Ch 6 Selection of Materials, Finishes & Furnishings Flashcards
When specifying finish products….
All of the actions taken by the interior designer should be documented.
What must be done before specifying products?
Obtain as much information as possible, inform client of the products being selected and notify the client of any potential problems or risks, ask the mfg. and/or rep about any particular problems with the product, for each item on the list of comparable projects, obtain the names of the design professional responsible, and the installing contractor’s name and contact these people, notify the mfg. in writing of the intended use of the product and ask for confirmation in writing for intended use, follow the mfg.’s recommendations for detailing and specifications, visit site to verify proper installation, if difficult installation area, have a mfg. rep present at site, and investigate the production capabilities and financial condition of the mfg., distributor and installing contractor.
What are the 5 groups of criteria for the selection of materials and finishes?
Function, Durability, Maintainability, Safety/Health, & Cost
What are acoustic qualities of a material?
Relates to the material’s ability to absort sound or to block the transmission of sound, For most finish materials, sound absorbtion is the more important criteria and is typically measured in NRC’s.
What does NRC stand for?
Noise Reduction Coefficient
For open office plans _____ class of ceilings may be important.
Articulation
What are the elements of the function of materials?
Acoustic Qualities, Aesthetics, Availability, Choice & Installation Method
What is durability?
Relates to the serviceability of the product or material when in use.
ASTM F793
Durability standards for wall coverings
Attachment
The method by which one material is connected to another. Attachment is one criterion that applies to nearly all materials and that must be reviewed as part of a systematic view of the entire detail of which the material is a part.
Blocking Resistance
The capability of a material to resist adhesion to sticking between two surfaces of a wall covering. Per ASTM D4946: Significance and Use: Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking.
Breaking Strength
Refers to the load that, when placed on a material, is just great enough to break the material. In Interior Design, it typically refers to fabrics and other textiles where the load is applied in the plane of the material, with the material laid flat. It may also apply to tile, stone and other materials subject to a localized load.
Chemical Resistance
A material’s resistance to damage, change of finish, or other deleterious change resulting from exposure to chemical. Because there are so many possible combinations of chemicals and finishes, most manufacturers specifically state which chemicals their products are resistant to.
Coating Adhesion
Refers to the ability of a thin coating, like wall covering or paint, to adhere to its substrate.
Cold-Cracking Resistance
The resistance of coated or decorative surface to cracking when they are exposed to low temperatures.
Colorfastness
The resistance of a finish to change or loss of color when exposed to light, most commonly the ultraviolet light of the sun.
Corrosive Resistance
A products resistance to deterioration by a chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to moisture, chemicals or other problems. Corrosion is typically a problem when metal products are exposed to moisture.
Crocking Resistance
A material’s resistance to the transfer of color from a wall covering surface when rubbed.
Fabrication Quality
The measure of how well a product is assembled in the factory. Each industry establishes measurements of fabrication quality (e.g. AWI’s 3 grades of woodwork - Economy, Custom, Premium)
Heat-Aging Resistance
A wall covering’s resistance to the deterioration caused by high temperatures over an extended time.
Light Fastness
The ability of paint or other finishes to resist loss of color when exposed to sunlight. Similar to colorfastness.
Scrubbability
A material’s ability to be cleaned repeatedly with a brush and detergent.
Shrinkage
A decrease in dimension when a material is exposed to moisture. This characteristic is most typically applied to fabrics.
Stain Resistance
A material’s resistance to a change in appearance after the application and removal of another material. As with chemical resistance, all products are resistant to some staining agents more than others, so the manufacturer’s literature should be consulted to verify if a material is resistant to staining agents likely to be present in a particular application.
Strength/Structure
A general criterion referring to the inherent ability of a product to withstand any loads that may be placed on it. This may be as simple as the ability of one part of a detail to support the weight of another part of a detail, or as complex as the ability of a product or detail to withstand complex gravity and wind loads that may require a structural engineer to calculate.
Tear Resistance/Tear Strength
The resistance of a thin material, like fabric, to the propagation (the process of spreading to a larger area or greater number) of an existing tear.
