Textile Testing

The Textile Division of WTBSA offers a comprehensive range of tests for the Textile Market.

Background

• Testing Services is a division of the Wool Testing Bureau, which originated from the South African Wool Board (1967)
• Operating in its current form since 1990
  • Primary function was to provide the specialized textile testing services to local manufacturers and suppliers
  • Decline in local textile manufacturing over the past decade necessitated a focus on complimentary testing alternatives
  • Similarities between textile and product testing equipment and procedures presented expansion opportunities
• Accredited to ISO 17025 for a range of textiles, fibre and polymer tests  (SANAS Lab T0020)

Testing Services

• Wide range of testing capabilities applicable to automotive testing
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Abrasion Testing
  • Light Exposure and Weathering
  • Climatic and Thermal Ageing
  • Colour Testing
  • Flammability Testing
• Applied experience with a wide range of Test Methods
  • ISO, DIN, ASTM, EN, SANS
  • VW, NISSAN, TOYOTA, GMW, BMW, FORD, RENAULT

Mechanical Services

• Instron 5969 with AutoX 750 extensometer
  • Capacity: 50kN
  • Tensile Testing (ISO 527)
  • Flexural Testing (ISO 178)
  • Compression Testing
  • Cyclic Testing
• Abrasion Testing (Martindale)
• Abrasion Testing (Taber)

Climatic and Thermal Testing

• Climatic Chambers (CTS, LabTech)
  • Programmable T and RH cycles
  • Up to 1500L testing volume capacity
• Thermal ageing
• Fogging Testing (ThermoScientific)
  • Horizon Fogging system
  • Automotive interior out-gassing

Light Exposure and Weathering

• Xenotest Alpha +
  • Extensive range of filter systems
  • Versatile functionality: Irradiance,T, BST, RH, Spray
  • Wide range of applications
    • Textiles
    • Plastics
    • Interior Automotive Materials
    • Paints and Coatings

Colour Testing

• Hunterlab Ultrascan Pro
  • Colour Matching
  • Colour Assessment
  • Colour Changes after ageing
  • Haze Measurements
• BYK micro-TRI-gloss
  • Gloss measurements
  • 20°, 60°,  85°
  • Different materials, paint, plastics

Flammability Testing

• Ease of ignition vertical specimens (ISO 6940)
• Flame spread properties of vertical specimens (ISO 6941)
• Protection against heat and flame - method of test for limited flame spread (ISO 15025)
• Burning behaviour of interior materials (ISO 3795)

Customised Testing

• In-house engineering facilities
  • Specialised testing according to test method
  • Manufacture of custom jigs and equipment to perform tests
• Key focus areas:
  • Assist clients with testing requirements
  • Providing efficient and accurate testing services
  • Regular communication during testing program
  • Adapting services to client requirements

Contact Details

• Textile Testing Services
• Tel: 041 503 6600
• Cnr Gomery Avenue and University Way
  Summerstrand
  Port Elizabeth