Overview
ISO 23106:2025 specifies a standardized procedure for producing and assessing changes in appearance of textile floor coverings using a Vettermann drum tester. The method simulates mechanical action to create changes in surface structure and colour (but excludes pilling and colour change from other causes). Results are assessed against the applicable appearance evaluation standards to support product development, quality control and conformity testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Apparatus: A metal Vettermann drum with defined internal dimensions and rotation control (drum speed (16 ± 1) t/min, reversible direction every 5 min). A steel ball with 14 replaceable rubber plots is used to exert mechanical action.
- Steel ball and plots: Ball diameter (120 ± 0,2) mm; mass with plots ~7 600 g. Plots: rubber discs (≈40 mm dia.), specified thickness/height, and hardness Shore A (48 ± 3) measured to ISO 48-4. Replace two opposite plots after each 20 000 tours.
- Conditioning and atmosphere: Test and conditioning atmosphere at (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 4) % RH in accordance with ISO 139.
- Sample selection & preparation: Select representative specimens per ISO 1957. Minimum specimen size: 450 mm (length) × 265 mm (width). Clean specimens with a vacuum (airflow ≥ 25 l/s) and allow to rest 24 h before evaluation. Apply edge tape if fraying occurs.
- Procedure notes: Tests begin for 300 s ± 30 s in the direction opposite to the pile (if applicable). Vacuum extraction removes detached fibres (vacuum nozzle does not contact the wear surface). Intermediate evaluations are permitted if specimens are cleaned and examined appropriately.
- Reporting: Test reports must include material ID (ISO 2424), number of drum revolutions, details of any underlay (thibaude) used, vacuum type, median appearance-change value and major observations per ISO 9405, and any deviations from the prescribed method.
Applications and who uses it
- Product manufacturers of carpet and other textile floor coverings for development, benchmarking and quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories and compliance centers performing appearance durability testing.
- Specifiers, architects and procurement teams requiring validated performance data for product selection.
- R&D teams comparing surface treatments, pile constructions or backing systems (including testing with specific thibaudes/underlays).
Practical benefits include reproducible simulation of mechanical wear, comparison of appearance retention across products, and standardized test data for specifications and claims.
Related standards
- ISO 139 - conditioning and test atmospheres
- ISO 1957 - specimen selection for textile floor covering testing
- ISO 2424 - vocabulary for textile floor coverings
- ISO 9405 - evaluation of changes in appearance
- ISO 48-4 - Shore A hardness measurement
Keywords: ISO 23106:2025, Vettermann drum tester, textile floor coverings, appearance change testing, appearance evaluation, test method, specimen preparation, drum tester specifications.
Open preview (PDF)Textile floor coverings — Production of changes in appearance by means of Vettermann drum tester