Textile testing - Why do we test?

Without testing a technical textile, the risks on the user can be severe. Product failure in service could be a reality and in some cases can be life threatening.

An example of this is a parachute fabrics having a low Air permeability, meaning less or more airflow than required. Or a lower tear strength. Both properties could lead to real life consequences are a risk and must be managed carefully, to ensure the specification is met. 

Another example is a Load Bearing reinforcement fabric used in an engine cam belt. Product failure, won’t lead to loss of life, but the financial consequences of failure can be high, especially if there is a manufacturer recall.  

Product conformity to ensure reliably that all manufactured goods, including separate batches of the product remain within the same specification.  This could be one of the following properties for example :- Width, Weight, Tear and Tensile strengths, Abrasion and Cut resistance, Air permeability, Waterproofness,  Fire retardancy, etc to name a few…

Testing is a proven scientific method to ensure product conformity, continuity and confidence.  Test data and interpretation of test results can be either quantitative ie (Tensile Strength etc), or qualitative (Handle / Feel etc). The former based mostly on numerical data, the latter on visual and descriptive writing.  Both have their place in the overall story of testing. Together they form the foundation and basis of a product specification.

Test results give the manufacturer and the customer the information needed to make an informed decision, as to the suitability of a product, for any given requirement.