ASTM D3939/D3939M-13(2017)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace)
Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is not considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fabrics because the between-laboratory precision of the test method is poor (see 15.1).
5.1.1 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative test should be performed to determine if there is a statistical significant difference between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such a comparative test that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or future testing for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the statistically significant differences.
5.2 This test method may be used for quality control testing of fabrics during manufacturing and product comparisons of different fabrics by manufacturers, retailers, and users. This test method may also be used by researchers to examine the effect of new fibers, yarns, fabric constructions, and finishes on the snagging resistance of fabrics.
5.3 This test method may be used to test the snagging resistance of most apparel and home furnishings fabrics. However, a different test method may be needed for different types of fabrics and different end-uses (such as towels, pants, and upholstery) (see 5.3.1).
5.3.1 Some fabrics that may not be suitable for this test method are described in 1.2. Many open construction fabrics can be tested for snagging resistance using AATCC Test Method 65. The snagging resistance of many pile floor coverings can be tested by Test Method D1335. Test Method D5362 (Bean Bag) ma...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method determines the snagging resistance of a fabric.
1.2 Studies of fabric snagging have shown that this test method is suitable for a range of woven and knitted fabrics made from textured or untextured filament yarns or spun yarns or combinations of these yarns.2,3 This test method is not suitable for (1) open construction fabrics (such as a net) because the points on the mace will snag the felt pad rather than the specimen, (2) very heavy or very stiff fabrics that cannot be made to fit tightly on the drum and felt pad, and (3) tufted or nonwoven fabrics because the apparatus is designed for woven and knitted fabrics.
1.3 If after using this test method it is found to be too severe for your fabrics, an alternative method can be used, such as BS 8479 Textiles: Method for Determination of the Propensity of Fabrics to Snagging and Related Surface Defects - Rotating Chamber Method.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way. In case of referee decisions, the SI units will prevail.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.
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
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: D3939/D3939M − 13 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3939/D3939M; 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.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 Thistestmethoddeterminesthesnaggingresistanceofa
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
fabric.
1.2 Studies of fabric snagging have shown that this test
2. Referenced Documents
method is suitable for a range of woven and knitted fabrics
2.1 ASTM Standards:
made from textured or untextured filament yarns or spun yarns
2,3 D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
or combinations of these yarns. This test method is not
D1335 Test Method for Tuft Bind of Pile Yarn Floor
suitable for (1) open construction fabrics (such as a net)
Coverings
because the points on the mace will snag the felt pad rather
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
than the specimen, (2) very heavy or very stiff fabrics that
D2724 Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated
cannot be made to fit tightly on the drum and felt pad, and (3)
Apparel Fabrics
tufted or nonwoven fabrics because the apparatus is designed
D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel,
for woven and knitted fabrics.
Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
1.3 If after using this test method it is found to be too severe
D4467 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
for your fabrics, an alternative method can be used, such as BS
Method That Produces Non-Normally Distributed Data
8479 Textiles: Method for Determination of the Propensity of
(Withdrawn 2010)
Fabrics to Snagging and Related Surface Defects - Rotating
D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
Chamber Method.
Methods
D5362 Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall
(Bean Bag)
be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
2.2 AATCC Standards:
system must be used independently of the other, without
65 Test Method for Snag Resistance of Women’s Nylon
combining values in any way. In case of referee decisions, the
Hosiery (see Note 1)
SI units will prevail.
135 Test Method for Dimensional Changes in Automatic
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
NOTE 1—In 1988, theAATCC voted to withdraw this test method from
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
its technical manual; however, the ASTM task group on fabric snagging
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
decided it should be listed as an alternative for testing open construction
fabrics.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
tionary statements are given in Section 7.
3. Terminology
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 For definitions of textile terms used in this test method:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(color contrast, in textiles; distortion, in fabrics; protrusion, in
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.59 on Fabric Test Methods, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
General. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved July 15, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3939 – 13. DOI: the ASTM website.
10.1520/D3939_D3939M-13R17. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Finnigan,J.A., “Laboratory Prediction of the Tendency of a Fabric to Snag www.astm.org.
