MARTINDALE ABRASION AND

PILLING TESTER
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

Rev. 1.0

SDL Atlas, Ltd SDL Atlas, Ltd.

P.O. Box 162, Crown Royal, 3J, Garment Centre, 576 Castle
Shawcross St., Peak Road, Kowloon, Hong
Stockport SK1 3JW, England Kong
Tel: +44 (0)161 480 8485 Tel: (852) 2173 8611
Fax: +44 (0)161 480 8580 Fax: (852) 2370 2949
www.sdlatlas.com www.sdlatlas.com

SDL Atlas, LLC

3934 Airway Drive, Rock Hill,
SC 29732,USA
Tel: +1 (803) 329-2110
Fax: + 1 (803) 329-2133
www.sdlatlas.com
 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

NOTE:

This apparatus is professional equipment that shall be operated by

authorized persons only. The operator should have received
appropriate training.
1. Before operating, read the instruction manual first.
2. Do not block the ventilation opening.
3. The apparatus shall be located in a dry location. To reduce
the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to
moisture or water.
4. High voltage inside, do not open the enclosure. Take the unit
to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary
repairs.
5. Clean the apparatus with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner only.
The apparatus shall be isolated from mains supply prior to
cleaning.
6. Connect the unit to the power outlet only with the supplied
power supply cable. Do not modify the supplied cable.
7. The apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet
with a protective earth connection.
8. In order to completely disconnect the apparatus from the
supply mains, the mains plug of the power supply cable
should be unplugged from the mains outlet.
9. The mains outlet shall be located in a user accessible
position for ease of unplugging.
10. WARNING LABELS;

Symbol Reference Description

IEC 60417-5031 Direct current
IEC 60417-5032 Alternating current
IEC 60417-5017 Earth (ground) terminal
IEC 60417-5019 Protective conductor
terminal
IEC 60417-5007 On (supply)
IEC 60417-5008 Off (supply)
Caution, risk of electric
shock
IEC 60417-0434 Caution, risk of danger
(see note)

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

11. Before using the Martindale, Please remove the blue

protective film on the Abrading Table.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Due to the potential hazards associated with any electrical
instrument it is important that the user is familiar with the
instructions covering the capabilities, and the operation of the
instrument. The user should ensure that all reasonable safety
precautions are followed and if any doubt should seek professional
advice before proceeding.

The instrument is designed for use by suitably trained, competent

personnel in a controlled working environment and is intended for
use as an abrasion and pilling tester only.

The instrument contains moving parts and while all reasonable

steps have been taken to protect personnel associated with these
moving parts, incorrect or mis-use of the instrument could result in
injury.
Consideration should be given to the nature of these moving parts
before setting up the instrument.

The instrument is intended to be used in a residential, commercial

and light industrial environment as laid down in EN 50081-1.

SDL Atlas cannot be held responsible for any unauthorised

modifications to this unit.

WARNING
This unit contains moving parts and hazardous live voltages. Under
no circumstance should the user try to prevent or restrict the
movement of parts or gain access to the internal circuitry, either
personally or with the aid of foreign bodies.
All ventilation slots must be kept clear.

PROVISION FOR LIFTING AND CARRYING

When unpacking or moving this unit extreme care is required,
owing to its physical construction and weight.
It is recommended that accepted lifting and carrying procedures are
employed and that personnel wear the appropriate protective
equipment e.g. safety shoes.
If the unit is to be move an appreciable distance/height it is

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

recommended that it is moved via a suitable vehicle e.g. a fork lift

truck.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
This unit is intended to be used in a residential, commercial and
light industrial environment as laid down in BSEN 50081-1 and
BSEN 50082-1.
The following list gives examples of locations in which the
instrument might be located; workshops, laboratories and service
centres.

CLIMATIC ENVIRONMENT
The unit is intended to operate within the following conditions
i) temp 5-55 deg Celsius
ii) humidity 30-95% RH
iii) Altitude <2000m above sea level.

