Abrasion Resistance Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Abrasion Resistance.
What does it mean?
cycles before the surface breaks. 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.
What value should be specified?
Start from above 20000 cycles for heavy use and adjust for the end use of the garment. 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.
How is it tested?
ASTM D4966 Martindale abrasion. 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.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. 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.
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 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.
