Pilling Tester — Fabric Pilling Resistance
Pilling is the formation of small balls of fibre on the fabric surface during use. In the laboratory the process is accelerated by three different mechanical methods, and the result is graded from 1 to 5 by comparing the specimen with reference photographs. We build the instruments for all three methods in our own workshop in Istanbul.
- Rotation speed: 30 rpm ±1 or 60 rpm ±1.
- Number of boxes: 2 (4 optional).
- Data port: RS-232C.
- Timer range: 0–9999 minutes.
- Power supply: 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz.
Comparison of the three methods
| Method | Mechanism | Instrument |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 12945-1 (ICI pill box) | Specimens mounted on polyurethane tubes tumble in a rotating cork-lined box | ICI pill box — 2 boxes (4 optional), 30 or 60 rpm, 0–9999 min timer |
| ISO 12945-2 (Martindale) | Specimen rubbed against fabric under load along a Lissajous path | Martindale — 4, 6, 8, 9 or 12 stations |
| ISO 12945-3 / ASTM D3512 (Random Tumble) | Specimens tumbled randomly by an impeller in a cork-lined chamber, assisted by compressed air | Random Tumble — 2 or 4 chambers, touchscreen panel |
Applications
- Knitwear, jersey and sweatshirt fabric control
- Surface resistance of woven fabrics
- Brand specifications: M&S P18 / P21A, NEXT TM 19
- Far East buyers: JIS L 1076, GB/T 4802
Standards
Product pages
ICI Pilling Box Tester
Martindale Abrasion & Pilling Tester
Random Tumble Pilling Tester
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a pilling test?
It is an accelerated laboratory measurement of a fabric's tendency to form pills on its surface during use. The result is graded from 1 (very severe) to 5 (no pilling) by comparison with reference photographs.
Which pilling method should I choose?
The method is set by your customer's or the brand's test specification. ISO 12945-1 requires the ICI pill box, ISO 12945-2 the Martindale, ISO 12945-3 and ASTM D3512 the Random Tumble tester. Results cannot be converted between methods.
How many boxes does the ICI pill box have?
The standard model has 2 boxes, 4 boxes are optional. Rotation speed is 30 or 60 rpm and the timer range is 0–9999 minutes.
Can a Martindale tester be used for pilling?
Yes. With the pilling kit fitted, the Martindale runs the ISO 12945-2 test; with the abrasion kit the same instrument runs the ISO 12947 abrasion tests.
Why does the Random Tumble tester need compressed air?
Compressed air fed into the chambers helps the specimens tumble randomly, so a compressed-air line is required in the laboratory.
Do you supply assessment photographs?
Method-specific assessment photographs are offered as an option for the Martindale. For the other methods please state your requirement at quotation stage.
What are the warranty and delivery terms?
A 1-year manufacturer's warranty is given. Delivery is EXW Istanbul with export packing included.
Tell us which pilling standard you apply; we will recommend the right instrument and send a quotation.
Request a quoteCall usinfo@texlabinstruments.com