During Wear,” Textile Institute and Industry, Vol 10 , No. 6, 1972, pp. 164–167. Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Leung, P., and Hershkowitz, R., “Snag- and Fuzz-Resistant Double Knits via (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
Fabric Construction,” Textile Research Journal, Vol 45, No. 2, 1975, pp. 93–102. www.aatcc.org
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3939/D3939M − 13 (2017)
fabrics; snag, in fabrics; snagging resistance, in fabrics), refer 5.5 The snagging resistance of a specific fabric varies with
to Terminology D4850. individual wearers and general conditions of use. Therefore, it
can be expected that garments of the same fabric will show a
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
fairly wide snagging resistance spectrum after wear and much
method, refer to Terminology D123.
greater variation in wear than in replicate fabric specimens
4. Summary of Test Method
subjected to controlled laboratory tests. This factor should be
considered when adopting levels of acceptability for any
4.1 A tubular specimen is placed on a cylindrical drum.
specification that includes snagging resistance.
Then a mace (spiked ball) bounces randomly against the
rotating specimen. Snags are produced to a degree affected by
5.6 Snags observed in worn garments vary appreciably in
a variety of factors. The degree of fabric snagging is then
number and appearance. The appearance of a snag depends
evaluated by comparison of the tested specimens with visual
particularly on (1) the degree of color contrast between the
standards that may be either fabrics or photographs of fabrics.
snag and the surrounding area of the fabric or (2) the presence
The observed resistance to snagging is reported on a scale
of long distortions or long protrusions. These conditions are
ranging from 5 (no or insignificant snagging) to 1 (very severe
not evaluated when snagging is rated solely on the number of
snagging).
snags. See Section 13 for a description of color contrast,
distortion, and protrusion as used in this test method; and see
5. Significance and Use
Figs. 1 through 3 in Test Method D5362 for pictures of fabric
5.1 This test method is not considered satisfactory for
defects due to snagging. Because the overall acceptability of a
acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fabrics because
specific fabric is dependent on both the characteristics of the
thebetween-laboratoryprecisionofthetestmethodispoor(see
snags and other factors affecting fabric appearance, it is
15.1).
recommended that fabrics tested in the laboratory be evaluated
5.1.1 If there are differences of practical significance be-
with regard to the defects that may be observed visually and
tween reported test results for two laboratories (or more),
not rated solely on the number of snags developed.Aseries of
comparative test should be performed to determine if there is a
visual rating standards (see 6.2.4) may be set up to provide a
statisticalsignificantdifferencebetweenthem,usingcompetent
basis for the ratings. The visual rating standards are most
statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such
advantageous when the tested laboratory specimens correlate
a comparative test that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn
closely in appearance with fabrics from a wear test, for
from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in
example, when tested laboratory specimens and fabrics from a
disparateresultsduringinitialtestingandrandomlyassignedin
wear test show similar color contrasts. In the preceding
equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the
example, a series of fabrics from the wear test would be a good
laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical
choice for the fabric standards described in 6.2.4.2.
test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the
testing series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found
6. Apparatus and Materials
and corrected or future testing for that material must be
6.1 ICI Mace Snag Tester (see Fig. 1):
adjusted in consideration of the statistically significant differ-
6.1.1 Specimen Templates, 205 by 330 mm [8 by 13 in.] for
ences.
weft knit fabrics and 205 by 320 mm [8 by 12.5 in.] for woven
5.2 This test method may be used for quality control testing
fabrics and warp knit fabrics.
of fabrics during manufacturing and product comparisons of
6.1.2 Felt Sleeves, wool or chief weight wool synthetic
differentfabricsbymanufacturers,retailers,andusers.Thistest
blend with thickness of 3.5 6 0.5 mm and weight of 1400 6
method may also be used by researchers to examine the effect
200 g/m .
of new fibers, yarns, fabric constructions, and finishes on the
6.1.3 Gage, for setting position of mace (calibration block).
snagging resistance of fabrics.
6.1.4 Rubber O-rings.
5.3 This test method may be used to test the snagging
6.2 Sewing Machine, with a sewing needle that is appropri-
resistance of most apparel and home furnishings fabrics.
ate for the fabric being tested for snagging resistance, or
However, a different test method may be needed for different
6.2.1 Sharps Hand Sewing Needle.
types of fabrics and different end-uses (such as towels, pants,
6.2.2 Sewing Thread, cotton, Tex ticket 35 to 50, or equiva-
and upholstery) (see 5.3.1).
lent polyester and cotton.
