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CAN CGSB 4.117-2014: Textile Test Methods for Resistance to Pilling and Surface Changes Using Martindale Tester
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for Pilling Resistance Testing of Textile Fabrics
Scope of CAN CGSB 4.117-2014
CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 is a Canadian standard developed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) that specifies a textile test method for evaluating the resistance of fabrics to pilling and other unwanted changes in surface appearance. The method employs a Martindale pilling tester, which subjects specimens to a controlled multiaxial rubbing motion against a standard wool felt abradant. This standard is applicable to woven, knitted, and nonwoven textiles intended for apparel, upholstery, and industrial uses.
The standard is part of the broader CAN CGSB 4.2 series of textile test methods, but it may be referenced independently in procurement specifications and quality control protocols. It provides laboratories, manufacturers, and end-users with a consistent procedure for assessing fabric pilling propensity, an important performance characteristic affecting consumer satisfaction and product longevity.
Tip: CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 is recognized in many Canadian textile procurement contracts. If you supply fabrics for government projects, ensuring compliance with this standard can simplify certification processes.
Technical Requirements
CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 outlines detailed requirements for apparatus, specimen preparation, conditioning, test conditions, and evaluation. Below is a summary of the main technical elements.
Apparatus and Consumables
- Martindale pilling tester – capable of applying a 9 kPa pressure with a linear movement of 60 mm diameter (specific to the pilling mode).
- Cutting die – 38 mm diameter for the test specimen.
- Standard wool felt – abradant pads, 38 mm diameter, with defined mass per unit area.
- Polyurethane foam – backing sheets, 3 mm thick, density 30 ± 3 kg/m³.
- Standard pilling rating scales (photographic or three-dimensional) for visual assessment.
- Conditioning chamber – controlled to 20 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 4 % relative humidity.
Specimen Preparation
From each fabric sample, three pairs of circular specimens are cut using the provided die. Each specimen is mounted on a Martindale felt and foam assembly. The specimens must be conditioned for at least 24 hours in the standard atmosphere before testing. The usable area of the specimen should be free of wrinkles, creases, or other imperfections.
Test Procedure
The test involves three stages of pre-determined rubbing cycles (e.g., 125, 500, 1250, and optionally 5000 cycles) depending on the fabric type or intended end-use. At each stage, the specimens are visually rated under a specified lighting booth for the degree of pilling and surface fuzzing. The rating is performed by trained operators comparing to a reference scale.
Rating Scale
| Rating | Description | Surface Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | No change | No pilling or fuzzing evident. |
| 4 | Slight surface fuzzing | Minor fibre entanglement, no pills. |
| 3 | Moderate pilling | Visible pills present but still limited. |
| 2 | Heavy pilling | Numerous pills covering a significant area. |
| 1 | Very heavy pilling | Dense pills covering most of the surface. |
Optionally, the test can be extended to 5000 cycles for more demanding applications. The final result for the sample is the median of the ratings from the three tested specimens.
Warning: The polyurethane foam backing must be free from cuts or permanent deformation. Degraded foam can alter the contact pressure and lead to non‑reproducible results. Replace foam after every 10 tests or sooner if visible damage occurs.
Implementation Highlights
Successfully implementing CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 in a textile testing laboratory requires attention to several key practical aspects:
- Operator training: Visual rating of pilling is subjective. Regular proficiency testing and use of reference scales are mandatory to ensure consistency between operators.
- Calibration and maintenance of the Martindale tester: The stroke length, rotational speed (typically 50 ± 2 rev/min), and applied pressure must be verified weekly or after every 200 tests.
- Conditioning: Both the specimens and the abradant materials must be conditioned to the standard atmosphere before and during the test. Humidity excursions can significantly affect fibre frictional behaviour.
- Number of test cycles: The standard does not prescribe a universal number of cycles. The specification requiring the test should define the endpoint (e.g., consumer wear simulation levels). Common choices are 1250 cycles for light‑duty fabrics and 5000 for heavy‑duty applications.