And is intended to be stored in a temp range of –25 - +25 deg

Celsius.

ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

This unit complies with EN 61010-1: 2001 safety Requirements for

Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory
Use.

INSTALLATION CATEGORY AND POLLUTION

DEGREE
Installation category II
Pollution Degree 2

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

AC 220/240V/50Hz or AC 110/120V/60Hz
Fuse requirements:
Appliance inlet: F2.5AL 220/240V or F2.5AL 110/120V
Control circuit (F1): T500mAL 250V

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................... 2
1.1 THE M235 ............................................................................................... 2
1.2 FEATURES OF THE M235 ........................................................................... 2
1.3 STANDARDS ............................................................................................... 2
1.4 LIST OF MATERIALS ..................................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTALLATION ..................................... 4
2.1 MACHINE SETTINGS - ABRASION .................................................................. 4
2.2 MACHINE SETTINGS - PILLING ...................................................................... 4
2.3 MACHINE SETTINGS AT SUBSEQUENT CALIBRATIONS ...................................... 4
2.4 CALIBRATION CHECKS................................................................................. 5
SECTION 3 INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY ............................................... 5
3.1 ASSEMBLY FOR ABRASION TESTING .............................................................. 6
3.2 ASSEMBLY FOR PILLING TESTING ................................................................. 7
3.3 ASSEMBLY FOR STRAIGHT LINE TESTING ...................................................... 8
3.4 CHANGING THE TYPE OF MOTION ............................................................... 9
SECTION 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE M235......................... 10
4.2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (FOR SPECIFIC TEST DETAILS SEE PAGE 21) ............ 14
4.3 PREPARATION OF APPARATUS, TEST SPECIMENS AND CONDITIONING. ............. 15
SECTION 5 TESTING PROCEDURES .......................................................... 18
5.1 SAMPLE PREPARATION - ABRASION............................................................. 18
5.2 SAMPLE PREPARATION - PILLING ................................................................ 19
5.3 TEST PROCEDURE - ABRASION .................................................................. 20
5. 4 TEST PROCEDURE – PILLING .................................................................... 21
SECTION 6 CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE........................................ 24
6.1 CALIBRATION ............................................................................................ 24
6.2 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................... 25
SECTION 7 SPARES AND CONSUMABLES ................................................ 26

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The M235

The M235 Abrasion and Pilling Tester is used to determine the

abrasion and pilling resistance of all kinds of textile structures.
Samples are rubbed against abradents at low pressures and the
amount of pilling or abrasion is compared against standard
parameters.

1.2 Features of the M235

The unique design of the M235 allows tests to be set up and

examined without lifting the top motion plate. The equipment is
supplied with individual sample counters and pre determining batch
totalisers. Fitted with a link function, it allows the user to run many
different tests at the same time. Speed can be varied for accelerated
testing. The equipment comes with all sample holders, a choice of
loading weights and a pressing weight to ensure correct loading of
the abradent fabric.

1.3 Standards

The M235 Martindale complies with the following standards:

► ASTM Standard D 4966 (Abrasion)
► ASTM Standard D 4970 (Pilling)
► BS 5690:1991 (Superseded by BS EN ISO 12947-1)
► BS 3424: Part 24 (Method 27A)
► BS EN ISO 12947-1
► BS EN ISO 12945-2
► Finnish Standard SFS 4328
► Indian Standard IS 12673 (Plano Abrasion- Method 1)
► IWS/ Wool Bureau TM 112 (Abrasion)
► IWS/ Wool Bureau TM 196 (Pilling)
► IWTO-40-88 (E)
► Japanese Standard J.I.S. L 1096
► M&S P17 and 19
► SATRA PM31 (Including wet test)
► Swiss Standards SN 198 525 and SN 198 529

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

It is essential that reference be made to the appropriate standard as

well as to performance specifications issued by your customers.

