ASTM D3511/D3511M-16(2022)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester
Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Acceptance Testing—This method of testing fabrics for resistance to pilling is not recommended for acceptance testing. If it is used for acceptance testing, it should be used with caution because interlaboratory data are not available. In some cases the purchaser and the supplier may have to test a commercial shipment of one or more specific materials by the best available method, even though the method has not been recommended for acceptance testing.
5.1.1 If there are differences or practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, the test samples should be used that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the material from which the disparate test results were obtained, and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. Other materials with established test values may be used for this purpose. The test results from the two laboratories should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.
5.2 The pilling of textile fabrics is a very complex property because it is affected by many factors which may include type of fiber or blends, fiber dimensions, yarn and fabric construction, fabric finishing treatments and refurbishing method. Testing before refurbishing may be advisable. The pilling resistance of a specific fabric in actual wear varies more with general conditions of use and individual wearers than in replicate fabric specimens subjected to controlled laboratory tests. This experience should be borne in mind when adopting levels of acceptability for any series of standards.
5.3 Pills vary appreciably in size and appear...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the propensity of a fabric to form pills and other related surface changes on textiles using the brush pilling tester. This procedure is generally intended to be used for upholstery, automotive, luggage and heavy duty uniform fabrics because it is highly abrasive. This does not, however, preclude it from being used for other types of fabrics. If unsure, comparison testing should be performed to ensure that this test method replicates pilling on the final product.
Note 1: For other test methods for the pilling resistance of textiles, refer to Test Methods D3512/D3512M, D3514/D3514M, and D4970/D4970M.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
Relations
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: D3511/D3511M − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of
Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3511/D3511M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the pro-
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
pensity of a fabric to form pills and other related surface
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
changes on textiles using the brush pilling tester. This proce-
tiles
dure is generally intended to be used for upholstery,
D3512/D3512M Test Method for Pilling Resistance and
automotive, luggage and heavy duty uniform fabrics because it
Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Ran-
is highly abrasive. This does not, however, preclude it from
dom Tumble Pilling Tester
being used for other types of fabrics. If unsure, comparison
D3514/D3514M Test Method for Pilling Resistance and
testing should be performed to ensure that this test method
Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Elas-
replicates pilling on the final product.
tomeric Pad
NOTE 1—For other test methods for the pilling resistance of textiles,
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
refer to Test Methods D3512/D3512M, D3514/D3514M, and D4970/
Methods
D4970M.
D4970/D4970M Test Method for Pilling Resistance and
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Mar-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
tindale Tester
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
ADJD3512 Set of 5 Photographic Standards for Random
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
Tumble Pilling Test
with the standard.
3. Terminology
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1 For all terminology related to D13.59, Fabric Test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Methods, General, see Terminology D4850.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1.1 Thefollowingtermsarerelevanttothisstandard:fuzz,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pilling resistance, pills.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, see Termi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
nology D123.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Summary of Test Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 Pilling and other changes in surface appearance, such as
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
fuzzing, which occur in normal wear are simulated on labora-
tory testing machines. Fabrics are subjected to simulated wear
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.60 on Fabric Test Methods, contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Specific. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3511/D3511M – 16. Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
DOI: 10.1520/D3511_D3511M-16R22. ADJD3512.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3511/D3511M − 16 (2022)
conditions: first brushing the specimens to free fiber ends that ance with worn fabrics and show a similar ratio of pills to fuzz.
form fuzz on the surface of the fabric, then rubbing two of the Counting the pills and weighing their number with respect to
specimens together in circular motion to roll the fiber ends into their size and contrast, as a combined measure of pilling
pills.Thedegreeoffabricpillingisevaluatedbycomparingthe resistance, is not recommended because of the excessive time
tested specimens with visual standards, which may be actual required for counting, sizing, and calculation.
fabrics or photographs of fabrics, showing a range of pilling
5.4 The degree of fabric pilling is evaluated by comparing
resistance. The observed resistance to pilling is reported using
the tested specimens with visual standards, which may be
an arbitrary rating scale.
actual fabrics or photographs of fabrics, showing a range of
pilling resistance.The observed resistance to pilling is reported
5. Significance and Use
on an arbitrary scale ranging from 5 (no pilling) to 1 (very
5.1 Acceptance Testing—This method of testing fabrics for
severe pilling).
resistancetopillingisnotrecommendedforacceptancetesting.
