Textile materials are commonly manufactured to fit complicated and irregular shapes, such as clothing products. Pieces of fabric are usually joined together at seams to construct these shapes. Therefore, most of the time the bulk strength of a fabric is not the only important material property to test, but also the strength of the connecting seams. Seam strength tests can be conducted by both the grab test and strip test methods, depending on the specific application of the product and standard being tested. It is important to also test the elongation properties of the fabric to fully characterize seam elongation. ASTM and ISO have specified standard test methods and specifications for testing the seam strength of many textiles. Popular testing standards are ASTM D751 for coated fabrics, ASTM D1683 for woven apparel fabric, ASTM D4884 for geotextiles, ISO 10321 for geosynthetics, and ISO 13935 for fabric and made-up textiles, such as clothing apparel. The ASTM and ISO test standards specify the appropriate test system configurations of machines and clamps, to properly conduct seam strength tests. Most seam strength tests are conducted using table-top tensile test machines or specially configured universal test machines with low force, high elongation, and constant rate of extension capabilities. Grips must be able to clamp the test sample without slippage or causing damage to the specimen that would cause breakage at the grip jaws. The machine and grip families below can be configured to meet ASTM and ISO requirements, when matched to the force requirements of your test sample and paired with the appropriate grip jaws.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ISO 10321 Tensile Test of Geotextiles
- ISO 13935 Seam Tensile Properties of Textiles
- ASTM D751 Coated Fabrics Rainwear Test Equipment
- ASTM D1683 Sewn Seams of Woven Fabric
- ASTM D4884 Strength of Sewn or Thermally Bonded Seams of Geotextiles
Recommended Test Machine
Forces up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Forces up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Tests at speeds up to 2,500 mm/min (100 in/min)
Best for high travel or high elongation test requirements
Force range of 5 kN to 600 kN (1,125 lbf to 135,000 lbf)
Adjustable test space
The most popular choice for static tension and compression tests
These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models
Recommended Testing Accessories
Rated to 3.5 kN (790 lbf)
Clamping force up to 7.0 kN (1,600 lbf)
Consistent clamp force between tests
Quick and easy specimen setup for a wide variety of applications
Load rating of 15 kN (3,400 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 16 mm (0.63 in)
Pneumatic design allows for quick specimen setup
Consistent clamping force between tests
Rated to 8 kN (1,800 lbf)
Clamping force up to 16 kN (3,600 lbf)
Maximum specimen thicknesses from 10 mm to 30 mm (0.39 in. to 1.2 in.)
Pneumatic actuation allows for quick and simple specimen setup
Rated to 1 kN (225 lbf)
Maximum specimen thicknesses from 10 mm to 50 mm (0.39 in. to 2.0 in.)
Simple design can be used for a multitude of tensile applications
Inexpensive and reliable