5.3.1 Some fabrics that may not be suitable for this test
6.2.3 Standard Calibration Fabric, having an established
method are described in 1.2. Many open construction fabrics
snagging resistance rating that has been agreed upon by the
can be tested for snagging resistance using AATCC Test
purchaser and the supplier. (No standard calibration fabric has
Method 65. The snagging resistance of many pile floor
been specified by Subcommittee D13.59.)
coverings can be tested by Test Method D1335. Test Method
6.2.4 Visual Rating Standards:
D5362(BeanBag)may also be considered as an alternativefor
6.2.4.1 Photographic Standards—A series of photographs
testing the snagging resistance of fabrics. This test method
of tested specimens that show the degrees of snagging, such as
does not apply to the ABC Snag Tester. 7
the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) photographs; or
5.4 Since fabric snagging can be affected by laundering or
drycleaning, it may be advisable to test the snagging resistance
of a fabric before and after laundering or drycleaning. Apparatus is commercially available.
D3939/D3939M − 13 (2017)
FIG. 1 ICI Mace Tester
fabric standards using white poster board or plastic or metal framing.
6.2.4.2 Fabric Standards—A series of tested specimens or
fabrics from a wear test that show the degrees of snagging (see
6.2.5 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation, for illumination and
5.6 and Note 2).
simultaneous viewing of specimens and visual rating stan-
dards:
NOTE 2—Fabric standards should be stored and handled under condi-
tions that will preserve their original form and appearance. Mount the 6.2.5.1 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation, (see Fig. 2),
Metric Equivalents
in. mm in. mm
⁄32 1 8 203
0.7 18 8 ⁄2 215
2 50 12 305
4 100 15 380
1 1
6 ⁄4 159 21 ⁄4 540
6 ⁄16 160 37 940
7 ⁄2 190 40 1020
FIG. 2 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation
D3939/D3939M − 13 (2017)
having a light source of sufficient brightness to illuminate applicable material specification or other agreement between
snags on the surface of a fabric. thepurchaserandthesupplier.Considerrollsoffabrictobethe
6.2.5.2 ICI Viewing Cabinet, (see Fig. 3), having a light primary sampling unit.
source of sufficient brightness to illuminate snags on the
8.2 Laboratory Sampling Unit—As a laboratory sampling
surface of a fabric.
unit for acceptance testing, take a full width swatch 1-m or
6.3 Optional Equipment: 1-yd long from the end of each roll of fabric in the lot sample,
6.3.1 Steam Iron, weighted to 2.3 kg or 5 lb and an ironing
after first discarding the outermost layer of fabric. When
board. drycleaning and laundering are to be performed, take addi-
6.3.2 Tumble Dryer, as described in AATCC Test
tional swatches for the laundering and drycleaning tests.
Method 135.
8.3 Specimens—Test four specimens from each swatch in
6.3.3 Washing Machine, as described in AATCC Test
thelaboratorysamplingunit.Whendrycleaningandlaundering
Method 135.
tests are to be performed, test four additional specimens for
6.3.4 Detergent, Heavy Duty Granule, the 1993 AATCC
drycleaning and four additional specimens for laundering.
Standard Reference Detergent as described in AATCC Test
Method 135. When agreed upon by the purchaser and the
9. Preparation of the Specimens
supplier, a substitute detergent that does not include fabric
9.1 When snagging resistance after laundering or dryclean-
softener or bleach may be used.
ing is to be evaluated, launder or dryclean the swatches as
6.3.5 EquipmentforDrycleaningSpecimens,asdescribedin
directed in 9.1.1 or 9.1.2 before cutting the specimens.
Test Methods D2724.
9.1.1 Laundering—Load the washer with a 3.5-kg or 8-lb
7. Hazards
total load of swatches that comprise a homogeneous load (for
7.1 Locate the mace snag tester in a low-traffic area because example, same manufacturer, same line, same finishing, and
of the danger from the exposed mace and rotating drum. same previous care) or a homogeneous group of swatches for
testingandadesizedunsoftenedgroupofballastfabrics.Select
7.2 Check that all parts of the mace snag tester are secure
normal cycle, warm water temperature, and the 1993 AATCC
and are in good working condition.
Standard Reference Detergent (see Terminology D3136 and
7.3 Wear protective gloves when examining the points on
AATCC Test Method 135). Run one machine cycle and do not
the mace snag tester or removing fibers and yarns from the
use softener. Load the dryer with the washed fabrics. Select
mace points.
normal cycle, medium temperature, and run the dryer for 20
minoruntilthefabricsaredrytothetouch.Donotusesoftener
7.4 Observe the following safety precautions when operat-
in the dryer. Do not overdry the fabrics (see Note 3).
ing the tester: (1) do not wear loose or
...
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