As a consumer, you hardly give it a thought, but you are less likely to buy clothes from a brand that didn’t last, got discolored after a few cleaning cycles, or doesn’t feel comfortable when worn. That’s among the top reasons textile testing is essential. The manufacturers carry out numerous tests to ensure their product lines deliver the best. Abrasion testing is among the standard measures. Abrasion testing determines the fabric’s toughness. This is fiber’s tenacity and elongation to break. This is noting that the fabric is subjected to various abrasions, the common including:
- Flex abrasion: This results from folding, bending, or flexing. It is common since you may have to fold while storing. You also bend or flex when managing daily activities like yoga.
- Fat abrasion: It is the most common, resulting from surface rubbing.
- Edge abrasion: This is typically on the fabric edges, for example, cuffs and collars.
Various fibers have different abrasion resistance levels. For instance, wool and nylon offer good resistance. It is among the reasons they feature more in workout and sporting clothes. Cotton doesn’t offer better abrasion resistance; hence not used in many demanding cloth lines. So, why is abrasion testing necessary?
Inform manufacturing process
Abrasion testing is essential in the control of the manufacturing process. This informs the manufacturer about the right processes to keep the fabric in good condition. If the process exposes the fabric to too much friction, yet the abrasion resistance is low, the finished product won’t be as good since it’ll easily wear and tear. Such clothes won’t win the brand a good reputation, meaning they can’t run a profitable business.
Quality control
Abrasion testing checks the quality and suitability of the textile’s raw materials. This is crucial in informing products’ quality. For instance, in the sporting industry, a textile manufacturer needs to ensure that the raw materials used can withstand the demanding use. All the pulling and contact require tough materials. If, for example, a soccer jersey can hardly withstand the demands, it would be of less use. Quality control accounts for the intended use, ensuring that the manufacturer uses the right raw materials.
Customer satisfaction
Customers are at the heart of a business, a factor abrasion testing targets. Manufacturers need to build and retain a good brand image. This means consistently delivering durable clothes that match the use and are worth the price tag. This means more than quality control.
A manufacturer also has to investigate faulty materials. The testing is a part of research and development. It provides failure analysis, informing manufacturing development to deliver new and better final products. The measures help manufacturers advance their operations, deliver top-quality, and gain and retain a good brand image, making it easier to win a massive loyal customer base.
Textile testing is a lot more than ensuring conformity with government regulations. Textile abrasion testing, among other measures, is critical to the success of a brand. It facilitates the manufacture and distribution of quality wear that can withstand the demands and offer functionality and comfort needed in various settings.