proficiency testing is the use of interlaboratory test comparisons to determine the performance of
individual laboratories for specific tests and to monitor the consistency and comparability of a
laboratory’s test data.
Participation in proficiency testing programs provides laboratories with an objective means of
assessing and demonstrating the reliability of the data they are producing.Although there are several
types of proficiency testing programs, they all share the common feature of the comparison of test
results obtained by two or more laboratories.
One of the main uses of proficiency testing programs is to assess laboratories’ ability to perform
tests competently. This will involve the preparation of the test specimens, calibrating or validating the
testing equipment, performing the tests and reporting the data.
Bodies assessing the technical competence of testing laboratories normally require or expect
satisfactory participation in proficiency testing as evidence of a laboratory’s ability to produce reliable
test results.
1. Scope 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This guide outlines the Proficiency Test Program for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Fabrics. Elements for planning the proficiency test program,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
selecting the sample fabrics to be used, the testing protocol,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and the calculations for the data to be reported are included in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
this practice.
1.2 The planning of the proficiency test program requires a 2. Referenced Documents
general knowledge of testing of textile fabrics and statistical 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
principles included in the analysis of the data.
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.3 This guide is designed to meet the quality systems D737 Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics
proficiencyandcompetencerequirementsofparticipatinglabo- D1230 Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
ratories. This program is not accredited to any international D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
standard. Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
1.4 The instructions in this guide follow the logic of full
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
scalelaboratorytestsasdescribedinPracticeD2904andGuide
Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With-
E1301, except with this new guide placing its emphasis on
drawn 2008)
proficiency testing.
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for
1.5 Proceduresgiveninthisguideareapplicabletomethods
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
based on the measurement of discrete measurement data and
D3775 Test Method forWarp (End) and Filling (Pick) Count
grades or scores.
of Woven Fabrics
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Specific. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 15, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6674–01(2013). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D6674-01R17. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6674 − 01 (2017)
D5034 TestMethodforBreakingStrengthandElongationof participant laboratories and pertinent subcommittees. An ac-
Textile Fabrics (Grab Test) credited laboratory selected by the Subcommittee D13.93 shall
D5035 Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of act as host and maintain these materials. The host laboratory
Textile Fabrics (Strip Method) shall not be held responsible for the performance of the test
D6545 Test Method for Flammability of Textiles Used in materials at the participant laboratories.
Children’s Sleepwear
5.2 Flammability Test Program—At least seven types of
E1301 Guide for Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory
fabrics are to be available for the study, not all of which will be
Comparisons (Withdrawn 2012)
used at the same time.The materials shall be described by fiber
type, construction type (woven, knit, nonwoven), surface
3. Terminology
characteristicsandfabricweightasdefinedbytheflammability
3.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
characteristics. The fabrics to be used for this study shall be
accuracy, of a test method; batch sample; bias, in statistics;
selected by the Subcommittee D13.93. An accredited labora-
calibrate; precision; precision, under conditions of between-
tory selected by the Subcommittee D13.93 shall act as the host
laboratory precision; proficiency testing; program coordinator;
and maintain these fabrics. The host laboratory shall not be
repeatability, in statistics; reproducibility, in statistics; sample;
held responsible for the performance of the materials at the
specimen; test result; testing laboratory.
participant laboratories.
3.2 Fordefinitionsoftextileandstatisticaltermsusedinthis
6. Distribution of Test Materials
practice, and discussions of their use, refer to Terminology
D123 and appropriate textbooks on statistics.
6.1 The proficiency test program is designed for the test
materials to be distributed at a minimum two times each
4. Significance and Use
calendar year—February and August. Each participating labo-
4.1 Proficiency testing is a means of securing estimates of ratory shall apply throughASTM Headquarters for inclusion in
the variability of results obtained by different laboratories
the program.
testinghomogeneousmaterialstakenfrombatchsampleswhen
6.2 The materials will be distributed by having the host
following procedures prescribed in a specific test method.
laboratory cut fabric samples from each batch roll or garment
4.1.1 For the purpose of this guide, homogeneous materials
lot. The samples will be identified, labeled and mailed to each
are considered to be laboratory samples cut from the same
participating laboratory. ASTM Headquarters will provide
batch sample (roll or garment lot) and selected at random for
detailed instruction sheets and mailing labels to the host
the participant laboratories.
laboratory.
4.2 This proficiency test program is to be considered a
6.3 Instructions for testing, recording data and return; forms
full-scale interlaboratory test, in which a reasonably large
and fabric samples will be mailed together as instructed.
number of laboratories participate by testing a series of
materialsusingoneormoreoperatorsperlaboratoryandreport
7. Selection of Test Methods
the data for analysis.
7.1 For Mechanical Testing—The test methods shall be
4.2.1 For the purposes of this guide, Full Scale Laboratory
selected and monitored by the Subcommittee D13.93. The
Test is defined in Practice D2904. This is not to be confused
protocol of this guide may not include the entire scope of
with the full scale testing terminology and definitions which
methods used for testing fabric, but will include at least one
appear in other test methods, such as flammability, that
mechanical test from the fields used to define woven fabric
describe the size of the specimens being tested.
properties such as construction, air permeability and strength.
4.3 The statistical data generated by this practice provide
Other methods may be added or deleted as directed by D13.93
information needed to exhibit participation in a formal profi-
with input from ASTM staff, participating laboratories, and
ciency test study.
pertinent Sub-Committee.
4.4 All data are submitted to the program coordinator at 7.1.1 The methods t
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