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D4685 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📝 Scope and Applicability
ASTM D4685/D4685M – 15 (Reapproved 2020) establishes a standard test method for determining the abrasion resistance of pile fabrics, specifically measuring the loss of pile tufts (pile retention or pile pull out). It applies to regular, ribless woven corduroy, velveteen, and other woven pile fabric constructions. The standard distinctly separates values in SI units and inch-pound units, which must be used independently of one another to ensure conformance.
⚙️ Abrasion Procedures and Selection Criteria
The standard defines two procedures based on fabric weight and intended end-use severity. The table below summarizes the selection criteria:
| 🟦 Criterion | 📐 Procedure A (Heavy Duty) | 📐 Procedure B (Light Duty) |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Fabric Weight | Over 240 g/m² (7 oz/yd²) | Under 240 g/m² (7 oz/yd²) |
| 🎯 Intended End-Use | Heavy duty wear conditions | Light duty wear conditions |
Proper conditioning of specimens in accordance with Practice D1776 is required before initiating either procedure.
📊 Evaluation Method and Key Measured Properties
Test specimens are abraded on both the face and back for a specified number of cycles. Following abrasion, the primary evaluation is conducted by viewing the specimen over a light box and comparing the extent of pile loss to standardized photographic references. The key property measured is exclusively the amount of pile pulled out of the base fabric structure. This test method does not evaluate surface pile appearance attributes such as crushed or flattened ribs.
⚠️ The evaluation strictly quantifies pile pull out. Do not conflate this with general surface appearance changes (crushing, frosting, etc.), as those are outside the scope of this specific standard’s photographic scale.
| 📏 Reference Document | 🎯 Role in D4685 |
|---|---|
| D123 | Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles |
| D1776 | Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles |
| D3884 | Guide for Abrasion Resistance (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method) |
| Photographic Scale | Adjunct visual standard for evaluating pile retention |
✅ Reapproved in 2020 under the designation D4685/D4685M – 15 (Reapproved 2020), this test method is considered satisfactory for quality control testing and commercial shipment acceptance of pile fabrics.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary difference between Procedure A and Procedure B?
The primary difference is the fabric weight threshold and intended end-use. Procedure A (Heavy Duty) applies to fabrics over 240 g/m² (7 oz/yd²) intended for heavy wear. Procedure B (Light Duty) applies to fabrics under this weight.
💡 Does this test method evaluate changes in surface appearance?
No. The method specifically measures only the amount of pile pulled out of the base fabric structure. It does not evaluate surface pile appearance attributes, such as crushed or flattened ribs.
⚡ What fabric types are applicable to this standard?
The standard is intended for regular, ribless woven corduroy, velveteen, or other woven pile fabric constructions.
📌 How are test specimens evaluated after abrasion?
Specimens are exposed to abrasion cycles on both the face and back separately. Evaluation is conducted by viewing the specimen over a light box and comparing the loss of pile tufts to the Photographic Scale for Pile Retention.