ASTM D3512:2022

Pilling and other changes in surface appearance, such as fuzzing, that occur with normal use, are simulated on a laboratory testing machine. Pilling of the fabric is caused by a random rubbing action produced by tumbling the test pieces in a cylindrical test chamber lined with a lightly abrasive material. To form pills with an appearance and structure that resembles those produced in actual use, small amounts of short-length gray cotton fiber are added to each test chamber with the samples. The degree of pilling in the fabric is assessed by comparing the tested samples to visual standards which may be actual fabrics or photographs of fabrics showing a range of resistance to pilling. Observed resistance to pilling is reported using an arbitrary rating scale.

• Take a full-width piece of fabric 1 yd [1 m] long along the selvage (machine direction), after first removing a 1 yd [1 m] length.
• Samples may be laundered or dry cleaned prior to cutting test samples, using conditions appropriate to the end use of the fabric or conditions agreed to by all parties concerned.
• Cut the specimens into 105 mm [4.13 in.] squares(45º with respect to the warp directions).Take the spaced samples. Avoid areas with wrinkles and other distortions
• 3 test tubes are all taken from the same sample.

Place each sample on the double-sided tape in the observation cabinet.

Using the observation apparatus, subjectively rate the face appearance (as indicated by the markings and after the respective tumbling times) of each specimen, using the following scale:

For pilling:

5—no pilling

4—slight pilling

3—moderate pilling

2—severe pilling

1—very severe pilling

• Indicate that the specimens tested as indicated in Test Method D3512. Describe the material or product sampled and the sampling method used.
• Ratings of each individual sample
• Whether or not the edges of the samples were glued with adhesive
• If the fabric was laundered prior to testing, the laundering conditions used
• execution times
• Type of display device.