Overview
EN ISO 12947-1:1998 - Textiles - Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method - Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus specifies the requirements for the Martindale testing machine and its auxiliary materials. It defines the mechanical, dimensional and material characteristics needed to perform repeatable Martindale abrasion tests used to assess fabric wear. The part applies to woven and knitted fabrics, pile textiles (pile height ≤ 2 mm) and nonwovens and is the apparatus-specification companion to Parts 2–4 (test procedures and assessments).
Keywords: EN ISO 12947-1:1998, Martindale, abrasion resistance, Martindale abrasion testing apparatus, textiles, wear testing
Key topics and technical requirements
- Apparatus concept: Translational rubbing that traces a Lissajous figure; specimen holder freely rotates about its axis to simulate abrasion.
- Drive system: Two outer synchronized drives and one inner drive producing a 16:15 rotation ratio (after 16 outer revolutions the inner has completed 15); outer drive speed approx. 47.5 ± 2.5 rpm, inner drive approx. 44.5 ± 2.4 rpm. Stroke length maximum 60.5 ± 0.5 mm.
- Counter: Pre-settable counter with accuracy to one abrasion rub.
- Specimen holder assembly: Made of corrosion-resistant metal; combined mass of holder components 198 ± 2 g; dimensional tolerances for bearings and spindles specified to ensure smooth rotation and minimal play.
- Loading pieces / pressures: Loading-piece plus holder mass specified to provide nominal contact pressures - typical values result in ~12 kPa and ~9 kPa contact pressures for the two standard loading pieces (masses given).
- Auxiliary materials required and their properties:
- Wool abradant (flat woven): mass per unit area 215 ± 10 g/m², specified yarn/fibre properties.
- Woven wool felt underlay: mass per unit area 750 ± 50 g/m², thickness 2.5 ± 0.5 mm.
- Polyetherurethane foam underlay: thickness 3 ± 1 mm, density 30 ± 3 kg/m³, indentation hardness 5.8 ± 0.8 kPa (Annex B provides the test method).
- Verification & maintenance: Includes checks for Lissajous motion (Annex A), bearing friction, auxiliary material control and assembly tolerances.
Applications and users
- Who uses the standard: Textile test laboratories, QC departments, fabric and garment manufacturers, upholstery and technical-textile producers, procurement/specification engineers, and certification bodies.
- Practical uses:
- Specifying and procuring compliant Martindale machines.
- Setting up repeatable abrasion tests for product development, acceptance testing and quality control.
- Comparing fabric abrasion performance for upholstery, apparel, industrial textiles and nonwovens.
- Ensuring traceability and repeatability between labs through standardized apparatus and auxiliary materials.
Related standards
- EN/ISO 12947 Parts 2–4 (test procedures: specimen breakdown, mass loss, appearance change)
- ISO 12945 (pilling testing with Martindale apparatus)
- Other referenced ISO test methods for yarns, fabric mass, thickness and related properties (normative references listed in the standard).
This part is essential when you need consistent, reproducible Martindale abrasion testing and for ensuring that test apparatus and consumables meet internationally accepted tolerances and material specifications.