1.4 List of Materials

.The Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester is shipped with the following
items:

• 1 Main Machine

• 4 Specimen holder

• 8 Specimen holder spindle

• 4 9Kap weight

• 4 12Kap weight

• 1 Pen

• 1 Block(with handle)

• 1 Fuse(5F, 2.5A, 250V)

• 2 Power cable (EUR&BS)

• 1 CD for Instruction Manual

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

SECTION 2 SPECIFICATIONS AND

INSTALLATION

2.1 Machine Settings - Abrasion

rotational speed of each of the outer pegs 47.5+/-2.5RPM

(see note 1)
Drive ratio of outer: inner pegs 16:15
Total stroke of outer peg 60.5+/-0.5mm
Total stroke of inner peg 60.5+/-0.5mm
Face diameter of specimen holder insert 28.65+/-0.05mm
Parallelism of plate and abrading tables(see < 0.05mm
note 2)
Circumferential parallelism(see note 3) < 0.05mm
Combined total mass of specimen holder, 595+/-7g OR
spindle and loading weight 795+/-7g

2.2 Machine Settings - Pilling

Total stroke of the outer peg 24.0+/-0.5mm

Total stroke of the inner peg 24+/-0.5mm
Abrasion area of the specimen holder 64 sq cm
Mass of specimen holder, ring and spindle (for 155g+/- 1g
knitted fabrics
Mass of specimen holder, spindle and weight 415 +/- 2g
(for woven fabrics)

2.3 Machine Settings at subsequent calibrations

Rotational speed of each of the outer pegs 47.5+/-2.5RPM

(see note 1)
Lissajous figure dimensions 60.5+/-0.5mm
Face dimension of the specimen holder insert 28.65+/-0.25mm
Parallelism of plate and abrading tables < 0.05mm
(see note 2)
Maximum circumferential parallelism <0.05MM
(see note 2)
Combined total mass of specimen holder, 595g+/-7g OR
spindle and weight 795+/-7g

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

NOTE 1
The machine should be checked over a period of 5 minutes using a
stopwatch.
The counter should also be checked to ensure proper function.

NOTE 2
Parallelism should be measured using a dial gauge clamped in turn
to each specimen bearing housing the machine should be switched
on and the maximum and minimum readings taken from a dial
gauge for each station.
The circumferential parallelism of the test piece holder assembly
when inserted into each station can be checked by means of the
appropriate feeler gauges.

2.4 Calibration Checks

If the M235 is being used on tests where end point is defined by a

change in colour, then to ensure that the machine is correctly set,
start the machine using a specimen of plain dark pigment printed
fabric.
Proceed for 7000 cycles then examine the specimen for colour
change. If this is not even then the machine is not correctly set and
the machine setting listed above should be checked. It is
recommended that this is checked regularly depending on usage.

If the laboratory is using broken ends or weight loss as the end point
then two reference fabrics relevant to the work of the laboratory
should be used at frequent intervals conducting the full test to the
end point.
If uneven wear is suggested between the testing positions or
between machines the settings should be checked.

SECTION 3 INSTALLATION AND

ASSEMBLY
The Three Types of Motion Available

The M235 Martindale offers three types of motion to

perform different tests:

Abrasion Test (Lissajous Figure: 60.5 mm stroke length)

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

Pilling Test (Lissajous Figure: 24.0mm stroke length)

Straight Line Test
The set up for each of the three tests is described in 3.4. When
delivered, the machine is set up for the Abrasion Test (Lissajous
Figure), i.e. a straight line, which becomes a gradually widening
ellipse, until it forms another straight line in the opposite direction.

3.1 Assembly for Abrasion Testing

The machine is normally dis-assembled for shipping and should be

re-assembled for abrasion testing as follows:
Drive shaft

Motion plate Bearing housing

Support

Abrading table

LCD
Keyboard
Block spanner

1. Place the M235 on a firm level bench. The machine has 4

adjustable feet to allow for levelling.

