Designation: D3939/D3939M – 10

Standard Test Method for

Snagging Resistance of Fabrics (Mace)1
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 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method determines the snagging resistance of a 2.1 ASTM Standards:4
fabric. D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.2 Studies of fabric snagging have shown that this test D1335 Test Method for Tuft Bind of Pile Yarn Floor
method is suitable for a range of woven and knitted fabrics Coverings
made from textured or untextured filament yarns or spun yarns D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
or combinations of these yarns.2,3 This test method is not D2724 Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated
suitable for (1) open construction fabrics (such as a net) Apparel Fabrics
because the points on the mace will snag the felt pad rather D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel,
than the specimen, (2) very heavy or very stiff fabrics that Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
cannot be made to fit tightly on the drum and felt pad, and (3) D4467 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test
tufted or nonwoven fabrics because the apparatus is designed Method That Produces Non-Normally Distributed Data5
for woven and knitted fabrics. D4850 Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test
1.3 If after using this test method it is found to be too severe Methods
for your fabrics, an alternative method can be used, such as BS D5362 Test Method for Snagging Resistance of Fabrics
8479 Textiles: Method for Determination of the Propensity of (Bean Bag)
Fabrics to Snagging and Related Surface Defects - Rotating 2.2 AATCC Standards:6
Chamber Method. 65 Test Method for Snag Resistance of Women’s Nylon
1.4 The values stated in either acceptable metric units or in Hosiery (see Note 1)
other units shall be regarded separately as the standard. The 135 Test Method for Dimensional Changes in Automatic
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; Home Laundering of Woven and Knit Fabrics
therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, NOTE 1—In 1988, the AATCC voted to withdraw this test method from
without combining values in any way. In case of referee its technical manual; however, the ASTM task group on fabric snagging
decisions, the metric units will prevail. decided it should be listed as an alternative for testing open construction
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the fabrics.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1 For definitions of textile terms used in this test method:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau- (color contrast, in textiles; distortion, in fabrics; protrusion, in
tionary statements are given in Section 7. fabrics; snag, in fabrics; snagging resistance, in fabrics), refer
to Terminology D4850.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
4
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 [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 15, 2010. Published August 2010. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D3939 – 09. DOI: the ASTM website.
5
10.1520/D3939-10. Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
2
Finnigan,J.A., “Laboratory Prediction of the Tendency of a Fabric to Snag on www.astm.org.
6
During Wear,” Textile Institute and Industry, Vol 10 , No. 6, 1972, pp. 164–167. Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
3
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.

