Abrasion Resistance How It Changes with Construction and Elastane Content
Abrasion Resistance does not stay constant when construction changes. Understanding the direction of change helps during development.
Effect of knit structure
Loop length and density move results first, usually before any yarn change is made. Working figures for Abrasion Resistance normally sit around above 20000 cycles for heavy use in mainstream production. Note ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Effect of elastane content
More elastane raises recovery but changes the value measured by ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion, so retest after any blending change. Record elastane content alongside Abrasion Resistance, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside above 20000 cycles for heavy use usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Effect of finishing
Heat setting and softeners shift results, which explains differences between a hand sample and bulk. Keeping reference values for Abrasion Resistance lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion, since both affect the reading.
Typical range
Working values stay around above 20000 cycles for heavy use for mainstream activewear. Working figures for Abrasion Resistance normally sit around above 20000 cycles for heavy use in mainstream production. Note ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Development advice
Change one variable at a time, then verify against ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion before moving to the next sample round. Record elastane content alongside Abrasion Resistance, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside above 20000 cycles for heavy use usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
