Wyzenbeektest

Wyzenbeektest is a textile abrasion resistance test used to evaluate how well fabrics withstand wear from rubbing. It is named after the Wyzenbeek method and is widely used in upholstery, automotive interiors, and contract textiles.

Principle: A fabric sample is clamped in a rubbing machine and repeatedly rubbed against a standard abrasive surface, typically cotton duck or canvas, under a fixed pressure. The rubbing action is usually a back-and-forth double rub motion. The test records the number of double rubs required before a specified wear criterion is met or the fabric fails. Higher rub counts indicate greater abrasion resistance.

Procedure: The sample is prepared and mounted; the tested area is rubbed with the abrasive surface using uniform strokes and controlled pressure and speed. The result is reported as the number of double rubs to failure or to a predefined wear endpoint. Variants exist for single rubs and for different abrasive media and pressures.

Standards and variants: The Wyzenbeek test is standardized in various national and international standards, most notably ASTM D4157 in the United States. European and other standards provide parallel procedures with different abrasive media or parameters. Because settings vary, results are most meaningful when fabrics are compared tested under the same method and conditions.

Applications and interpretation: The test helps manufacturers and buyers compare durability of upholstery fabrics, leather substitutes, and textiles used where rubbing wear is expected. Limitations include sensitivity to test parameters such as abrasive material, pressure, and stroke length, and the fact that real-world wear can differ due to design, finishing, and usage patterns.

History: The method originated in the mid-20th century and is attributed to Wyzenbeek.