Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D3514 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Application of D3514/D3514M
ASTM D3514/D3514M is a standardized test method for determining the propensity of textile fabrics to form pills and other related surface changes. It is specifically designed for use with the Stoll Quartermaster Universal Wear Tester equipped with a frosting attachment and an elastomeric pad. This method is generally applicable to all types of woven and knitted fabrics.
The standard permits the laundering or dry cleaning of fabric samples prior to testing to simulate consumer care and provide context for end-use performance. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard, and each system shall be used independently to ensure conformance with the test method.
💡 Tip: This test method (Designation D3514/D3514M) was originally approved in 1976 and reapproved in 2024. Always verify your laboratory is using the current approved edition of the standard to ensure valid comparisons with historical data and compliance.
⚙️ Test Procedure and Equipment Specifications
The test method simulates the pilling and other surface appearance changes that occur during normal wear through controlled laboratory rubbing. Fabric specimens are mounted in the Stoll Quartermaster Tester and abraded against the elastomeric pad. The elastomeric pad is a critical component and must have specifically selected mechanical properties to ensure consistent and reproducible results. The degree of pilling is evaluated by direct comparison of the tested specimens with a set of visual photographic standards.
| 🟦 Equipment & Component | 📏 Specification / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Primary Testing Machine | Stoll Quartermaster Universal Wear Tester |
| Required Attachment | Frosting Attachment |
| Abrasion Element | Elastomeric Pad (selected mechanical properties) |
| Evaluation Reference | ADJD3514 (Three Sets of Five Photographic Standards) |
⚠️ Critical Measurement Note: The standard explicitly states that values in SI and inch-pound units are not exact equivalents. To ensure conformance, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
📊 Referenced Documents and Terminology
The standard references several other crucial ASTM standards and terminologies. Proper understanding of terms such as fuzz, pilling resistance, and pills is essential. For general textile terminology, see Terminology D123. Specific fabric test method terminology is defined in D4850.
| 📐 Referenced Standard | 🎯 Purpose / Description |
|---|---|
| D123 | Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles |
| D3511/D3511M | Pilling Test Method (Brush Pilling Tester) |
| D3512/D3512M | Pilling Test Method (Random Tumble Pilling Tester) |
| D4970/D4970M | Pilling Test Method (Martindale Tester) |
| D4848 | Terminology Related to Force and Deformation of Textiles |
The standard provides three distinct sets of five photographic standards (Adjunct ADJD3514) to assist in the precise evaluation of the pilling severity of the tested specimens.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D3514?
This test method is specifically designed to determine the propensity of a textile fabric to form pills and exhibit other related surface changes using the Stoll Quartermaster Universal Wear Tester with an elastomeric pad and frosting attachment.
💡 What types of textile fabrics is this standard applicable to?
Standard D3514 is generally applicable to all types of woven and knitted fabrics.
⚡ How is the pilling resistance of the fabric evaluated?
The degree of fabric pilling is evaluated by comparing the tested specimens to visual photographic standards. The specific adjunct for this method is ADJD3514, which contains three sets of five photographic standards.
📌 Can the fabric be prepared or conditioned before testing?
Yes, the standard explicitly states that the fabric may be laundered or dry cleaned before testing to simulate expected consumer refurbishment.