Washability
A material’s ability to be cleaned repeatedly with a sponge and detergent solution, to remove surface dirt.
Cleanability
Refers to the ease with which a material can be cleaned using whatever methods are appropriate for the material (e.g. a carpet must be easy to vacuum, wall finishes in a restaurant should be easy to wash). This is one of the most important criteria to consider when selecting fnishes.
Repairability
A product or material’s ability to be repaired when damaged. The designer should avoid details that make it difficult or expensive to repair or replace one of the component parts.
Resilience
A material’s capacity to recover its original size and shape after deformation caused by some load. Typically this is applied to soft floor covering, such as vinyl tile, but it also may be an important consideration for wall covering materials.
Self-Healing Quality
A material’s ability to return to its original configuration after it has been deformed or temporarily changed, like a corkboard. It is similar to resilience but can be applied to any product.
Sustainability
A broad term that means meeting the needs and wants of the present generation without harming or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Finish Safety
Relates to the surface and edge condition of products.
Flammability
The likelihood that a material will combust. This is one of the most important criteria for material and finish selection.
Steiner Tunnel Test / ASTM E 84
The most common test developed for flame spread and smoke.
Mold and Mildew Resistance
This is important to prevent the growth of these microscopic organisms. Many materials are inherently susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew because they provide an organic nutrient that, when combined with moisture and a suitable temperature, will provide a growing medium for these biological contaminants. Most materials can be treated to resist the growth of mold and mildew.
Outgassing
The release of toxic gases from materials, most commonly after the material has been installed. These gases include formaldehyde, CFCs, and others listed in the EPA’s list of hazardous substances. This is an important component of IAQ (LEED).
Security
Providing protection against theft, vandalism, intentional physical harm, or a combination of all three. Door, glazing and hardware are common products that are available with various levels of security.
Slip Resistance
The ability of flooring material to help prevent accidental slipping, commonly measured with the coefficient of friction (COF). Although both the IBC and the ADA require flooring to be slip resistant, there are not specific requirements for the COF or other measure.
VOC Emissions
Results when chemicals that contain carbon and hydrogen vaporize at room temperature and pressure.
What are the two aspects of Cost?
First cost and Life Cycle Cost
First Cost
The initial amount of money required to purchase and install a product.
Life-Cycle Cost
The entire cost of a product over its life or the life of the building and includes the initial cost, maintenance cost, energy cost, financial costs, and replacement costs.
What is the best source of material information?
Product Manufacturer, who can provide literature, catalogs and advice via rep, as well as websites.
Sweets Catalog
Annual multivolume catalog of catalogs organized according to CSI Specs.
What is a good way to compare similar materials?
Showrooms in Merchandise Marts or Design Centers
What are the two leading standards-writing organizations?
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). In Canada, it is the CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
Whose standards are an excellent source of unbiased, accurate information on a particular material or product type?
Trade association standards
Negligence
The failure to use care ordinarily exercised in similar cases by other qualified members of the profession and the failure to use reasonable diligence and best professional judgement in the exercise of work. Documentation can provide evidence that the interior designer acted appropriately and professionally, should product problems later develop in a project.
FFE
Describes freestanding interior components that are not physically attached to the construction and that are usually purchased under a separate contract.
What are the three major categories of furniture?
Ready-Made, Custom-Designed and Built-In
Ready Made Furniture
Purchased from a selection of standard products of a particular manufacturer. Advantages include being able to see/touch in showroom, knowing its cost, having a guarantee, and being able to judge its quality based on a finished piece.
Custom-Designed Furniture
Allows the designer and client to get exactly what they want, but the burden of correctly designing the piece, having it manufactured and being responsible for its ultimate quality is placed on the designer.
Built-In Furniture
Custom designed, but it becomes part of the architectural construction of the project. Makes more efficient use of space and is often less expensive than ready-made furniture for the same function, and its design is usually more consistent with the architecture of the space. It is less flexible and more difficult to change when styles change or the room’s function changes.
When planning dining and conference tables, how much space should be planned per person?
24” - 30” per person along the edge
Workstations
Single pieces of furniture or groups of components providing a work surface and storage.
What are the basic parameters of storage?
