Overview
ISO 6348:1980, titled "Textiles - Determination of Mass - Vocabulary," is an essential international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The document provides a comprehensive vocabulary of terms used in measuring and specifying the mass of textile materials. This standard aids in the accurate determination of commercial mass for textile consignments, linear, area, and volume densities, and in the assessment of fibre composition by mass in textile mixtures.
The terminology defined in ISO 6348:1980 ensures consistent communication and measurement practices across the global textile industry, promoting uniformity and reliability in weighing textile materials under various conditions.
Key Topics
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Properties of Textile Materials
ISO 6348 defines critical terms related to moisture and extractable components within textile samples:
- Moisture content: The amount of water in any form present in the material, expressed as a percentage of the moisture-containing mass.
- Moisture regain: The percentage of water mass relative to the dry mass of the sample, indicating water retention after drying.
- Moisture and extractable component: The combined mass of water and other extractable substances in the textile.
- Moisture regain in Standard Atmosphere: Water mass in the material after conditioning to a standardized atmosphere.
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Agreed General Values
The standard sets agreed values used in commercial contexts, such as:
- Conventional moisture regain: A standardized moisture content value applied to materials conditioned under specific circumstances.
- Commercial moisture regain: The moisture percentage added to dried material to establish its commercial mass, enabling uniform trade measurements.
- Commercial allowance: An agreed-upon percentage added to account for other extractable components.
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Commercial Mass Determination
The standard distinguishes between:
- Commercial mass: Calculated mass of textile consignments incorporating moisture regain or commercial allowance to represent actual trade weight.
- Invoice mass: The declared weight on documentation, generally equal to the commercial mass, reflecting trade agreements.
Applications
ISO 6348:1980 plays a pivotal role across several practical applications in the textile industry:
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Textile Trade and Commerce
Enables uniform and accurate determination of textile shipment weights, supporting fair trade by standardizing moisture and extractable content considerations.
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Quality Control and Testing
Provides defined terminology for laboratory and industrial analysis when measuring textile mass and density, ensuring repeatability and reliability of test results.
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Material Specification and Composition Analysis
Assists in determining the proportional mass of fiber components and moisture, crucial for product development, certification, and performance evaluation.
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Textile Manufacturing and Processing
Supports adjustments in processing based on moisture content or extractable matter, optimizing production efficiency and final product quality.
Related Standards
ISO 6348:1980 aligns with and complements other textile and measurement-related standards, including but not limited to:
- ISO/TC 38 Series – International standards related to textiles testing, including fiber identification and physical property measurements.
- ISO 139: Textiles – Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and Testing – Defines the standard atmosphere conditions used in moisture regain measurements referenced by ISO 6348.
- ISO 3801: Textiles – Determination of Mass per Unit Length and Mass per Unit Area – Related tests that depend on consistent vocabulary for mass measurement.
- ISO 3938: Textiles – Determination of Yarn Linear Density – Provides terminology and methods relevant to certain mass determinations cited in ISO 6348.
By adhering to ISO 6348:1980, manufacturers, traders, and testing laboratories ensure accuracy, transparency, and harmonization in the measurement and commercial handling of textile masses. This foundational vocabulary standard supports global textile trade efficiency and quality assurance, emphasizing the importance of standardized terminology in the textile sector.
