ASTM D3939-97a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace Test Method)
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 yarns containing staple or continuous filaments. 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 than 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 The values stated in either acceptable metric 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 metric units will prevail.
1.4 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.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: D 3939 – 97a
Standard Test Method for
Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace Test Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3939; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 4467 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Test
Method that Produces Non-Normally Distributed Data
1.1 This test method determines the snagging resistance of a
D 5362 Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics
fabric.
(Bean Bag Test Method)
1.2 Studies of fabric snagging have shown that this test
2.2 AATCC Standards:
method is suitable for a range of woven and knitted fabrics
65 Snag Resistance of Women’s Nylon Hosiery (see Note 1)
made from textured or untextured yarns containing staple or
2,3
135 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering
continuous filaments. This test method is not suitable for (1)
of Woven and Knit Fabrics
open construction fabrics (such as a net) because the points on
the mace will snag the felt pad rather than the specimen, (2)
NOTE 1—In 1988, the AATCC voted to withdraw this method from its
very heavy or very stiff fabrics than cannot be made to fit
technical manual; however, the ASTM task group on fabric snagging
decided it should be listed as an alternative for testing open construction
tightly on the drum and felt pad, and (3) tufted or nonwoven
fabrics.
fabrics because the apparatus is designed for woven and knitted
fabrics.
3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in either acceptable metric units or in
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
other units shall be regarded separately as the standard. The
3.1.1 color contrast, n—in textiles, a general term for a
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
visible color difference between two adjacent areas.
therefore, each system must be used independently of the other,
3.1.1.1 Discussion—For the purpose of this test method, a
without combining values in any way. In case of referee
color contrast is a visible color difference between a snag and
decisions, the metric units will prevail.
the immediate surrounding area of the fabric that has no
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
defects. Color contrasts often occur when printed fabrics are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
snagged.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 distortion, n—in fabrics, a general term for a visible
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
defect in the texture of a fabric.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
3.1.2.1 Discussion—For the purpose of this test method,
tionary statements are given in Section 7.
snags are composed of different combinations of protrusions
2. Referenced Documents and distortions. A distortion is characterized by a group of
fibers, yarn, or a yarn segment that is displaced from its normal
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pattern so that there is a visible change in the texture of the
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
4 fabric; however, the displaced group of fibers, yarn, or yarn
D 1335 Test Method for Tuft Bind of Pile Floor Coverings
segment does not extend above the fabric surface. Distortions
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
include conditions where (1) tension on a snagged yarn has
D 2724 Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated
changed the size of some of the loops within a knitted fabric
Apparel Fabrics
and the result is a pucker on the surface of the fabric, and (2)
D 3136 Terminology Relating to Permanent Labels for
tension on a snagged yarn has caused the yarn to break off
Consumer Textile and Leather Products and Other Textile
4 within a woven fabric and the result is a change in the texture
Floor Coverings
where the yarn used to be.
3.1.3 protrusion, n—in fabrics, a general term for a visible
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on Textiles
group of fibers, a yarn, or a yarn segment that extends above
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.59 on Fabric Test Methods,
the fabric surface.
General.
3.1.4 snag, n—in fabrics, a yarn or part of a yarn pulled or
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published March 1997. Originally
published as D 3939 – 80. Last previous edition D 3939 – 97. plucked from the surface.
Finnigan, J. A., “Laboratory Prediction of the Tendency of a Fabric to Snag
During Wear,” Textile Institute and Industry, Vol 10, No. 6, 1972, pp. 164–167.
3 5
Leung, P., and Hershkowitz, R., “Snag- and Fuzz-Resistant Double Knits via Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02.
Fabric Construction,” Textile Research Journal, Vol 45, No. 2, 1975, pp. 93–102. Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3939
3.1.4.1 Discussion—For the purpose of this test method, a example, the number of revolutions (see 12.5) may be modified
snag is created when an object pulls, plucks, scratches, or drags to provide meaningful test results. The purchaser and the
a group of fibers, a yarn, or a yarn segment from its normal supplier must agree to all changes in the procedure for
pattern. Snags can be classified into three types: (1) snags that operating the apparatus or for evaluating the test results.
have a protrusion and no distortion, (2) snags that have a
5.1.2 Some fabrics that may not be suitable for this test
distortion and no protrusion, and (3) snags that have both a method are described in 1.2. Many open construction fabrics
protrusion and a distortion. Other changes in appearance, such
can be tested for snagging resistance using AATCC Test
as color contrasts, should be reported because they affect the Method 65. The snagging resistance of many pile floor cover-
visibility of a protrusion or a distortion.
ings can be tested by Test Method D 1335.
3.1.5 snagging resistance, n—in textile fabrics, the property
5.2 Since fabric snagging can be affected by laundering or
of a material whereby yarns or parts of yarns are prevented or
drycleaning, it may be advisable to test the snagging resistance
inhibited from being pulled or plucked from the surface.
of a fabric before and after laundering or drycleaning.