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 D3939/D3939M – 10
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
subjected to controlled laboratory tests. This factor should be
4. Summary of Test Method 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 5.6 Snags observed in worn garments vary appreciably in
rotating specimen. Snags are produced to a degree affected by number and appearance. The appearance of a snag depends
a variety of factors. The degree of fabric snagging is then particularly on (1) the degree of color contrast between the
evaluated by comparison of the tested specimens with visual snag and the surrounding area of the fabric or (2) the presence
standards that may be either fabrics or photographs of fabrics. of long distortions or long protrusions. These conditions are
The observed resistance to snagging is reported on a scale not evaluated when snagging is rated solely on the number of
ranging from 5 (no or insignificant snagging) to 1 (very severe snags. See Section 13 for a description of color contrast,
snagging). distortion, and protrusion as used in this test method; and see
Figs. 1 through 3 in Test Method D5362 for pictures of fabric
5. Significance and Use defects due to snagging. Because the overall acceptability of a
5.1 This test method is not considered satisfactory for specific fabric is dependent on both the characteristics of the
acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fabrics because snags and other factors affecting fabric appearance, it is
the between-laboratory precision of the test method is poor (see recommended that fabrics tested in the laboratory be evaluated
15.1). with regard to the defects that may be observed visually and
5.1.1 If there are differences of practical significance be- not rated solely on the number of snags developed. A series of
tween reported test results for two laboratories (or more), visual rating standards (see 6.2.4) may be set up to provide a
comparative test should be performed to determine if there is a basis for the ratings. The visual rating standards are most
statistical significant difference between them, using competent advantageous when the tested laboratory specimens correlate
statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such closely in appearance with fabrics from a wear test, for
a comparative test that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn example, when tested laboratory specimens and fabrics from a
from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in wear test show similar color contrasts. In the preceding
disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in example, a series of fabrics from the wear test would be a good
equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the choice for the fabric standards described in 6.2.4.2.
laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical
test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the 6. Apparatus and Materials
testing series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found 6.1 ICI Mace Snag Tester (see Fig. 1):
and corrected or future testing for that material must be 6.1.1 Specimen Templates, 205 by 330 mm or 8 by 13 in. for
adjusted in consideration of the statistically significant differ- weft knit fabrics and 205 by 320 mm or 8 by 12.5 in. for woven
ences. fabrics and warp knit fabrics.
5.2 This test method may be used for quality control testing 6.1.2 Felt Sleeves, wool or chief weight wool synthetic
of fabrics during manufacturing and product comparisons of blend with thickness of 3.5 6 0.5 mm and weight of 1400 6
different fabrics by manufacturers, retailers, and users. This test 200 g/m2.
method may also be used by researchers to examine the effect 6.1.3 Gage, for setting position of mace (calibration block).
of new fibers, yarns, fabric constructions, and finishes on the 6.1.4 Rubber O-rings.
snagging resistance of fabrics. 6.2 Sewing Machine, with a sewing needle that is appropri-
5.3 This test method may be used to test the snagging ate for the fabric being tested for snagging resistance, or
resistance of most apparel and home furnishings fabrics. 6.2.1 Sharps Hand Sewing Needle.
However, a different test method may be needed for different 6.2.2 Sewing Thread, cotton, Tex ticket 35 to 50, or equiva-
types of fabrics and different end-uses (such as towels, pants, lent polyester and cotton.
and upholstery) (see 5.3.1). 6.2.3 Standard Calibration Fabric, having an established
5.3.1 Some fabrics that may not be suitable for this test snagging resistance rating that has been agreed upon by the
method are described in 1.2. Many open construction fabrics purchaser and the supplier. (No standard calibration fabric has
can be tested for snagging resistance using AATCC Test been specified by Subcommittee D13.59.)
Method 65. The snagging resistance of many pile floor 6.2.4 Visual Rating Standards:
coverings can be tested by Test Method D1335. Test Method 6.2.4.1 Photographic Standards—A series of photographs
D5362 (Bean Bag) may also be considered as an alternative for of tested specimens that show the degrees of snagging, such as
testing the snagging resistance of fabrics. This test method the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) photographs;7 or
does not apply to the ABC Snag Tester.
5.4 Since fabric snagging can be affected by laundering or
drycleaning, it may be advisable to test the snagging resistance
7
of a fabric before and after laundering or drycleaning. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is SDL Atlas LLC, 1813A Associates Lane, Charlotte, NC 28217. If you are aware
5.5 The snagging resistance of a specific fabric varies with of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
individual wearers and general conditions of use. Therefore, it Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
can be expected that garments of the same fabric will show a responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

