Pilling Resistance Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Pilling Resistance.
What does it mean?
resistance to surface fibre balls. Working figures for Pilling Resistance normally sit around grade 4 after 7000 revolutions in mainstream production. Note ISO 12945-2 pilling box on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from grade 4 after 7000 revolutions and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Pilling Resistance, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside grade 4 after 7000 revolutions usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
ISO 12945-2 pilling box. Keeping reference values for Pilling Resistance lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with ISO 12945-2 pilling box, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Pilling Resistance normally sit around grade 4 after 7000 revolutions in mainstream production. Note ISO 12945-2 pilling box on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Pilling Resistance, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside grade 4 after 7000 revolutions usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