2. Ensure that the three bearing support blocks are correctly

positioned such that the total stroke length is 60.5mm. The
bearing support blocks should be in position A (see figure 1
below)

Drive Crank Bearing Support Block

Figure 1 (Abrasion Motion)

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

If this is not the case, then the block has to be moved. Lift out
the bearing support block and move it into the correct position
on the drive crank.

3. Carefully lower the motion parts so that each of the three bearing
support blocks slot into the three drive slots. Ensure that the top
plate is resting on the three captive bearings in the support units.

The top motion plate is positioned correctly with respect to the

casing of the machine.

4. Connect to the electricity supply with the cable provided.

3.2 Assembly for Pilling Testing

1. Place the machine on a firm and level bench.

2. Ensure that the three bearing support blocks are correctly

positioned such that the total stroke length is 24.0mm. The
bearing support blocks should be in position C (see figure 2
below)

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

Bearing Support Block

Figure 2 (Pilling Motion)

3. Separate the spindles from the abrasion sample holders &

9KPa weight or 12KPa weight.

4. Push the spindles into the pilling sample holders which are
alloy with a diameter of 90mm.

5. Carefully lower the motion parts so that each of the three

bearing support blocks slot into the three drive slots. Ensure
that the top plate is resting on the three captive bearings in the
support units.

6. Connect to the electricity supply with the cable supplied.

3.3 Assembly for Straight Line Testing

1. Place the machine on a firm and level bench.

3. Position the bearing support blocks in position A on the two

outer drive cranks and position B for the central drive crank.
(see figure 3 below)

Outer Inner Outer

Figure 3 (Straight Line Motion)

4. Carefully lower the motion parts so that each of the three

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

bearing support blocks slot into the three drive slots. Ensure
that the top plate is resting on the three captive bearings in the
support units.

5. Connect to the electricity supply with the cable supplied.

3.4 Changing the Type of Motion

Changing the motion involves moving one or more of the

bearing support blocks to a new position on the drive crank.

First ensure the machine is stationary.

Remove the sample holders (if fitted) and gently remove the top
plate.
Lift out the bearing support block and re-locate in the position
appropriate to the test to be performed.

For an abrasion test: All 3-bearing support blocks must be in

position A
For a pilling test: All 3-bearing support blocks must be in position C
For a straight line test: The two outer bearing support blocks must
be in position A and the inner bearing support block in position B

Carefully lower the motion plate so that each of the three bearing
support blocks slot into the three drive slots. Ensure that the top
plate is resting on the three captive bearings in the support units.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

SECTION 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE M235

The unit has four operating modes:-

a) Single Preset Mode

b) Multi Preset Mode
c) Speed
d) Calibration

a) Single Preset Mode: - Only a single preset value can be

entered into the preset counter. Once the preset number of
rubs has been completed the unit will automatically stop and
an alarm will sound signalling the end of test. Each individual
counter can be set to count or to hold. On completion of a test
pressing “start” will reset total counter and repeat the test.

b) Multi Preset Mode: - Allows a series of preset counters to be

entered giving the option of running different tests at the same
time. E.g. two tests requiring different values of presets, first
test requires three samples and second test requires one
sample. Link abrading stations 1, 2 and 3 together and enter
the preset value required for this test. Link abrading stations 4
and enter the preset value required for this test. When first
preset value is reached the unit will automatically stop and an
alarm will sound. The first test samples can then be removed.
Press “start” to continue the test until the other preset value is
reached. Machine will automatically stop and sound the alarm
signalling the end of test. Up to 4 preset counters can be
stored. Any counter not linked to a preset is automatically
turned off. On test completion the multi presets have to be
reset and re-entered to begin a new test.
c) Speed:-This Martindale provide 4 selectable test speeds.
Standard speed 47.5rpm presetted as default speed, you can
get into the sub-menu to select different speeds for your own
tests
d) Calibration Mode: - This is the same as the single preset mode
only the preset value is automatically fixed to 16 (the amount
of rubs required to complete one full lissajous pattern). This
mode allows for the calibration/verification of the lissajous
patterns. When preset reached press “start” to repeat test for

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

next abrading station.

