In the textile industry, Wyzenbeek and Martindale are two familiar names. They are tests for abrasion and friction on fabrics, from which conclusions are drawn about the durability and quality of the material. In the furniture industry, reputable brands are interested and carefully research the above two tests to choose the most suitable and best materials for their products. In this article, let's explore with Epione the reasons why the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests are important and increasingly popular in the furniture industry.
What are the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests?
The Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests are two commonly used methods for predicting the strength of materials. These two methods are named after the two inventors, Andrew Wyzenbeek and JG Martindale.
However, they are tests that test different attributes and these are separate tests. So success in one test does not mean that the other test will be successful.
Martindale is the preferred test in Europe, while Wyzenbeek is preferred in North America. Wyzenbeek is commonly used for synthetic fibers and Martindale is commonly used for wool and natural fibers.
Wyzenbeek Test
The Wyzenbeek test ( ASTM D4157 ) is considered the standard method for measuring the abrasion resistance of fabrics in North America. In this method, a piece of cotton canvas ( cotton duck ) or wire screen is clamped on a special machine and rubbed against the fabric being tested. The machine starts moving in two perpendicular directions (back and forth along the warp and weft) until they show signs of wear.
For example, a fabric sample is tested after 5,000 Double Rubs and if the fabric still holds its strength, it is subjected to another 5,000-fold cycle. Once visible fraying or two fiber breaks occur, the end point is reached and the fabric’s abrasion resistance is rated according to the end point (final score) it has passed.
Some terms to note:
- Each back and forth motion is a “double rub”.
- Cotton canvas or wire screen acts as an abrasive .
- The 'end point' is determined when the test fabric specimen has two consecutive yarns broken. The test is stopped and the result is recorded at that point.
Wyzenbeek fabric abrasion tester at Materialised (Source: materialised.com.au)
Typically, cotton canvas is the common abrasive used in Wyzenbeek tests. However, there are also some cases where a piece of metal mesh is used as the abrasive. These cases are often used on fabrics that are known to have extremely high abrasion resistance, such as olefin.
After testing, the fabric that meets the standard for commercial purposes of household items must reach 15,000 times of double rubbing, 30,000 times for larger commercial purposes (restaurants, conference rooms, hotels, etc.). In addition, the requirement may be higher than 30,000 times for large commercial purposes such as stadiums, theaters, etc.
Below is a table of results from testing Wyzenbeek and residential applications (Double Rubs for Residential Applications).
| Double Rubs | Abrasion resistance level | Application |
|---|---|---|
| < 3,000 | Delicate Duty | Home decoration: curtains, drapes, pillows… |
| 3,000 - 9,000 | Light Duty | Basic or rarely used furniture |
| 9,000 - 15,000 | Medium Duty | Flexible in living room furniture, other family rooms... |
| > 30,000 | Heavy Duty | Ideal for living room, family room or busy commercial area |
Evaluation table of Wyzenbeek testing results and applications in medium and large commercial businesses (Double Rubs for Commercial Applications).
| Double Rubs | Abrasion resistance level | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 15,000 | Contract Upholstery Minimum | Types of cushion covers |
| 15,000 - 30,000 | Heavy Duty | Conference room, hotel room, dining area |
| > 30,000 | Extra-Heavy Duty | Used in stations, airports, stadiums… |
Martindale Test
Martindale ( ASTM D4966 ) is the preferred test in Europe and has been internationally recognized for measuring the abrasion resistance of fabrics. In this method, a special oscillating machine rubs the fabric in a rotating figure-8 pattern against a piece of wool or metal mesh.
In this, each 8 is a cycle and the wool cloth or metal mesh is the abrasive.
While the Wyzenbeek test measures wear only in a back-and-forth motion, the Martindale test measures wear resistance in multiple directions.
The results of the Martindale test are shown as the number of cycles completed before the fabric begins to show signs of wear. If two or more yarns break, pilling, or holes are present, this is considered a sign of wear. Below are the results and practical applications of the Martindale test.
| Number of cycles | Abrasion resistance level | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 | Light Use | Occasionally used in domestic production |
| 15,000 | Light Duty | Use for light indoor products |
| 20,000 | Light Duty | Used for many household products |
| 25,000 | General Use | Used for many household products |
| 30,000 | Heavy Duty Use | Widely used for high demand civil products |
Martindale fabric abrasion tester at Materialized (Source: materialised.com.au)
It may seem like the higher the number, the better the quality, but that’s not always true. For example, a score of 100,000 double rubs/cycle doesn’t necessarily mean a textile will last forever. There are many factors that affect the overall durability of a fabric: how it’s used, how it’s cleaned, how it’s cared for, etc. Just because a piece of fabric is labeled 300,000 rubs doesn’t mean it will last 10 times longer than a piece of fabric labeled 30,000 rubs.
The actual performance of a fabric is often determined by many factors such as fiber content, weave, finish, maintenance, cleaning and usage. Fabric durability is a complex combination of a number of performance tests, which in addition to abrasion include seam slippage, pilling, strength and so on.
Important applications of the Wyzenbeek and Martindale test in the furniture industry
Wyzenbeek and Martindale are two indispensable methods when testing fabric quality in the interior design and manufacturing industry. They play an important role in ensuring the quality and durability of products before reaching the users. The two Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests are really of interest to furniture manufacturers for the following 5 reasons:
1. Ensure product quality
Wyzenbeek and Martindale help evaluate the abrasion resistance of fabrics and other materials. Abrasion resistance is an important indicator of the durability and longevity of furniture products over time. Using materials that have passed the Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests ensures that the product will not deteriorate or lose its properties during regular use.
2. Choose the right material
Wyzenbeek and Martindale help designers and manufacturers choose the right fabric for each type of interior product. Depending on the level of use and the environment, they can choose fabrics with the right abrasion resistance, from light products such as indoor curtains to heavy products such as ergonomic chairs , carpets…
Choosing the right materials helps manufacturers create products that ensure the desired quality.
3. Increase aesthetics and professionalism
Not only ensuring durability, materials that pass the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests also contribute to ensuring the aesthetics and quality of interior products. Using fabrics that have passed the abrasion resistance test helps the product retain its original shape and not deform after a period of use.
4. Create trust for customers
Wyzenbeek and Martindale are not only small tests within a country but also internationally recognized. Using materials that have passed the Wyzenbeek and Martindale tests helps build customer confidence. Users will feel more secure knowing that the furniture they buy is highly resistant to wear and tear, durable over time and is a product worth “paying for”.
5. Optimize product performance
The use of highly abrasion-resistant fabrics optimizes the performance and longevity of furniture products. This means that users and manufacturers have less to worry about when it comes to repairs, replacements and product warranties.
For example, ergonomic chairs are often found in serious environments such as offices, classrooms or professional workspaces. The use of quality fabrics, tested for wear resistance by Martindale and Wyzenbeek, helps maintain the aesthetics and quality of the product over time.
Standard materials help reduce worries about damage, warranty, and replacement after a period of use.
Overall, the Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests are not the be-all and end-all, but they are also important tools for selecting materials to create quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing furniture products. Martindale and Wyzenbeek not only create excellent furniture products, but they can also help brands position themselves in the marketplace. In addition, these two tests help consumers better understand the fabrics and furniture products they intend to own.