2
 D3939/D3939M – 10

FIG. 1 ICI Mace Tester

6.2.4.2 Fabric Standards—A series of tested specimens or can get caught in the mace points or moving parts; (2) do not
fabrics from a wear test that show the degrees of snagging (see attempt to change a specimen while the drum is rotating; and
5.6 and Note 2). (3) do not injure your hands on the sharp mace points when
placing a specimen on the drum.
NOTE 2—Fabric standards should be stored and handled under condi-
tions that will preserve their original form and appearance. Mount the
8. Sampling
fabric standards using white poster board or plastic or metal framing.
8.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
6.2.5 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation, for illumination and
take at random the number of rolls of fabric directed in an
simultaneous viewing of specimens and visual rating stan-
applicable material specification or other agreement between
dards:
the purchaser and the supplier. Consider rolls of fabric to be the
6.2.5.1 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation, (see Fig. 2),7
primary sampling unit.
having a single cool white fluorescent (CWF) tube with a
8.2 Laboratory Sampling Unit—As a laboratory sampling
correlated color temperature of 4100 to 4500 K, or
unit for acceptance testing, take a full width swatch 1-m or
6.2.5.2 ICI Viewing Cabinet, (see Fig. 3),7 having a single
1-yd long from the end of each roll of fabric in the lot sample,
cool white fluorescent (CWF) tube with a correlated color
after first discarding the outermost layer of fabric. When
temperature of 4100 to 4500 K.
drycleaning and laundering are to be performed, take addi-
6.3 Optional Equipment:
tional swatches for the laundering and drycleaning tests.
6.3.1 Steam Iron, weighted to 2.3 kg or 5 lb and an ironing
8.3 Specimens—Test four specimens from each swatch in
board.
the laboratory sampling unit. When drycleaning and laundering
6.3.2 Tumble Dryer, as described in AATCC Test
tests are to be performed, test four additional specimens for
Method 135.
drycleaning and four additional specimens for laundering.
6.3.3 Washing Machine, as described in AATCC Test
Method 135. 9. Preparation of the Specimens
6.3.4 Detergent, Heavy Duty Granule, the 1993 AATCC
9.1 When snagging resistance after laundering or dryclean-
Standard Reference Detergent as described in AATCC Test
ing is to be evaluated, launder or dryclean the swatches as
Method 135. When agreed upon by the purchaser and the
directed in 9.1.1 or 9.1.2 before cutting the specimens.
supplier, a substitute detergent that does not include fabric
9.1.1 Laundering—Load the washer with a 3.5-kg or 8-lb
softener or bleach may be used.
total load of swatches that comprise a homogeneous load (for
6.3.5 Equipment for Drycleaning Specimens, as described in
example, same manufacturer, same line, same finishing, and
Test Methods D2724.
same previous care) or a homogeneous group of swatches for
7. Hazards testing and a desized unsoftened group of ballast fabrics. Select
7.1 Locate the mace snag tester in a low-traffic area because normal cycle, warm water temperature, and the 1993 AATCC
of the danger from the exposed mace and rotating drum. Standard Reference Detergent (see Terminology D3136 and
7.2 Check that all parts of the mace snag tester are secure AATCC Test Method 135). Run one machine cycle and do not
and are in good working condition. use softener. Load the dryer with the washed fabrics. Select
7.3 Wear protective gloves when examining the points on normal cycle, medium temperature, and run the dryer for 20
the mace snag tester or removing fibers and yarns from the min or until the fabrics are dry to the touch. Do not use softener
mace points. in the dryer. Do not overdry the fabrics (see Note 3).
7.4 Observe the following safety precautions when operat- NOTE 3—When agreed upon by the purchaser and the supplier, other
ing the tester: (1) do not wear loose or dangling clothing that laundering and drycleaning procedures may be used.

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 D3939/D3939M – 10

Metric Equivalents
in. mm in. mm
⁄
1 32 1 8 203
0.7 18 81⁄2 215
2 50 12 305
4 100 15 380
6 1⁄4 159 211⁄4 540
65⁄16 160 37 940
7 1⁄2 190 40 1020

FIG. 2 Apparatus for Fabric Evaluation

FIG. 3 ICI Viewing Cabinet

9.1.2 Drycleaning—Follow the procedure given in Test the fabric in the lengthwise (machine) direction, cut two
Methods D2724 (see Note 3). specimens, with the shorter dimension parallel to the length-
9.2 Using the template (see 6.1.2 ), cut the following wise direction of the fabric; and (2) for determination of
specimens: (1) for determination of the snagging resistance of snagging resistance of the fabric in the widthwise direction, cut