The types and sizes of items to be stored, the location of the storage, how often stored items need to be accessed and the visibility desired.
Systems Furniture
A collection of modular components designed to fit together in various ways to make up office workstations.
What are the three basic varieties of systems furniture?
(1) Freestanding panels with conventional freestanding furniture (2) Panels of varying sized that link and provide support for worksurfaces and storage units that are suspended from the panel. (3) Self contained “L” or “U” shaped workstations that include the work surface, storage and other required components. The storage is usually high enough to serve as a privacy barrier. Both (2) and (3) usually contain task lighting and sometime ambient light.
What are the two types of natural fabric?
Cellulosic (from plants, like cotton and linen) and Protein (from animals, like wool)
Wool
One of the best natural fibers for all types of fabric, including carpet. Individual fibers are weak but yarn has excellent resilience and elasticity and wears wears well. Although wool will burn when exposed to flame, it is self-extinguishing when the flame is removed.
Why is resilience especially good for upholstery and drapery?
Because creases and crimps fall out easily for a smooth appearance. Wool has an excellent resilience.
What fabric is self-extinguishing when the flame is removed?
Although wool will burn when exposed to flame, it is self-extinguishing when the flame is removed. Wool is expensive and can be stretched, so it is not as dimensionally stable as other fabrics.
Cotton
Cotton is relatively inexpensive and has good tensile strength and moderately good abrasion resistance. However, cotton has poor resilience and recovery properties and it degrades under prolonged sunlight exposure. It burns readily and is subject to mildew.
Linen
Made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is a bast fiber. It is seldom used for upholstery because it lacks resilience and flexibility and is susceptible to abrasion. It does not take printed dyes very well. Most linen is tow linen.
What is a bast fiber?
A fiber that is derived from the stalk of a plant, like jute, ramie and hemp. (Linen is a bast fiber)
What is tow linen?
Linen made of shortstaple fibers. These fibers are dimensionally stable and resistent to fading, making linen usable for draperies and wall coverings.
Silk
Obtained from fibers spun by silkworm larvae. It is very strong and has good resilience and flexibility. It is very expensive and degrades in sunlight.
Rayon
Rayon is a regenerated cellulosic fiber. It has very poor resistance to sunlight and poor resiliency. It has light absorbancy, low resistance to water and moisture, and is flammable. It is seldom used for upholstery.
Acetate
Acetate is a regenerated cellulostic fiber composed of cellulose, acetic acid, and other chemicals. Although low in cost, it is flammable and does not wear well. Like rayon, in its unmodified state it has poor sunlight resistance. Triacetate is a variation of acetate.
Triacetate
A variation of acetate with a similar composition to acetate, but it has a higher ratio of acetate to cellulose to improve aging, flammability and resistance to sunlight.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic fabrics. It is exceptionally strong with high resiliency and elasticity. Nylon is resistant to many chemicals, water and microorganisms. Some of the first nylons were not sunlight resistant and had a shiny appearance, but these problems are now compensated by chemical formulations. Nylon is often combined with other synthetics or natural fibers to obtain the superior advantages of both.
Acrylic
Acrylic is often used as a replacement for wool because of its appearance. It has a moderately good strength and resilience and is very resistant to sunlight, but can be flammable. Modacrylics have similar properties but have a much greater resistence to heat and flame.
What fabric is often used as a replacement for wool?
Acrylic, because of its appearance.
How do modacrylics compare with acrylics?
Modacrylics have similar properties but have a much greater resistence to heat and flame.
Olefin
Olefin is inexpensive and is highly resistant to chemicals, mildew, and microorganisms. It is highly resilient and nonabsorbent. Its desirable qualities make it useful for carpeting and carpet backing, but its low resistance to sunlight, heat and flame makes it undesirable for most upholstery fabrics.
Polyester
Polyester has good resilience and elasticity, high resistance to solvents and other chemicals, and good resistance to sunlight. Although it has undesirable burning properties, it can be treated to make it more flame resistant. However, it tends to absorb and hold oily materials.
