Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D3691 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D3691/D3691M-19 establishes performance specifications for woven, lace, and knit household curtain and drapery fabrics. This standard covers conventional weights, sheers, foam-backed, and stitch-bonded materials, excluding glass fabrics. It ensures quality across both length and width directions for wovens and wale and course for knits, with SI and inch-pound units used independently.
📐 Scope and Applicability
This performance specification applies to all knit, lace, foam back, stitch-bonded, conventional weights, and sheer woven fabrics for curtains and draperies, but excludes those made of glass. Where fabric direction is pertinent, requirements apply to length and width for woven fabrics and to wale and course for knit fabrics. Values in SI or inch-pound units are regarded separately; combining systems may lead to non-conformance.
⚙️ Referenced Test Methods and Procedures
The standard references ASTM and AATCC methods for evaluating key fabric properties. Table 1 summarizes the primary test methods used.
| 🟦 Test Method | 📏 Property Measured | 🎯 Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| D5034 | Breaking Strength (Grab Test) | ASTM D5034 |
| D1424 | Tearing Strength (Falling-Pendulum) | ASTM D1424 |
| D2261 | Tearing Strength (Tongue Rip) | ASTM D2261 |
| D2724 | Bond Strength of Laminated Fabrics | ASTM D2724 |
| AATCC TM16.3 | Colorfastness to Light (Xenon Arc) | AATCC TM16.3 |
| AATCC TM135 | Dimensional Change After Laundering | AATCC TM135 |
📊 Key Performance Properties
Performance evaluation includes tests for tearing strength, breaking strength, colorfastness, and dimensional stability. The standard emphasizes independent use of SI or inch-pound units to avoid non-conformance. Users must address safety, health, and environmental practices as per Section 1.5.
⚠️ Warning: Do not combine SI and inch-pound units. The values are not exact equivalents; mixing systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
✅ Note: This standard was developed per WTO TBT principles for international standardization, ensuring global relevance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What fabric types are covered?
It covers woven, lace, knit, foam-backed, stitch-bonded, conventional weights, and sheer fabrics, excluding glass fabrics.
It covers woven, lace, knit, foam-backed, stitch-bonded, conventional weights, and sheer fabrics, excluding glass fabrics.
💡 How is fabric direction considered?
For woven fabrics, length and width directions are tested; for knit fabrics, wale and course directions apply. Both directions must meet requirements.
For woven fabrics, length and width directions are tested; for knit fabrics, wale and course directions apply. Both directions must meet requirements.
⚡ What safety obligations exist?
Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine regulatory limitations per Section 1.5.
Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine regulatory limitations per Section 1.5.
📌 Which AATCC methods are referenced?
Key methods include TM16.3 for light fastness, TM135 for dimensional change, and TM61 for laundering, among others listed in the standard.
Key methods include TM16.3 for light fastness, TM135 for dimensional change, and TM61 for laundering, among others listed in the standard.