Ensuring the color fastness of printed fabrics is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of textile products. This article outlines the specific testing procedures for evaluating the print color fastness of fabrics, focusing on various conditions such as washing, rubbing, perspiration, light exposure, chlorinated water, shrinkage, and abrasion. These rigorous tests help manufacturers like Leto Golf Apparel Manufacturing deliver durable and vibrant products.
Objective: To evaluate the resistance of printed fabrics to washing.
Procedure:
- ISO 105-C06: This standard test involves washing the fabric samples at specified temperatures (e.g., 40°C or 60°C) with a standard detergent.
- Multi-Fiber Adjacent Fabric: The printed fabric is sewn with a multi-fiber strip to assess color transfer to different fiber types.
- Evaluation: After washing, the samples are dried and assessed using grey scales for color change and staining.
Objective: To determine the resistance of the print to rubbing.
Procedure:
- ISO 105-X12: This involves rubbing the printed fabric with a white test cloth under controlled pressure.
- Dry and Wet Testing: The test is conducted in both dry and wet conditions to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Evaluation: The degree of color transfer to the test cloth is evaluated using grey scales.
Objective: To assess the resistance of the print to acidic and alkaline perspiration.
Procedure:
- ISO 105-E04: Fabric samples are soaked in acidic and alkaline sweat solutions and then placed between two plates under controlled pressure.
- Incubation: The samples are incubated at 37°C for a specified duration to simulate body conditions.
- Evaluation: After incubation, the samples are assessed for color change and staining on adjacent fabrics.
Objective: To evaluate the resistance of printed fabrics to fading when exposed to light.
Procedure:
- ISO 105-B02: The printed fabric is exposed to artificial light (usually a xenon arc lamp) under controlled conditions.
- Blue Wool Standards: The samples are compared to blue wool standards that fade at known rates.
- Evaluation: The degree of fading is assessed and rated on a scale from 1 (poor) to 8 (excellent).
Objective: To determine the resistance of the print to chlorinated water, such as pool water.
Procedure:
- ISO 105-E03: Fabric samples are immersed in a chlorinated water solution at a specified concentration.
- Incubation: The samples are then dried and assessed for color change and staining.
- Evaluation: The results are compared to a control sample and rated using grey scales.
Objective: To evaluate the dimensional stability of the printed fabric after washing.
Procedure:
- ISO 3759: Fabric samples are marked and measured before and after washing under specified conditions.
- Washing Conditions: The samples are washed according to standard conditions, then dried and remeasured.
- Evaluation: The percentage of shrinkage is calculated to ensure minimal distortion of the print.
Objective: To assess the durability of the print when subjected to abrasion.
Procedure:
- ISO 12947-2: The Martindale Abrasion Tester is used to rub the fabric samples against a standard abrasive surface.
- Cycles: The test is conducted for a specified number of cycles to simulate wear.
- Evaluation: The samples are inspected for any signs of wear, fading, or damage to the print.
By implementing these rigorous testing procedures, Leto Golf Apparel Manufacturing ensures that our prints maintain their color fastness across various conditions. This commitment to quality helps us deliver golf apparel that meets the high standards expected by our clients. Our detailed approach to testing underscores our dedication to excellence and our mission to provide value through durable and vibrant products.
Washing fastness is crucial as it determines the durability of the print when subjected to regular washing, ensuring the print remains vibrant and does not bleed onto other fabrics.
Rubbing fastness is tested by rubbing the printed fabric with a white test cloth under controlled pressure in both dry and wet conditions to simulate real-world usage.
Light fastness is essential for fabrics exposed to sunlight or artificial lighting, ensuring the print does not fade quickly and maintains its original appearance for a longer period.
