Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D4720-08 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D4720-08 (Reapproved 2019) is a standard performance specification that establishes the framework for evaluating the characteristics of washable and drycleanable soft window covering fabrics intended for household use. This specification serves as a blueprint for quality agreements between suppliers and purchasers.
🎯 Scope and Application of D4720
According to Section 1, this specification aims to evaluate specific performance characteristics of any washable or drycleanable soft window covering. It is crucial to note (Section 1.2) that D4720 is not a definitive procurement document with rigid pass/fail criteria, but rather a flexible standard to be used by mutual agreement between the purchaser and supplier to establish specific material requirements. The standard covers both lined and unlined textile window coverings.
⚠️ Safety Considerations: Section 1.3 emphasizes that ASTM D4720 does not purport to address all safety concerns. Users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices prior to utilizing this standard.
⚙️ Performance Characteristics and Required Test Methods
Section 4 (Significance and Use) categorizes evaluations into two distinct phases: characteristics assessed prior to repeated refurbishing, and those evaluated after simulated cleaning cycles.
| 🟦 Characteristic | 📏 Evaluation Phase | 🎯 Relevant Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Seam Strength & Failure | Prior to Refurbishing | ASTM D1683 (Woven) / D3940 (Stretch) |
| Uniformity of Shade | Prior to Refurbishing | Visual / Supplier-Purchaser Agreement |
| Size Consistency | Prior to Refurbishing | ASTM D3773 (Length of Fabric) |
| Dimensional Stability (Home Laundering) | After Refurbishing | AATCC TM135 / TM143 |
| Seam Smoothness (Puckering) | After Refurbishing | AATCC TM88B |
| Dimensional Stability (Drycleaning) | After Refurbishing | AATCC TM158 (Perchloroethylene) |
💡 Practical Application Tip: Since D4720 is a performance specification framework rather than a strict material specification, all pass/fail thresholds (e.g., the maximum allowable percentage of shrinkage or the minimum seam strength) must be explicitly defined in contracts between the buyer and seller. The standard provides the “how to test,” but the partners must define the “how much is acceptable.”
📝 Terminology and Referenced Standards
Section 3 (Terminology) defines a “soft