5.5 This test method is applicable to a wide variety of
If it is used for acceptance testing, it should be used with
woven and knitted fabrics that vary in pilling propensity as a
caution because interlaboratory data are not available. In some
result of variations in fiber, yarn & fabric structure, and finish.
cases the purchaser and the supplier may have to test a
commercial shipment of one or more specific materials by the
6. Apparatus and Materials
best available method, even though the method has not been
6.1 Brush Pilling Tester , (Fig. 1), consisting of the parts
recommended for acceptance testing.
described as follows:
5.1.1 If there are differences or practical significance be-
6.1.1 Rotating Platform, which operates on a 19 mm [0.75-
tween reported test results for two laboratories (or more),
in.] radius at 6.1 rad/s [1r/s].
comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is
6.1.2 Nylon Brushes, mounted on plywood holders, each of
a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical
which is removable and is fitted to the rotating platform. The
assistance.As a minimum, the test samples should be used that
specifications for the brushes and accessories are as follows:
are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the material from
6.1.2.1 Brushes —Fuller Gript Brush Strip, No. 8B904113,
which the disparate test results were obtained, and randomly
790 mm [31 in.] long; eight per tester.
assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. Other
6.1.2.2 Brush Strip Height—A height of 24 mm [0.94 in.]
materials with established test values may be used for this
with an overall height of 32 mm [1.25 in.], including the
purpose. The test results from the two laboratories should be
backing but not the 9C-7200 holders.
compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a
6.1.2.3 Brush Bristles—Black nylon, 0.25 mm [10-mil]
probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is
diameter.
found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future
6.1.2.4 Brush Holders—Fuller Brush No. 9C-7200, 2-strip
test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration
channel, 790 mm [31 in.] long.
of the known bias.
5.2 The pilling of textile fabrics is a very complex property
because it is affected by many factors which may include type
Apparatus is commercially available.
of fiber or blends, fiber dimensions, yarn and fabric 5
Apparatus is commercially available.
construction, fabric finishing treatments and refurbishing
method. Testing before refurbishing may be advisable. The
pilling resistance of a specific fabric in actual wear varies more
with general conditions of use and individual wearers than in
replicate fabric specimens subjected to controlled laboratory
tests. This experience should be borne in mind when adopting
levels of acceptability for any series of standards.
5.3 Pills vary appreciably in size and appearance and
depend on the presence of lint and degree of color contrast.
These factors are not evaluated when pilling is rated solely on
the number of pills. The development of pills may be accom-
panied by other surface phenomena such as loss of cover, color
change, or the development of fuzz. Since the overall accept-
ability of a specific fabric is dependent on both the character-
istics of the pills and the other factors affecting surface
appearance, it is suggested that fabrics tested in the laboratory
be evaluated subjectively with regard to their acceptability and
not rated solely on the number of pills developed. A series of
standards, based on graduated degrees of surface change of the
fabric type being tested, may be set up to provide a basis for
subjective ratings. The visual standards are most advantageous
when the laboratory test specimens correlate closely in appear- FIG. 1 Brush Pilling Tester
D3511/D3511M − 16 (2022)
6.1.2.5 Brush Mounting—9C-7200 holders spaced 35 mm 8. Sampling
[1.37 in.] center hole to center hole.
8.1 Primary Sampling Unit—Consider rolls of fabric or
6.1.2.6 Emery Paper 320—Grit for sanding brushes.
fabric components of fabricated systems to be the primary
6.1.2.7 Cleaning Solvent, acetone or other appropriate sol-
sampling unit, as applicable.
vent to clean brushes (see 7.1 and 10.1.2).
