Pillingtest

Pillingtest refers to a set of standardized laboratory procedures used to evaluate pilling propensity in textiles. It measures how fibers on the fabric surface form small pills or fuzzballs due to rubbing, abrasion, and laundering, and it helps determine appearance retention and durability for product development and quality control.

Common methods include the Martindale abrasion test for general pilling resistance and the random tumble pilling test, each supported by international standards from ISO and other bodies such as AATCC. In practice, fabric samples are conditioned under specified climate conditions, mounted in a tester, and abraded with standardized surfaces or rollers for a defined number of cycles. The test can involve different load levels and friction patterns depending on method and fabric type.

After testing, the fabric surface is evaluated for pilling using a visual rating scale or image analysis, typically by comparing to standard reference visuals. Results yield a pilling rating or index that facilitates comparisons between fabrics and helps set product specifications.

The test is widely used in textile manufacturing, quality control, and product development, as well as in research and certification processes. Limitations include that pilling propensity depends on fiber content, yarn structure, fabric construction, finishing, and care; no single test perfectly reproduces real-life wear and laundering. Therefore, results are most meaningful when interpreted in context with other performance tests.