Durability and the Martindale Test

Durability

The ability of a fabric to resist wear is an essential aspect of its performance

What is a Martindale dale test?
The Martindale test is a measure of the durability of a fabric. The tests are undertaken on upholstery fabrics to check their suitability for various uses – i.e. decorative chairs, heavy-traffic areas or commercial furniture. The test is also known as the ‘rub test’, and tests for abrasion resistance.

How does the test work?

The fabric being tested is pulled taut and loaded onto the lower plates of the Martindale machine. Small discs of worsted wool or wire mesh (the abradant) are continually rubbed against the test fabrics in a Lissajous figure – a wandering, oscillating circle. The fabric is continuously inspected for wear and tear and the test ends when two yarns break or when there are noticeable changes in appearance 
Click here to see an example of the machine at work.

Pictured above: Martindale machine in the Charles Parsons ISO laboratory in Sydney

Extra information:

How do I read a Martindale test result?

Test results are given as a score of 1000’s of rubs or cycles, and the higher the number is, the more suitable the fabric is for heavier useage.  Fabrics are categorised depending on their test results.

Charles Parsons Interiors categorises upholstery useage as follows:

Decorative (less than 10,000 rubs).

Recommended for decorative purposes (i.e. cushions and accents).  Not recommended for general use.

Light Domestic (10,000 to 15,000 rubs).

Recommended for use on furniture that will only receive occasional use. This is due either to the use of delicate yarns in the composition of the fabric or due to the delicate construction of the fabric itself. Some decorative fabrics may not be suitable for use on heavy wear areas or fixed upholstery areas due to “dry clean only” cleaning being required, and this is not possible other than where the fabric can be removed and taken to a dry cleaner. 

Information sourced from here