4.1 Operation

1. Ensure that the machine is connected to the mains supply and

the “on” switch at the right hand side of the machine is
switched on. The power on light will illuminate.

2. The SDL Atlas Logo will appear on the main screen and after
approx. 2 seconds will automatically change to the opening
screen where company details are displayed.

Delay 2 second

3. Press any key to continue. The main screen will appear. The
current mode and speed is indicated in the bottom right
corner.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

4.1.1 Single Preset Mode

1. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Menu”

2. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Single Preset”. After

mode selected, program returns to main screen.
3. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Set counters”

4. Press “1-4” to change any of the individual counters

5. To change the running total counter, press “ ” and
“Enter” to select “Total counter”
6. Press “0” to reset all counters
7. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Preset Counter”, then
“0-4” and “Enter” to input preset value
8. Press “ ” to return to main screen
9. Press “Start” to begin test.

4.1.2 Multi Preset Mode

1. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Menu”

2. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Multi Preset”.
3. Press “1-4” to select the abrading stations to be linked to

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

the first preset value

4. Press “Enter” and then press “0-4” to enter multi preset

no.1 value. Press “Enter” when correct

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the required number of presets.

6. Press “ ” to return to main screen
7. Press “Start” to begin test.

4.1.3 Speed Selection

1. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Menu”

2. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Speed”

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

3. Press “ ”and “Enter” to select required speed. After

selection, program returns to main screen.

Note: There are four speed settings to choose from:-

1) 47.5rpm (standard speed)
2) 23.8rpm (0.5 x standard speed)
3) 59.4rpm (1.25 x standard speed)
4) 71.3rpm (1.5 x standard speed)

4.1.4 Calibration Mode

1. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Menu”

2. Press “ ” and “Enter” to select “Calibration”. After mode
selected, program returns to main screen.

3. Press “Start” to begin.

4.2 General instructions (for specific test details see page 21)

ENSURE THAT ALL MECHANICAL COMPONENTS ARE

CORRECTLY POSITIONED BEFORE PROCEEDING FURTHER.

1. Load the samples into the specimen holders

2. Place the specimen holders onto the tables.
3. Start the test by pressing the start button.
4. The machine will continue to operate until the number of
cycles reached equals the number which has been pre set on
the batch counter. At this point the machine will automatically
stop and an audible alarm will sound to tell the operator that
the test has finished.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

5. To stop this alarm, press any button.

6. After the test has been deemed to be finished, remove the
samples from the specimen holders and mount on a piece of
white card. Take a note of the number of rubs conducted to
get to this end point.

The machine may be manually stopped at any time by

pressing the stop button.

4.3 Preparation of apparatus, test specimens and conditioning.

4.3.1 Preparation of apparatus

1. For conducting tests for abrasion according to:

BS5690
ISO 12947
BS3424
M&S P19
M&S P19B
IWS TM 112
The abrasion table should be covered with a circle of felt which
is either woven or non woven (non woven only for M&S testing).
These felts are both available from SDL Atlas. The abrasion tables
should then be covered with the standard abradent fabric. This
should conform to ISO 12947 – 1 and is available from SDL Atlas.

2. For conducting tests for pilling, the abrasion table is first

covered with the standard felt as described above and then the

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

tables are covered with a piece of the test specimen.

3. For testing for abrasion the specimen holders should be loaded

with firstly a piece of standard foam (available from SDL Atlas) and
then the sample under test.