NOTE 2—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
6.1.3 Specimen Holder, (Fig. 2), six, each weighing 660 6
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
5 g, on which the fabric specimens are mounted. The face of
amongrolls,bolts,orpiecesoffabricandamongspecimensfromaswatch
the holders shall be covered with 3 mm [0.13 in] thick by 108
of fabric from a roll, bolt, or piece, or between cartons of garments and
mm [4.25-in.] diameter soft cellular rubber to prevent speci-
among garments within a carton, to provide a sampling plan with a
men slippage during testing. meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and
limiting quality level.
6.2 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation (Fig. 3)— Facilities
8.2 Laboratory Sampling Unit—From each primary sam-
for illumination (cool white fluorescent tube) and simultaneous
pling unit take one full–width piece of fabric that is1m[1yd]
viewing of test specimen and fabric or photographic rating
in length along the selvage (machine direction), after first
standards. Apparatus and options for visual evaluation are
removing a 1 m [1 yd] length. For fabric components of
listed in Table 1.
fabricated systems use the entire system.
6.3 Standard In-House Pilling Test Fabric, having an estab-
8.2.1 For acceptance testing of garments, take one garment
lished pilling resistance rating, for checking machine perfor-
from each carton (see Note 2).
mance. No universal standard fabric is available. Each test
facility must decide on an appropriate fabric.
9. Test Specimens: Selection, Number, and Preparation
6.4 Rating Standards:
9.1 Samples may be washed or dry cleaned before cutting
6.4.1 Fabric—Aseriesoftestedspecimensofaspecifictype
the test specimens, using conditions appropriate for the fabric
in-house fabric, which shows degrees of pilling or other
end use or conditions agreed upon by all interested parties.
distortions, or both, for each type of fabric to be tested. Store
the in-house fabric rating standards and handle them under
9.2 Cutspecimensinsquares320mm 61mm[9in. 60.05
conditions that will preserve their original form and appear-
in.] with the sides parallel to the warp (wale) and filling
ance.
(course) directions or circles having a diameter of 175 mm 6
6.4.2 Photographic— A set of 5 photographs, 105 mm
2mm[7in. 6 0.1 in.]
square [4.13 in.], numbered 1 to 5, illustrating varying degrees
9.2.1 Take six specimens, two each from the right, center,
of pilling from “very severe pilling” to “no pilling”, such as
and left areas of each laboratory sampling unit. Take the
Adjunct ADJD3512.
specimens evenly spaced across the width of the laboratory
6.4.3 Digital Imaging or Rating System, or both.
sample or from three different panels in a garment. Specimens
should be staggered in such a manner that no specimens
6.5 Facilities for Laundering Samples—If needed.
contain the same yarns. Avoid areas with wrinkles and other
6.6 Facilities for Drycleaning Samples—If needed.
distortions. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, etc. on the speci-
men when handling. Unless otherwise specified, do not cut
7. Hazardous Materials
specimens nearer the selvage than one tenth the width of the
7.1 Solvents used in this test method may be hazardous.
fabric.
Refer to the manufacturer’s material safety data sheets for
information on use, handling, storage, and disposal of these 9.3 Mark warp (wale) and filling (course) direction on the
products. edge of each specimen.
FIG. 2 Specimen Holder
D3511/D3511M − 16 (2022)
NOTE 1—Not drawn to scale.
FIG. 3 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation
TABLE 1 Viewing Apparatus and Options
10.1.1.1 If the tester is in daily use, check the tester using
Apparatus Specimen Preparation the standard fabric(s) at least once a week.
A
ASTM Lightbox (Fig. 3) 0.78 rad [45°]
10.1.1.2 If testing is done infrequently, check the tester
B
Lightbox 0.78 rad [45°]
B
using the standard fabric(s) each time it is used.
Lightbox flat
B
Lightbox critical angle
10.1.2 If the tester is used daily, clean the brushes with a
As determined by the buyer and supplier
suitable solvent such as acetone (see 6.1), remove any lint with
A
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
a hand card, and clip any protruding bristles at least once a
is Standard Scientific Supply Co., 601 West Market Street, Bethlehem, PA
week.Iftestingisdoneinfrequently,checkfortheseconditions
18018-5208. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
before each testing session.
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
you may attend. 10.2 Corrective Action:
B
Available commercially.
10.2.1 If the results obtained on the standard fabric are
...
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