- Instrument cleaning: The abradant holders and the base plate must be cleaned between test series to avoid fibre debris accumulation.
Good Practice: Keep a log of all calibration checks and specimen ratings. Many certification bodies (e.g., SCC-accredited labs) require traceable records for every test performed under CAN CGSB 4.117-2014.
Comparison with ISO and ASTM Standards
CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 is technically aligned with ISO 12945-2:2020 and ASTM D4970-16e1 for pilling resistance via the Martindale method. However, the Canadian version retains slightly different wording for specimen evaluation and may require additional conditioning steps. Laboratories that already perform these international methods can adapt to CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 with minimal changes.
Compliance and Certification Notes
Compliance with CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 is typically required when a fabric meets a Canadian government procurement specification (e.g., CAN/CGSB‑4.2 No. 117). The standard may also be invoked in commercial contracts between Canadian textile buyers and suppliers.
For a testing laboratory to claim compliance, it must demonstrate:
- That its personnel are competent in the visual rating procedure (e.g., through annual inter‑laboratory comparisons).
- That the Martindale tester and the lighting booth are calibrated against national or international standards.
- That the test environment is maintained within the tolerances specified in the standard.
- That the laboratory participates in a proficiency testing scheme, such as those organised by the Canadian Textile Testing Association or equivalent bodies.
Important: Using non‑standard foam or felt abradant, or omitting the conditioning step, will automatically invalidate test results under CAN CGSB 4.117-2014. Such actions may lead to rejection of materials in procurement audits.
The standard itself does not impose a pass/fail criterion; that is left to the referencing specification. However, a typical minimum rating of ‘3’ (moderate pilling) is often required for apparel fabrics. Upholstery fabrics may require a rating of ‘4’ or higher after the prescribed cycle count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the basic principle of the test in CAN CGSB 4.117-2014?
A: The test uses a Martindale pilling tester to impart a controlled multiaxial rubbing motion on circular fabric specimens against a standard wool felt abradant. The amount and severity of pilling and surface fuzzing are then visually rated against a reference scale after various stages of rubbing cycles.
A: The test uses a Martindale pilling tester to impart a controlled multiaxial rubbing motion on circular fabric specimens against a standard wool felt abradant. The amount and severity of pilling and surface fuzzing are then visually rated against a reference scale after various stages of rubbing cycles.
Q: How many test cycles are recommended?
A: The standard does not prescribe a fixed number. It depends on the end‑use requirement. Common practice is 1250 cycles for light‑duty consumer fabrics and 5000 cycles for heavy‑duty or upholstery materials. The reference specification (e.g., a contract or material standard) must define the exact cycles.
A: The standard does not prescribe a fixed number. It depends on the end‑use requirement. Common practice is 1250 cycles for light‑duty consumer fabrics and 5000 cycles for heavy‑duty or upholstery materials. The reference specification (e.g., a contract or material standard) must define the exact cycles.
Q: Is CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 mandatory in Canada?
A: It is not mandatory on its own, but many Canadian government procurement documents for textiles require compliance with this standard. Additionally, some commercial buyers may mandate it for quality assurance. Accreditation by a recognized laboratory is typically required to demonstrate compliance.
A: It is not mandatory on its own, but many Canadian government procurement documents for textiles require compliance with this standard. Additionally, some commercial buyers may mandate it for quality assurance. Accreditation by a recognized laboratory is typically required to demonstrate compliance.
Q: Can CAN CGSB 4.117-2014 be used for knitted fabrics?
A: Yes, the standard applies to woven, knitted, and nonwoven textiles. For highly elastic knits, care must be taken to mount the specimen without stretching it, as distortion can alter the pilling response. Special foam backings may be used to accommodate stretch fabrics.
A: Yes, the standard applies to woven, knitted, and nonwoven textiles. For highly elastic knits, care must be taken to mount the specimen without stretching it, as distortion can alter the pilling response. Special foam backings may be used to accommodate stretch fabrics.
© 2026 – Canadian General Standards Board compliance guide. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the official standard text.