Avora FR
A specialty fiber, Avora FR is a polyester yarn that uses a modified polymer so it is permanently flame resistant regardless of the wear or the number of washings. Fabrics made with this fiber are easy to clean, abrasion resistant, crease proof, and dimensionally stable, and they do not retain odors or support bacteria.
Crypton
A specialty fiber, Crypton is an engineered fabric made by a patented process of immersion in a chemical solution followed by a heat set to form a durable coating on the face. It is then given a polyurethane chemical spray on the back. It is stain, water, flame and bacteria resistant. This is a good choice for healthcare and retirement facilities, where durability and fire resistance are important qualities.
Gore
A specialty fabric, Gore seating protection is an upholstery fabric lamination and treatment process that applies a breathable moisture barrier to the back of a fabric and a topical coating to the front of the fabric.
What is the most important durability factor of fabrics?
Resistance to abrasion. The amount of abrasion-resistance a piece of upholstered furniture has depends on the type of fiber, how the yarn is made and applied to the piece, the fabric’s backing, and the undercushion.
How is the most durable upholstery achieved?
Using strong, smooth fibers like nylon or wool, having the yarn tightly twisted, specifying heavy or thick fabrics, using close-set weaves, and employing relatively soft undercushions to allow the fabric to flex under use.
Flammability
One of the most important considerations for fabric selection, especially in public areas. Nearly any fabric can be treated with various chemicals to enhance its resistance to ignition and smoldering. Many states and most federal agencies have flammability standards for furniture.
What are Halogenated Flame Retardants (PBDE’s)?
Chemical flame retardants that have be found to caused neurological, developmental and reproductive damage in lab animals and to persist in the environment. This class of flame retardant, known as poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s), is used in furniture, textiles and other building materials and come in various types. PentaBDE is used in furniture and carpets while decaBDE is used in textiles and electronics.
What are the two type of PBDE flame retardants?
PentaBDE is used in furniture and carpets while decaBDE is used in textiles and electronics.
What must an interior design do when specifying flame-retardant chemicals?
Must verify which chemicals are being used and avoid those that may create a health or environmental problem, such as PBDE’s.
What two fabrics will burn when in a flame but are self extinguishing when removed from the flame?
Wool and Nylon
What types of fabrics continue to burn after being removed from a flame?
Cotton and Olefin
What is the most fire resistant fabric in it’s untreated state?
Wool
What is the least fire resistant fabric in it’s untreated state?
Cellulosic (cotton, linen, rayon)
List the fabrics from most fire resistant to least fire resistant in their untreated states?
Wool, Silk, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Acrylic, Acetate, Cellulosic Fibers (cotton, linen, rayon)
Dimensional Stability
Characteristic of a fabric’s ability to retain its shape and fit over cushioning without sagging, wrinkling, stretching, or tearing. This is why it is critical that a fabric and cushion be matched. A cushion that allows for more deformation than a certain fabric can resist will cause problems.
Buttoning
Secures the fabric to the cushion with a lightly tenshioned button and thread.
Tufting
Similar to buttoning, except that the button is pulled tightly against the cushion, resulted in a deeply folded surface.
Channeling
Secures the fabric to the cushion in parallel rows.
What must be considered when selecting fabrics?
Durability, Flammability, Dimensional Stability, Maintenance, Appearance, Scale, Comfort, Touch
What does cushioning and seaming affect?
Comfort, Wearability and Flammability
What are some common cushioning materials?
Cotton Batting, Polyester Batting, Polyurethane Foam, Latex Foam, Rubberized Fiber, and Shredded Fibers
What is the better cushion material choice for flammability?
Polyester Batting. Untreated cellular plastic cushioning presents a particularly high fire hazard. These plastics include the following types of foams: polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and ABS, cellulose acetate, epoxy, phenolic, urea, silicone, and foam latex.
List padding types from the most resistant to cigarette ignition and small flame to the least resistant.
Neoprene and combustion modified polyurethane, polyester batting, smolder-resistant and flame-resistant polyurethane foam, smolder-resistant and flame-resistant cellulosic batting, mixed fiber batting, untreated polyurethane foam, cellulosic batting, latex foam (rarely used)
What is one of the most important considerations in upholstery fire safety?
