Textile Testing Instruments-UV Resistance Tester Standards in Different Countries

Textile Testing Instruments-UV Resistance Tester Standards in Different Countries

As one of the necessary textile testing instruments, UV resistance tester has wide application in clothing manufacturing. But due to different UV strength in different places, there are several regulations in different countries. Here we will have a look at these different rules.

1.     UV testing standards in Australia and New Zealand

These two countries worked up the “AS/NZS 4399:1996 [2]（Sun protective clothing-evaluation and classification）” standards. These standards were mainly used for determining UV transmittance and the testing objects were textile, clothing and other UV protecting items like hats close to skin, at the same time, they put up with the UV radiation mark protecting rules. Textile samples should be tested in dry and relaxed state, 4 blocks to be tested for each sample, no need  pre humidity but have different demands on testing environments such as the relative humidity（50±20）%; After the UV transmittance rates at different wavelengths being measured, we can calculate the average transmittance rate of UV-A and UV-B and sample UPF value, the last step, to correct the data according to formula and get the accurate UPF value. 

2.     European Standards

EN 13758-1:2001 “(Textiles-Solar UV protective properties-Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics)” textile materials testing is mainly used for textile UV resistance performance while not for long distance UV resistance products such as umbrellas and shades. The textiles tested contain homogeneous types and non homogeneous types with 4 blocks of each type, measuring the average value of UV-A, UV-B and UPF respectively. There is special statement that textile UV resistance would be lower when they are stretched and wet.

3.     AATCC Standards

AATCC 183—2010 [4] “(Transmittance or Blocking of Erythemally Weighted Ultraviolet Radiation through Fabrics) is for textile UV resistance and UV transmittance ability. The testing samples can be divided into dry and wet state, prepare textiles according to different requirements and test them. After testing 3 times in the largest area on textile materials, we can get the average UV transmittance, and calculate UPF, UV-A, UV-B.

4.     China textile testing instruments standardGB/T 18830—2009 [5] regulates textile UV resistance testing methods, assessment and identification. According to this standard, homogeneous textile should be prepared 4 blocks and non homogenous textile 4 blocks base on different color and structure requirements. Calculate the average ratio of UV-A, UV-B and UPF. To homogenous textile, when the average UPF value lower than the sample lowest UPF value, we choose the sample lowest UPF value; to non homogenous textile, we choose the lowest UPF; when UPF is higher than 50, that is“UPF＞50”;  When UPF＞40，and T（UVA）AV ＜ 5%, we can call them UV resistance products.

To sum up, different countries have different standards and thus different UV resistance testers are offered. Qinsun Instruments supply professional textile testing instruments and customized textile testing solutions. You can trust us.

Domestic and Imported Textile Testing Instruments Differences

It’s true that there are great differences between domestic and imported textile testing instruments based on the present situation. Of course with more learning, researching and capital injection, these differences will disappear. Getting a clear look at these differences will enable us to catch new technology and make progress in short time. Here are the gaps I believe we should pay attention to. 
1.   Quantitative gaps on using time and measurement accuracy

China Association for Science and Technology released their research result in March, 2007. In this report, they said there were more than 90 analyzing textile testing instruments among which only about 20 could be produced in China, less than 1/3. 

In terms of technology, most domestic medium low testing instruments can replace imported ones, but fall behind 1-2 range on accuracy of the high grade testing instruments.

In the matter of measuring accuracy, imported testing instruments are 1 range ahead of us. Domestic testing instruments are weak in basic technology and manufacturing crafts, some key technologies such as accurate processing, sealing and welding technology couldn’t be resolved properly, thus domestic high grade textile testing instruments have bad certainty.

Foreign testing instruments have higher intelligence and can suppress external interference to information, thus improving measuring accuracy.
It is introduced that the updating period of foreign textile testing instruments is 2-3years, and new technology can be reserved 10 years ahead of its due. While what we do is always to introduce foreign technology for updating, and cannot adopt nor digest the technology, thus we have little original innovation. 

2. Weak foundation and system mechanism isn’t be straightened out

The experts attended research say that textile testinginstruments are high technology industry, while most of time we rely on the advantage of low labor cost whose role cannot be played in testing instruments.

They attribute the domestic and imported textile testing instruments differences to the following aspects: 

a.    We haven’t formed the mechanism or policy of manufacturing, learning and researching, the innovation achievements conversion rate is low, and the technology application situation is bad.

b.    Lacking powerful research supporting system. Textile testing instruments feature various types, small batches and need long-term insistent devotion. However, the present domestic investment is diverse with no key points. Textile testing instruments manufacturers can neither participate in competition according to market economy rules nor lack strategic investments researching on resource. 

What we can do to make progress

With domestic technology development, many key technologies are being mastered and innovated, at the same time, we can manufacture many textile testing instruments with good stability and accuracy which are not far behind foreign testing instruments; besides, we are making effort to master the key and advanced technology, thus domestic textile testing instruments are probably the mainstream. Qinsun Instruments always devote to researching and developing high grade textile testing instruments in China. For more information, contact us.

 

Textile Testing Instruments-ICI Pilling & Snagging Tester Maintenance

ICI pilling and snagging tester is specially designed for textile pilling resistance in the normal condition. It is equipped with 4 testing rollers (covered by materials to be tested), the pilling ball is made of tungsten carbide and controlled by preset electronic counter. There are several quick-wear parts that we should pay attention to and extend textile testing instruments life.

A. Cork Liner Material for Textile Testing 

As a type of consumptive material, cork is not seen as a major changing factor; however, long time friction makes it polished which may affect the testing. We should change cork liner materials in time based on the following steps:

1.     The four screws out of the tester are together with four blocks which should be abandoned;

2.     Change new liners and fix them by screws; 
B.  ICI Pilling and Snagging Testing Instrument Cleaning

1.     It is necessary before each testing since it can ensure all flush and rags abandoned.

2.     Clean the cork liner at a period time to avoid its pollution.

3.     Choose proper detergent for cleaning such as methyl chloroform. Only small amount is ok.

C. Textile Testing Instruments-ICI Pilling Tester Calibration

1. It is suggested that the grade of reference fabric which is between 1-2 and 4-5 should be used for calibration;
2. These reference fabric should be used for testing the newly installed testers.

3. Retest the reference fabrics every 6 months and compare them with the original data.

If you need to know more textile testing instruments operation and maintenance methods, contact Qinsun Instruments, we will offer you professional guide.