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 D3939/D3939M – 10
two specimens, with the shorter dimension parallel to the 10.1.1 Position the felt sleeve centrally on the drum, wet it
widthwise direction. Do not take the specimens nearer the with hot water, remove the surplus moisture, and allow to dry
selvage than one tenth the width of the fabric. If possible, completely. Slight heat can be used to accelerate the drying, if
randomize the specimens in such a manner that no two contain necessary. The sleeve will fit tightly on the drum when shrunk.
the same set of yarns. Mark each specimen near an edge to 10.1.2 Replace the felt whenever its surface becomes rough,
indicate the following: (1) the face side that will later be tested has holes, or shows excessive wear (see Note 5).
for snagging resistance, and (2) the type of specimen (
lengthwise or widthwise direction). NOTE 5—As a guide, replace the felt after no more than 200 h of
9.2.1 Similarly cut specimens from laundered or drycleaned running.
swatches, when required. 10.2 Conditioning and Adjustment of Mace
9.3 Fold each specimen face side in and form a sleeve by
10.2.1 Check the points on the mace to be certain that there
sewing a seam parallel to the shorter dimension of the
are no barbs or other damage by feeling the mace points for
specimen at a distance from the edge sufficient for a tight fit on
roughness. Inspect the mace points under a magnifying glass to
the drum (see Note 4). Use a minimum of 0.4 stitches/mm or
10 stitches/in. when machine or hand sewing the seam. show the bad points. Check the mace points daily, or whenever
a mace position is suspected of snagging too severely or
NOTE 4—It might be necessary to vary the distance of the seam line erratically. Replace the worn or damaged mace points.
from the short edges to have a good running test specimen that is smooth
and snug on the drum. The ICI Mace Snag Tester is supplied with a
10.2.2 Adjust the distance of the mace from the drag bar
template for cutting out and marking weft knit fabrics and a template for with the 45-mm or 1.8-in. calibration block, or measure as
cutting out and marking woven fabrics and warp knit fabrics. The weft shown in Fig. 4 by adjusting the screw at the upper coupling.
knit template provides a specimen 205 by 330 mm or 8 by 13 in., and the Check this distance daily or whenever a mace position is
seam line is 30 mm or 11⁄8 in. from the short edge. The woven or warp knit suspected of not working properly.
template is 205 by 320 mm or 8 by 12.5 in., and the seam line is 15 mm
or 5⁄8 in. from the short edge. 10.2.3 Check the mace for freedom of movement in its
socket on the link chain.
9.4 Turn each specimen (sleeve) inside out to expose the
surface for testing. 10.2.4 Set the timing/counting mechanism for 600 total
revolutions (approximately 10 min) and verify that the drum
10. Preparation of Apparatus speed is 6.3 6 0.2 rad/s or 60 6 2 r/min.
10.1 ICI Snag Tester: 10.3 Calibration of Tester

FIG. 4 Adjusting Mace on ICI Snag Tester

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 D3939/D3939M – 10
10.3.1 Check the operation of the snag tester with the ratings for snagging resistance. If possible, replace any blem-
standard calibration fabric. If the equipment is in daily use, ished specimen with a new specimen that has no blemish and
check daily; if testing is infrequent, check the equipment each has been prepared and conditioned as directed in Sections 9
time it is used. and 11. If it is not possible to replace the specimen (for
10.3.2 If the test result obtained on the standard calibration example, the specimen pilled during laundering), record the
fabric is not within a 60.5 rating unit of the established value, fact and exclude the blemish when the specimen is evaluated
run another specimen. If this second specimen is within limits, for snagging resistance.
continue testing; if not, check 10.2.1-10.2.4. Repeat, as re- 12.3 Place a specimen onto the felt-covered drum with the
quired, until a specimen is within limits. face of the specimen outwards and with the seam overlap
flattened to each side of the seam. Secure the specimen to the
11. Conditioning drum by taping the edges with 25-mm or 1-in. single-face
11.1 Preconditioning is not necessary. Place all of the masking tape, half on the specimen and half on the drum or
specimens in the standard atmosphere for testing textiles, with rubber O-rings (see Fig. 5) (see Note 6).
which is 21 6 1°C (70 6 2°F) and 65 6 2 % relative humidity
NOTE 6—If the mace snag tester has more than one drum, half of the
(see Practice D1776), for a minimum of 4 h before testing. specimens being tested should be lengthwise direction specimens and the
While this conditioning does not necessarily result in equilib- other half should be widthwise direction specimens.
rium moisture content in the specimens, it is deemed adequate
for the purposes of this test method. 12.4 Position the mace (Fig. 4) to allow freedom of move-
ment over the entire drum surface.
12. Procedure 12.5 Set the counter for 600 revolutions (approximately a
12.1 Test all specimens in the standard atmosphere for 10-min test) and operate the mace snag tester.
testing textiles, which is 21 6 1°C (70 6 2°F) and 65 6 2 % 12.6 Remove the specimens from the drums.
relative humidity. 12.7 Fold the specimen with the seam in the center and to
12.2 Inspect the specimens for the presence of any blemish the back of the specimen.
such as accidental snags, pills, etc., which could affect the 12.8 Optional:

(a) Specimen Cut from Fabric

(c) End View of Mounted (d) Side View of Mounted

Specimen Specimen
FIG. 5 Preparation and Mounting of Specimen

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 D3939/D3939M – 10
12.8.1 Place the side of the specimen to be rated facing the For rating number 5, insignificant snagging means a few
ironing board (seam facing down). snags are present (approximately 1 to 4 snags are present). The
12.8.2 Preheat the steam iron to 170°C (338°F), or to the ICI snagging standards have photographs showing intermedi-
safe ironing temperature for the specific fibers in the fabric. ate values (see Note 7). For standards that do not have
12.8.3 Steam-iron the specimen in both fabric directions for intermediate values, an intermediate value can be assigned
a total of 10 to 12 s, using only the weight of the iron for when the appearance of a specimen falls roughly equidistant
pressure. between that of two whole number rating standards, for
example 2-3, 3-4.
13. Evaluation NOTE 8—The outer dimensions of the ICI photographic snagging
13.1 General—Choose the visual rating standards (see standards are 130 by 95 mm or 5.2 by 3.8 in., and the evaluation area of
6.2.4) and the apparatus for fabric evaluation (see 6.2.5). The each specimen should be the same size as the standard. It is recommended
that a standard specimen viewing mask be used to be sure the evaluation
ICI photographic snagging standards (see Note 7) and the area of each specimen is the same size as the outer dimensions of the ICI
apparatus for fabric evaluation (see Fig. 2) are recommended. photographic snagging standards. This mask can be made of approxi-
See 13.1.1 through 13.1.4 for general information about snags, mately 2-mm or 0.1-in. thick poster board, plastic or metal. For the ICI
protrusions, distortions and color contrasts. photographic snagging standards, the white mask for the specimen should
13.1.1 For the purpose of this test method, a snag is created have a center cutout of 130 by 95 mm or 5.2 by 3.8 in., and the outer
dimensions should be large enough so the mask can sit on the base of the
when an object pulls, plucks, scratches, or drags a group of
apparatus for fabric evaluation (see Fig. 2).
fibers, a yarn, or a yarn segment from its normal pattern. Snags
NOTE 9—Rating standards assembled from tested specimens of the
can be classified into three types: (1) snags that have a types of fabrics tested, representing the level of snagging equivalent to
protrusion and no distortion, (2) snags that have a distortion each of the five rating steps, are valuable as a reference to ensure
and no protrusion, and (3) snags that have both a protrusion uniformity in rating. Individual laboratories should have available rating
and a distortion. standards for each type of fabric of particular interest.
13.1.2 For the purpose of this test method, a protrusion is a NOTE 10—When rating the specimens, the rater’s eyes must be approxi-
visible group of fibers, a yarn, or a yarn segment that extends mately 300 mm or 12 in. from the fabric surface. This is the rating distance
above the fabric surface. used in 6.2.5.1.
13.1.3 For the purpose of this test method, a distortion is 13.2.1 For each laboratory sampling unit, calculate the
characterized by a group of fibers, a yarn, or a yarn segment average rating of the lengthwise direction specimens to the
that is displaced from its normal pattern so that there is a nearest 0.1 scale unit.
visible change in the texture of the fabric; however, the 13.2.2 For each laboratory sampling unit, calculate the
displaced group of fibers, yarn, or yarn segment does not average rating of the widthwise direction specimens to the
extend above the fabric surface. Distortions include conditions nearest 0.1 scale unit.
where (1) tension on a snagged yarn has changed the size of 13.2.3 For each laboratory sampling unit, calculate the
some of the loops within a knitted fabric and the result is a overall average rating by averaging the observations from all
pucker on the surface of the fabric, and (2) tension on a the specimens to the nearest 0.1 scale unit.
snagged yarn has caused the yarn to break off within a woven 13.2.4 For each laboratory sampling unit, examine the
fabric and the result is a change in the texture where the yarn specimens to determine whether color contrasts, long distor-
used to be. tions (longer than 15 mm or 0.6 in.), or long protrusions
13.1.4 For the purpose of this test method, a color contrast (longer than 4 mm or 0.15 in.) are present. If at least half of the
is a visible color difference between a snag and the immediate specimens have color contrasts, long distortions, or long
surrounding area of the fabric that has no defects. Color protrusions, then these attributes should be reported (see
contrasts often occur when printed fabrics are snagged. 14.2.6). For standards that differ only in the number of
NOTE 7—The ICI photographic snagging standards consist of a set of protrusions (see Note 7), also report the presence of short
nine photoreplicas in which the intermediate rating is indicated as 3-4, 2-3, distortions (shorter than or equal to 15 mm or 0.6 in.) if short
etc. Because the ICI standards differ only in the number of protrusions, it distortions were found on at least half of the specimens.
is recommended that appearance changes, such as color contrasts, also be 13.3 If other visual rating standards or apparatus for fabric
reported (see 14.2.6). evaluation were selected in 13.1 (such as fabric standards or
13.2 If the ICI photographic snagging standards and the the ICI viewing cabinet), the evaluation procedures described
apparatus for fabric evaluation (see Fig. 2) have been selected, in 13.2-13.2.4 will have to be adapted to the standards and
rate the appearance of the face (as indicated by markings) of equipment actually used (see Note 10).
each specimen. Rate for density of snagging on the face side
opposite the seam on an evaluation area corresponding to the 14. Report
area of the rating standards being used (see Note 8), in 14.1 State that the specimens were tested as directed in this
accordance with the following scale (see Notes 9 and 10): test method. Describe the material or product sampled and the
5 no or insignificant snagging method of sampling used.
4 slight snagging
3 moderate snagging
14.2 Report the following information:
2 severe snagging 14.2.1 Method of preparation of the specimens, including
1 very severe snagging the use of laundering or drycleaning.

