ISO 12945-2:2020

Overview

ISO 12945-2:2020 specifies a laboratory procedure - the Modified Martindale method - for assessing a fabric’s propensity to surface pilling, fuzzing, and matting. The method uses a modified Martindale abrasion tester to accelerate surface wear and rank fabrics according to their tendency to form pills or show surface change. Results are assessed visually after defined stages of rubbing to provide reproducible comparative data for quality control and product development.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and principle: The test reproduces wear by moving a circular specimen over an abradant in a Lissajous pattern; one revolution of an outer drive = one pilling rub, and 16 rubs make one pilling cycle.
• Apparatus: A Martindale abrasion testing machine (per ISO 12947‑1) modified for pilling, including:
  • Two outer synchronized drives and a central drive with axis offsets of (12 ± 0.25) mm and maximum stroke (24 ± 0.5) mm.
  • Test specimen holders (mass (155 ± 1) g) and optional stainless‑steel loading disc (260 ± 1 g) producing a total mass ~ (415 ± 2) g.
  • Pilling tables, clamping rings, counter for pilling rubs, and an auxiliary mounting device.
• Auxiliary materials: Felt supports (top 90 ±1 mm, bottom 140 mm) and an abradant - normally the fabric under test or a wool abradant where relevant.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning: Pretreatment, sampling, marking, and conditioning in a standard atmosphere (see ISO 139) are required before testing.
• Procedure and assessment: Mount specimens without folds, run defined numbers of pilling rubs/cycles, then assess pilling, fuzzing, and matting visually (assessment aligned with ISO 12945‑4). Annex A defines pilling categories.
• Results and reporting: Test report must state the apparatus configuration, abradant choice, conditioning, number of specimens, test stages, and visual ratings.

Applications and users

ISO 12945-2:2020 is used for:

• Textile manufacturers and converters - to compare fabric constructions and finishes for surface durability.
• Quality control and independent test laboratories - to provide reproducible pilling/fuzzing ratings for specifications and compliance.
• Product development and R&D - to evaluate the effect of yarn type, fiber blends, and finishing treatments on surface appearance.
• Buyers, specifiers, and compliance teams - to set procurement criteria and label claims related to surface appearance longevity.

Related standards

• ISO 12945-4 - Visual assessment method for pilling, fuzzing and matting (used for rating).
• ISO 12947-1 - Martindale abrasion testing apparatus (base machine requirements).
• ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.

Keywords: ISO 12945-2:2020, modified Martindale, pilling test, textile pilling, fuzzing, matting, Martindale method, fabric testing.