4. For testing for Pilling the sample holder is firstly covered with a
piece of felt and then with the sample under test.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

4.3.2 Conditioning
All samples and standard fabrics should be conditioned in the
standard atmosphere for testing
All abrasion and pilling testing should be carried out in the
standard atmosphere for testing:
20°C ±2°and
65%RH±2%

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SECTION 5 TESTING PROCEDURES

5.1 Sample preparation - Abrasion

1. After conditioning of the samples and standard fabrics, from the

test fabric cut 4 samples according to the capacity of the
machine.
These samples should be cut 38mm diameter this can be
achieved using the M235A cutter.
Cut the same number of samples out of the foam.
From the standard abradent fabric cut the required number of
samples (one for each station), these samples should be cut
140mm diameter. This can be achieved using the M235AB
cutter.
2. Take one of the specimen holders, and unscrew the bottom of
the holder which will reveal a nut, an insert and a holder.
3. Place the nut in the metal spanner device which is attached to
the front of the machine.
4. Place one of the cut samples FACE DOWN in this nut.
5. Place one of the cut pieces of foam on top of this sample.
6. Place the metal insert on top of this with the flat side down.
7. Screw the holder back onto this arrangement ensuring that the
sample lies parallel, this will be achieved if pressure is applied
while screwing the holder back together. Repeat this procedure
for each abrading table.

NOTE: ALL THE PARTS FOR ONE ABRADING STATION ARE

NUMBERED. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CORRECTLY
NUMBERED PIECES ARE USED AT THE CORRECT ABRADING
STATION. E.g. ALL PIECES MARKED WITH THE NUMBER 1
SHOULD ALL BE ASSEMBLED TOGETHER AND USED AT
STATION 1.

8. Connect the power cable and turn on the switch, Press any
button to enter the main screen (if the power wasn’t connected
before)
9. Press “STEP” button, the motion plate will stop at one of the two
positions which are the front and back direction. This gives
access to the various abrading tables. Press “STEP” button
again to move to next position.
10. At each park position, remove the clamping rings opposite the
parked position.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

11. Lay a piece of cut felt, then a piece of cut abradant on each
table.
12. Put the pressing weight which is the large weight with the handle
on top of one of the tables and replace the clamping ring,
ensuring that it is parallel to the machine. Then remove the
loading weight.

Note: The felt can be used for until it becomes soiled or for
100,000 rubs whichever is the sooner.
The Standard Fabric should be replaced after each test.
The Foam should be replaced after each test.

13. Once all the tables and specimen holders have been loaded,
Place each specimen holder on the table.
14. Place the selected loading piece into the specimen holder
through the bearing housing (refer to the relevant standard)
15. After setting the counter according to the instructions in section
4, the machine can be switched on and testing can commence.

5.2 Sample preparation - Pilling

(NOTE: remember to adjust the machine settings if not already
done)
1. After conditioning of the standard fabrics and the test
specimens, cut the required number of samples from the test
specimen the samples should be 140mm diameter. Cut two
sets of these discs, one for the pilling table and one set for the
specimen holder.
2. Place the large block which comes with the pilling kit, small
diameter uppermost on a table.
3. Place a rubber specimen holder ring around the outside of this
device.
4. Place a 140mm disc of specimen on top of the loading device,

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

allowing the excess material to drape over the edge.

5. Place a 90mm disc of felt in the recessed top of the loading
device.
6. Invert a specimen holder and place it on top of the felt.
7. Carefully roll the rubber ring up the loading block until it
locates in the groove.
8. Remove the specimen holder.
9. Note the spindles which are used for pilling are the same as
abrasion which are supplied.
10. To load the pilling tables, see table 1 to decide which
abradent should be used or consult the relevant standard
being tested to.
11. In both cases the procedure detailed in section 5.1 relating to
abrading tables should be used.
12. Repeat this process for all specimen holders and abrading
tables.
13. Ensure that all counters are reading zero and preset then
start the test.

The method of assessing the end point will vary according to which
standard is being tested to. The following methods are suggested
methods only.