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 D3939/D3939M – 10
TABLE 1 Interlaboratory Test of the Mace Test Method and four specimens (two lengthwise direction and two width-
Material wise direction specimens) for each material. Because the test
Laboratory
A B C D E F Average results of the Mace Test Method are expressed as nine rating
I 3.5 4.3 4.5 4.3 3.8 5.0 4.2 steps or grades, the data from this study fit a non-normal
II 3.0 3.9 3.8 4.1 3.5 4.5 3.8 distribution. Table 1 gives the results from the interlaboratory
III 2.3 2.7 2.8 3.7 2.8 4.1 3.1 study, with each datum within the body of the table being a
IV 2.8 3.6 3.8 4.5 3.4 4.9 3.8
Average 2.9 3.6 3.7 4.1 3.4 4.6 mean of four specimens (these data are from Finnigan’s Table
1—Assessment X). Using the Friedman Rank-Sum Test de-
scribed in Practice D4467, the Friedman Rank-Sum Statistic
14.2.2 Duration of test in number of revolutions, if other for the difference between laboratories was calculated by the
than 600. D13.59 snagging task group to be 14.55. This statistic is
14.2.3 Visual rating standards and apparatus for fabric significant at the 5 % level of significance, indicating that the
evaluation used to rate the specimens. laboratories were obtaining different test results for each
14.2.4 Whether the specimens were ironed or not and, if so, material.
at what temperature. 15.1.1 Using a different type of analysis, Finnigan con-
14.2.5 For each laboratory sampling unit, the average of all cluded that significant interlaboratory differences did exist, so
of the lengthwise direction specimens and the average of all of all of the specimens were sent to one laboratory to be rated by
the widthwise direction specimens. one experienced rater. For each of the materials, when the
14.2.6 For each laboratory sampling unit, the overall aver- specimens were re-evaluated by one experienced rater, there
age of all specimens and any appearance changes (see 13.2.4) was good agreement among the test results from the specimens
in the specimens. snagged by different laboratories. Finnigan concluded that the
14.2.7 If laundering tests were conducted, repeat -14.2.6 for effect of the machines was not significant, but the effect of
the laundered specimens. having raters with various levels of training was significant.
14.2.8 If drycleaning tests were conducted, repeat -14.2.6 Finnigan recommended that all raters use the same rating
for the drycleaned specimens. procedures to obtain consistent test results.
15.1.2 A way to develop more consistent rating procedures
15. Precision and Bias among the raters would be to have a set of snagged specimens
15.1 Precision8—The results of an interlaboratory study of that have been evaluated by experienced raters and then to
the ICI Mace Tester were reported by J. A. Finnigan.9 This circulate the specimens and correct ratings among the labora-
interlaboratory study had six bulked-polyester double-jersey tories for training new operators.
materials, four laboratories, one operator at each laboratory, 15.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
because the value of this property can be defined only in terms
8
of a test method.
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D13-
1081. 16. Keywords
9
See footnote 2 for the reference. Written permission to use the data from the
Finnigan study was obtained from The Textile Institute. 16.1 knitted fabric; snagging resistance; woven fabric

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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