Overview
ISO 9405:2015 - Textile floor coverings - Assessment of changes in appearance - specifies a visual assessment method to quantify overall appearance change of textile floor coverings after laboratory fatigue testing (Vettermann drum and hexapod tumbler testers per ISO 10361 and ISO 4918). The standard defines viewing conditions, reference scales, specimen preparation, assessor requirements and the reporting format for appearance retention and colour change.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and principle
- Assesses the integrated change in surface appearance (structure, colour, pattern) by visual comparison of fatigued vs. unfatigued specimens using standard reference scales.
- Apparatus and viewing conditions
- Viewing cabinet per ISO 105‑A01: inclined presentation surface (45° ± 5°), D65 illumination at (700 ± 100) lux; cabinet surfaces uniformly grey.
- Use of standard digital image reference scales (two sets of five grades from 5.0 = no change to 1.0 = extreme change).
- Use of large grey scales (200 × 150 mm) for assessing colour change (ISO 105‑A02). Small grey scales (35 × 28 mm) are not permitted.
- Specimen selection and preparation
- Representative samples; unfatigued reference area of at least 20 × 20 cm; mark reference direction for alignment.
- Ensure vacuum-cleaning and conditioning after fatigue testing (see ISO 10361).
- Assessment procedure
- Minimum of three experienced assessors (extend to five if inter-assessor spread > 1 grade).
- Visual assessment at (0.75 ± 0.25) m and (90 ± 10)°.
- Grade appearance retention using the selected digital image scale; half-grades allowed; grade 5 only if no visible difference.
- Separate colour-change rating using large grey scales.
- Reporting
- Include specimen identification, date, reference scale, individual assessor grades, median and mean grades for appearance and colour, plus any deviations from the standard.
Practical applications and users
- Quality control and acceptance testing for carpets and textile floor coverings
- Product development and durability comparison (appearance retention, shading, crushing, pilling)
- Independent test laboratories performing Vettermann drum/hexapod or castor-chair testing
- Specifiers, flooring manufacturers, purchasers and compliance managers verifying performance claims
Related standards
- ISO 10361 - Production of changes in appearance (Vettermann drum and hexapod)
- ISO 4918 - Castor chair test
- ISO 105‑A01 / ISO 105‑A02 - Viewing conditions and grey scales for colourfastness assessment
- ISO 2424 - Vocabulary for textile floor coverings
Keywords: ISO 9405:2015, textile floor coverings, assessment of changes in appearance, Vettermann drum, hexapod tumbler, appearance retention, visual assessment, digital image scales, large grey scales, carpet testing.