5.3 Test Procedure - Abrasion

5.3.1 Determination of specimen breakdown.

Normally four specimens are tested, one in each of the abrading

stations.
Inspect the specimens at regular intervals without removing the
specimens from the holders,
A magnifying glass or microscope will normally be required for this
examination.
The end point is deemed to have been reached when the specimen
has at least two threads broken in the test area.
This should be carried out until all the specimens have reached this
end point
Report the individual results as well as the mean result.
Replace the rubbed specimens in the holes on the mounted report
sheet
Note once a specimen has reached the end point it is not necessary
to replace this holder for the continued running of the test.

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

5.3.2 Determination of Mass Loss

See table 1 to determine at which intervals the mass loss should be

determined.
Weigh all specimens before and after abrasion at each of the pre
determined intervals.
Draw a graph of no. of rubs against mass loss.
(See also ISO 12947 part 3). For further details of the test method)

TABLE 1
NO. OF RUBS AT
WHICH
TEST DETERMINATION OF MASS LOSS AT
SPECIMEN
SERIES FOLLOWING NUMBER OF RUBS
BREAKDOWN
OCCURS
100, 250, 500, 750, 100, (1250)
A ≤1000\
500, 750, 1000, 2500,5000, (7500)
B >1000 ≤5000
1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, (15000)
C >5000 ≤10000
5000, 7500, 10000, 15000, 25000,
D >10000≤25000 (40000)

10000, 15000, 25000, 40000,

E >25000 ≤50000 50000,(75000)

10000, 25000, 50000, 75000,100000,

F >50000 ≤100000 (125000)

25000, 50000, 75000, 100000, (125000)

G >100000
The values in brackets should be agreed upon between the
interested parties.

5. 4 Test Procedure – Pilling

5.4.1 The Pilling Testing

Consult table 2 to determine which accessories should be used to
conduct the Pilling test.
Pairs of samples are rubbed together for periods which again vary
according to the test method being used (see BS EN ISO-2 for
further details.

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Table 2
0.65kPa For woven and all Swiss pilling kit with
upholstery including pilling weight
(knitted) when following
0.25kPa For knitted fabric Swiss pilling kit without
(excluding upholstery the pilling weight
when testing to

Table 3
First pair 125 cycles
Second pair 500cycles
Third pair 2000 cycles

The three pairs of samples are used to provide examples of nil,

slight and moderate levels of pilling required in the assessment
procedure described below.
When carrying out the test on the third pair it is important to stop the
machine after every 500 cycles and lightly brush away any loose
fibres which may have gathered on the test surface.

Table 4
Category Textile type Abradant Loading Assess Number
type weight -ment of rubs
stage
1 Upholstery Wool abradant 415±2g 1 500
fabric 2 1000
3 2000
4 5000
2 Woven fabrics Woven fabric 415±2g 1 125
(except upholstery under test 2 500
fabrics) (face/face or 3 1000
wool fabric 4 2000
5 5000
6 7000
3 Knitted fabrics Knitted fabric 155±1g 1 125
(except upholstery 2 500
fabrics) 3 1000
4 2000
5 5000

For categories 2 and 3 the minimum duration is 2000 pilling rubs,

the test may be terminated before 7000 pilling rubs if grade 4-5 is
observed at an agreed assessment stage.

5.4.2 Assessment

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

The specimens should be viewed using a viewing cabinet. The

cabinet should be placed in a darkened room or area.

Place the tested specimen and a piece of the original sample

centrally on the lectern in the viewing cabinet see figure with the
length direction vertical. If necessary use a piece of self adhesive
tape to ensure correct placement. The tested specimen shall be
mounted on the left and the original sample on the right.

View each specimen from just outside the viewing cabinet and from
directly in front of the specimen as shown in figure

The degree of Pilling should be assessed using the following 5

point scale.
5 Zero or only very slight pilling
4 Slight pilling
3 Moderate pilling
2 Severe pilling
1 Very severe pilling

Grade each specimen in accordance with the grading scheme given

in table 1. If the result is though to be between 2 grades report a half
grade e.g. 3-4.