Smoldering Resistance. It is also sometimes referred to as cigarette ignition resistance. This is affected by the combination of fabric material, cushioning, and seat construction. Fire hazards are increased if tufting or any type of decorative treatment is used on the seat or arms of the upholstery because a dropped cigarette may lodge in these areas.
What are the purposes of a welt?
Ornamental purposes or the improve the durability of the covering.
Railroading
The application of fabric to furniture so that there are no intermediate seam details. It is also used when vertical stripes must run horizontally. The smooth seams of railroading eliminates the seam where a cigarette could fall and smolder.
How can you prevent a cigarette from becoming lodged in a booth?
Specify that the seats of booths and other seating be separated by at least one inch.
What two additional ways other than smoldering resistance can upholstery safety be enhanced?
Flammability can be minimized by treating the cushioning material with one of several chemicals, as well as liners
What two types of cushioning can be treated to increase their resistance to smoldering and flame spread?
Cotton batting and polyurethane foam can both be treated to increase their resistance to smoldering and flame spread.
What are liners used for on cushions?
They can be used between the fabric and the cushion to provide a barrier that slows or inhibits the spread of heat and flame from the fabric to the cushion.
What are the three performance criteria for foam cushions?
Density, Indentation Load Deflection, Support Ratio (aka Support Factor or Compression Modulus)
How is density normally expressed?
lbm/ft3 - The greater the density, the greater the support, however high density foam does not necessarily provide a firm cushion.
FPF
Flexible polyurethane foam. Available in densities ranging as low as 0.8 lbm/ft3 to 6.0 lbm/ft3
Most upholstered furniture uses a foam density in the range of:
0.9 lbm/ft3 to 2.5 lbm/ft3 - The higher the density, the more durable and expensive the foam is.
ILD
Indentation Load Deflection - Criteria of cushion performance that measures firmness. (aka indentation force deflection - IFD). To determine a cushions’s ILD, a metal plate with an 8 inch diameter is pushed against a sample of foam 4 inched thick. The number of pounds required to compress the foam down one inch (25%) is the ILD rating. Samples with an ILD of 25 or less are considered soft foams; those with an ILDs from 25 to 50 are considered firm; those greater than 50 are considered very firm foams.
Support Ratio
The ratio of the force required to compress foam samples to 65% of its original thickness to the force required to compress the sample to 25% of its original thickness (the normal ILD rating). The higher the supporting factor, the better the foam’s ability to support weight.
Descibe the different support ratios and their uses (high, moderate, etc)
High support ratios (firm seating) range from 2.25 to 4.0 and should be used for medical, institutional and assembly seating. Moderate firmness cushioning with support ratio from 2.0 to 2.5 should be used for light to medium-use seatings, while softer cushions with rations below 2.0 should be used for backs of chairs and booths.
How does cushioning affect wearability?
Soft undercushioning permits fabrics to give and resists the grinding action of normal use. Fabric is quickly abraded when it is pulled tightly over sharp corners or welts, so the correctly selected cushion can minimize these problems.
Flammability standards define the limits on a material’s flammability in terms of one or more of the following:
Resistance to ignition, resistance to flame spread, resistance to smoldering, prevention of smoke development, prevention of heat contribution to the growth of a fire, and prevention of toxic gas release.
Vertical Ignition Test - NFPA 701
Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films - This standard defines two test procedures that are used to assess the propagation of flame beyond the area exposed to an ignition source. Test 1 provides a procedure for assessing the response of fabrics lighter than 21 oz/yd2 individually and multilayer composites. Test 2 is for fabrics weighing more than 21 oz/yd2 such as fabric blackout linings, awnings, tents, etc. The tests are appropriate for for testing materials that are exposed to air on both sides. A sample either passes or fails. The equivolent test is UL 214, Test for Flame Propogation of Fabrics and Films.
What is the equivolent test for the Vertical Ignition Test (NFPA 701)?
The equivolent test is UL 214, Test for Flame Propogation of Fabrics and Films.