3.1.6 Definitions—For definitions of other textile terms
5.3 The snagging resistance of a specific fabric varies with
used in this test method, refer to Terminology D 123.
individual wearers and general conditions of use. Therefore, it
can be expected that garments of the same fabric will show a
4. Summary of Test Method
fairly wide snagging resistance spectrum after wear and much
4.1 Fabric Specimens in tubular form are placed one at a
greater variation in wear than in replicate fabric specimens
time on a cylindrical drum. A mace (spiked ball) is allowed to subjected to controlled laboratory tests. This factor should be
bounce randomly against each rotating specimen. As the mace
considered when adopting levels of acceptability for any
bounces over each specimen, snags could occur to a degree
specification that includes snagging resistance.
affected by a variety of fabric factors. The degree of fabric
5.4 Snags observed in worn garments vary appreciably in
snagging is then evaluated by comparison of the tested
number and appearance. The appearance of a snag depends
specimens with visual standards that may be either fabrics or
particularly on (1) the degree of color contrast between the
photographs of fabrics. The observed resistance to snagging is
snag and the surrounding area of the fabric or (2) the presence
reported on a scale ranging from No. 5 (no snagging) to No. 1
of long distortions or long protrusions. These conditions are
(very severe snagging).
not evaluated when snagging is rated solely on the number of
snags. See Section 3 in this test method for a description of
5. Significance and Use
terminology such as color contrast, distortion, and protrusion;
5.1 This test method may be used to test the snagging and see Figs. 1 through 3 in Test Method D 5362 for pictures
resistance of most apparel and home furnishings fabrics. of fabric defects due to snagging. Because the overall accept-
Modifications of this test method (see 5.1.1), or a different test ability of a specific fabric is dependent on both the character-
method (see 5.1.2), may be needed for different types of fabrics istics of the snags and other factors affecting fabric appearance,
and different end-uses (such as towels, pants, and upholstery). it is recommended that fabrics tested in the laboratory be
5.1.1 For a specific fabric, if the test results from the mace evaluated with regard to the defects that may be observed
test method do not correspond with the test results from a wear visually and not rated solely on the number of snags developed.
test, then (1) the procedure described in Section 12 or (2) the A series of visual rating standards (see 6.3.5) may be set up to
evaluation described in Section 13 can be modified. For provide a basis for the ratings. The visual rating standards are
FIG. 1 ABC Mace Tester
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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D 3939
FIG. 2 ICI Mace Tester
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. 3 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation
most advantageous when the tested laboratory specimens choice for the fabric standards described in 6.3.5.2.
correlate closely in appearance with fabrics from a wear test, 5.5 This test method is recommended for quality control
for example, when tested laboratory specimens and fabrics testing of fabrics during manufacturing and product compari-
from a wear test show similar color contrasts. In the preceding sons of different fabrics by manufacturers, retailers, and users.
example, a series of fabrics from the wear test would be a good This test method may also be used by researchers to examine
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3939
the effect of new fibers, yarns, fabric constructions, and 6.3.4 Standard Calibration Fabric, having an established
finishes on the snagging resistance of fabrics. snagging resistance rating that has been agreed upon by the
5.6 This test method is not considered satisfactory for purchaser and the supplier. (No standard calibration fabric has
acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fabrics because been specified by Subcommittee D13.59.)
the between-laboratory precision of the test method is poor (see 6.3.5 Visual Rating Standards:
15.1). 6.3.5.1 Photographic Standards—A series of photographs
5.6.1 In the case of a dispute arising from differences in of tested specimens that show the degrees of snagging, such as
reported test results when using this test method for acceptance the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) photographs; or
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup- 6.3.5.2 Fabric Standards—A series of tested specimens or
plier should conduct comparative tests to determine whether a fabrics from a wear test that show the degrees of snagging (see
statistical bias exists between their laboratories. Competent 5.4 and Note 2).
statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of
NOTE 2—Fabric standards should be stored and handled under condi-
bias.
tions that will preserve their original form and appearance. Mount the
5.6.2 As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of
fabric standards using white poster board or plastic or metal framing.
specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are
6.3.6 Equipment for Fabric Evaluation, for illumination and
from a lot of material of the type in question. The specimens
simultaneous viewing of specimens and visual rating stan-
should then be assigned randomly in equal numbers to each
dards. The lighting must have a cool white fluorescent tube(s)
laboratory for testing. The results from the two laboratories
with a correlated color temperature of 4100 to 4500 K.
should be compared using a nonparametric test for unpaired
6.3.6.1 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation (see Fig. 3), or
data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two
6.3.6.2 ICI Viewing Cabinet (see Fig. 4).
parties before the testing is started. If a bias is found, either its
6.4 Optional Equipment:
cause must be determined and corrected or the purchaser and
6.4.1 Steam Iron, weighted to 2.3 kg or 5 lb and an ironing
the supplier must agree to interpret future test results in the
board.
light of the known bias.
6.4.2 Automatic Electric Tumble Dryer, as described in
6. Apparatus and Materials AATCC Test Method 135.
6.4.3 Automatic Top-Loading Washer, as described in
6.1 Procedure 1:
7 AATCC Test Method 135.
6.1.1 ABC Snag Tester —(see Fig. 1).
6.4.4 A Heavy Duty Granule Detergent, equivalent to
6.1.2 Specimen Template, 150 by 330 mm or 6 by 13 in.
8 AATCC Standard Detergent 124 as described in AATCC Test
6.1.3 Felt, for 150- by 330-mm or 6- by 13-in. pads.
Method 135. When agreed upon by the purchaser and the
6.1.4 Gage, for ABC Snag Tester, for setting position of
supplier, a substitute detergent that does not include fabric
mace (calibration block).
softener or bleach may be used.
6.1.5 Masking Tape, 25-mm or 1-in. single-face, and 50-mm
6.4.5 Equipment for Drycleaning Specimens, as described in
or 2-in. double face.
Test Methods D 2724.
6.2 Procedure 2:
6.2.1 ICI Mace Snag Tester (see Fig. 2).
7. Safety Precautions
6.2.2 Sample Templates, 205 by 330 mm or 8 by 13 in. for
7.1 Locate the mace snagging tester in a low-traffic area
weft knit fabrics and 205 by 320 mm or 8 by 12.5 in. for woven
because of the danger from the exposed mace(s) and rotating
fabrics and warp knit fabrics.
drum(s).
6.2.3 Felt Sleeves.
9 7.2 Check that all parts of the mace snagging tester are
6.2.4 Gage, for ICI Mace Snag Tester, for setting position
secure and are in good
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