5.4.3 Results
Record the grading for each specimen and calculate the mean
results for all assessments carried out as described in section 5.4.2,
if the mean result is not a whole number, round the result to the
nearest half grade. The variation in the result based on the mean of
the test specimens should be more than half a grade. If this variation
is more than half a grade, the grading of each specimen should be
reported.

5.4.4 Test report

The test report should contain the following information:
• A description of the sample.
• Where appropriate, details of any pre-treatment
required.
• The number of test specimens and observers.
• The abradent used.
• The loading mass.

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• The number of rubs and respective pilling grade at

each stage.
• The date of the test.
• The final grade assessed.
• Details of any deviation from the standard.

A set of photographs is also available from SDL Atlas which are

mounted in an assessment viewer to enable the specimens to be
more consistently rated.

SECTION 6 CALIBRATION AND

MAINTENANCE

6.1 Calibration

Obtain the Lissajous pattern

Obtain the Lissajous pattern from each work station by the following
method.

Remove materials from the abrading tables. Cover each abrading

table surface with a plain white paper measuring (100±5) mm in
diameter of minimum mass per unit area 100 g.m2 and secure paper
to abrading table ensuring the surface is perfectly flat.

Obtain a steel ball point pen with the same diameter as the sample
holder spindles. Insert this pen into a specimen holder spindle
bearing, so as the ball tip of the pen is resting on the surface of the
paper.

Select the calibration function as described in section 4. Press

“Start” and machine will rub one complete lissajous pattern which
will be drawn by the pen onto the paper.

On the paper draw two parallel lines which just touch the outermost
curves on two opposing sides of the Lissajous pattern.

Draw two more parallel lines for the other two sides making sure the

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 MARTINDALE ABRASION AND PILLING TESTER

lines intersect at right angles.

Measure each side to an accuracy of ±0.2mm using suitable means.

Check that 31 cures are drawn. It is important to check the
symmetry of the Lissajous pattern. Repeat above procedure for all
work stations. If the curves run into one another or the spacing is
uneven adjust as below:

1. The motion plate and abradent plate should be parallel. Insert

a dial gauge through the bearing glove and inch the top plate.
The needle movement over the dial gauge should be within
±0.05mm over the whole surfaces of the abradent table (with
the abradent cloth removed).
2. Assemble each sample holder complete with the weight and
place each one in position on the appropriate table.
Use a feeler gauge to check for any gap between the face of
the specimen holder and the table.
3. To adjust tables, slacken the central screw and adjust as
appropriate using the three jacking screws located on the
main deck plate.
When complete, re tighten the central securing screw.
4. To adjust the drive crank, slacken the locking nut fitted to the
stem of the three shafts, slacken the drive cranks, and use a
special tool that holds the three drive cranks in align, and then
tighten the locking nuts.

6.2 Maintenance

1. The motion plate slides should be lightly smeared with grease.

2. The support ball bearing should be lightly oiled as required.

PLEASE CALL THE SDL Atlas ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IF

FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING CALIBRATION OR
MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED.

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SECTION 7 SPARES AND CONSUMABLES

38mm sample cutter M253A

140mm abradent fabric and felt cutter M235AB
Standard abradent fabric SM25 M235B
Standard abradent fabric (for M&S P19B) M235BUP
Standard backing foam M235D
Standard felt discs 140mm diameter (woven) M235E
Standard felt piece (woven) M235E1
Standard felt disc 140mm diameter (non woven
for M&S) M235F
Standard felt piece (non woven for M&S) M235F1
Standard backing felt discs for pilling (90mm) M235CA
Sample retaining rings (for pilling) M235CB
EMPA photographic standards for pilling (knitted) M235CC
EMPA photographic standards for pilling (woven) M235CE
EMPA photographic standards for pilling M235CE
(knitted and woven)
SM50 photographs M235CF
Silicone carbide sheets M235H

To order any of the above or for further information please contact

the sales department of SDL Atlas.

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