Cigarette Ignition Resistance Test of Furniture Components - NFPA 260
Standard Methods of Tests and Classification System for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture - This standard tests the resistance of upholstered furniture components, SEPARATELY, to flame and cigarette ignition. This standard, aka CAL TB 117 (State of CA Technical Bulletin 117) tests individual components (fabrics and fillings) of upholstered furniture for resistance to cigarette ignition as well as flame. Separate fill materials are each tested separately for a variety of characteristics. This test is similar to ASTM E 1353.
Which two standards test the resistance of upholstered furniture components separately to flame and cigarette ignition?
NFPA 260 and ASTM E 1353
Cigarette Ignition Test of Furniture Composites - NFPA 261
Standard Test Method for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Assemblies - This standard tests the resistance of a seat cushion mock-up (including foam, liner and fabric) to a lighted cigarette. This test is similar to CAL TB 116 and BIFMA X5.7 and is used to evaluate the cigarette ignition resistance of upholstered furniture by using a mock-up. It determines how the composite material (padding and covering) reacts to a lighted cigarette. The mock-up includes vertical and horizontal surfaces meeting at 90 degrees. The cushion fails the test if it breaks into flames or if a char more than 2 inches long develops. It is not intended to measure the performance of upholstered furniture under conditions of exposure to open flame. The BIFMA standard classifies fabrics into class A, B, C and D with class A being the most resistant to charring.
What three standards evaluate the cigarette ignition resistance of upholstered furniture by using a mock-up to determine how the composite material reacts to a lighted cigarette?
NFPA 261, CAL TB 116, and BIFMA X5.7
Full Seating Test - NFPA 266
Standard Method of Test for Fire Characteristics of Upholstered Furniture Exposed to Flaming Ignition Source - This test evaluates the effect of an open flame on an actual SAMPLE OF A CHAIR. This test, similar to CAL 133, evaluates the response of an actual sample of furniture to an open flame. Several measurements are taken during the test including the rate of heat and smoke release, the total amount of heat and smoke released, the concentration of carbon oxides and others. The MOST IMPORTANT measurement is the rate of heat release, which quantifies the intensity of the fire generated. THIS IS ONE OF THE STRICTEST TESTS FOR FURNITURE AND IS REQUIRED IN MANY STATES.
What two standards evaluate the effect of an open flame on an actual SAMPLE OF A CHAIR?
NFPA 266 and CAL TB 133
Char
Material remaining from incomplete combustion.
Fire Resistance
The property of a material or assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it.
Flammability
Capable of burning with a flame, and subject to easy ignition and rapid flaming combustion.
Flame Resistance
The ability to withstand flame impingement or give protection from it.
Flame-Retardant (Fire-Retardant)
As an adjective, it should only be used as a modifier with defined compound terms such as flame-retardant treatment. Flame retardant and fire retardant as nouns should not be used unless they are describing a chemical used for that purpose.
Smoldering
Combustion without flame that may burn for a relatively long time while generating smoke, toxic gases and heat.
AATCC
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
CFFA
Chemical Fabrics and Film Association
BIFMA
Business and Institutional Manufacturers Association
What three associations test fabrics for specific aspects of fabric wearability and durability?
ASTM, AATCC, CFFA
Wyzenbeek Abrasion Resistance Test - ASTM D4157
Standard Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method) - This test determines the abrasion resistance of woven textile fabrics. A sample of material (2 inches by 8 inches) is secured to the testing machine and rubbed back and forth with various types of abradants: no. 8 cotton duck, no. 220 grit silicon carbide sheet, stainless steel screen, a 14-18 mesh support screen, or others. The sample is abraded at a rate of 5,000 double rubs per hour. A fabric is considered good if it withstands 15,000 dr’s. This is also referred to as CFFA-1, the Wyzenbeek method.
What are the different names for testing the abrasion resistance of a woven textile fabric?
Wyzenbeek Abrasion Resistance Test, (ASTM D4157), Oscillatory Cylinder Method, Wyzenbeek Method (CFFA-1), Martindale Abrasion Test (ASTM D4966 - this is similar to the Wyzenbeek method and is generally for fabrics with a pile depth less than 0.08 inches (2))
Taber Abraser Test - ASTM D3884
Standard Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method) This test determines the abrasion resistance of textiles, most commonly of carpet. A sample of material is cut into a circle about 4 inches in diameter and mounted on a platform. The platform is rotated so that the sample rubs against two abrading wheels moving in opposite directions. Different abrasion hardnesses, test weights and test cycles can be used depending on the type of material being tested. The results are reported in the number of revolutions of the platform (cycles) required to break a yarn or expose the backing material. This test is also referred to as CFFA-1,the Taber Abraser Method.
What are the different names for testing the abrasion resistance of textiles, most commonly carpet?
Taber Abrasion Test (ASTM 3884), CFFA-1 Taber Abrasion Method
Martindale Abrasion Test - ASTM D 4966
Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Martindale Abrasion Tester Method). This test determines the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics, generally with a pile depth of less than 0.08 inches (2). This is similar to the Wyzenbeek test.
What test determines the colorfastness, under light exposure, of textile materials using six different test options?
Fade-Ometer Test, Colorfastness to light, AATCC Test Method 16. The most common test options uses a xenon arc lamp with continuous light.
Fade-Ometer Test - AATCC Test Method 16
Samples of a textile material are exposed to UV light in a lab testing device at specific humidity levels, and any color change is compared with an unexposed material using the AATCC gray scale for color change or by an instrumental color measurement. For most fabrics, 80 hours of exposure without color loss is considered a minimum rating. A similar test for chemical coated fabrics is CFFA-2 using ASTM G155, Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials.
What test is CFFA-2 using ASTM G155, Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials similar to, and what does it test?
Test for colorfastness to light and is similar to Fade-Ometer Test (AATCC Test Method 16).
What are the commonly accepted doube rub classifications for light, medium and heavy duty per the Wyzenbeek method?
Light Duty - 3,000 Cycles; Medium Duty - 9,000 Cycles; Heavy Duty - 15,000 Cycles
Crocking Resistance Test - AATCC Test Method 8
Colorfastness to Crocking: AATCC Crockmeter Method - This test determines the resistance of a colored textile to transfer its color from its surface to other surfaces by rubbing. In this test, a sample of colored fabric is rubbed with a white test cloth under controlled conditions. The amount of color transferred is assessed by comparing it with a standard gray scale or with a chromatic transference scale. The sample can either be tested dry or wet and before or after washing. The test is generally not recommended for carpet or for prints where the singling out of areas is too small for valid testing. A similar test for coated fabrics is CFFA-7, Crocking Resistance.
What crocking resistance test is used for coated fabrics?
CFFA-7, Crocking Resistance
Tearing Strength Test, Tongue Method - ASTM D2261
Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine) - This test measures the tearing resistance of fabrics after an initial cut has been made in the fabric. This is one of three commonly used tests for tearing strength. In the tongue method test, a test sample 8 inches by 3 inches wide is clamped in the testing apparatus, and the load necessary to continue the tear is measured. The tearing strength is the average of five test specimens. A similar test designation is CFFA-16, method b.
Bacterial Resistance Test - AATCC Test Method 147
Antibacterial Activity Assessment of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak Method - This test detects bacteriostatic activity on textile materials. Specimens of the test fabric are placed in contact with an agar-growing agent and covered with different types of bacteria. After incubation, the incubated plates are examined for interruption of growth along the streaks of inoculum and for a clear zone of inhibition beyond the specimen edge. A corresponding test method is CFFA-300.
What industry performance tests for fabrics are there besides testing for fading, tensile strength, crocking and abrasion?
Other test methods evaluate fabrics for qualities such as resistance to fungus, cold-crack resistance, flex resistance, seam strength, shrinkage, and water vapor transmission. There are also other standards for abrasion resistance in addition to the three listed.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.2
Durability of Lateral Files
ANSI/BIFMA X5.3
Durability of Vertical Files
ANSI/BIFMA X5.4
Durability of Lounge Seating
ANSI/BIFMA X5.5
Durability of Desk Products
ANSI/BIFMA X5.6
Durability of Panel Systems
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1
Durability of General-Purpose Office Chairs
What is the best way to communicate decisions about finishes and furnishings to the client?
Sample boards with actual samples. This is better than renderings and computer drawings because they accurately represent the colors and textures.
