What is the Random Tumble Pilling Tester?

Random Tumble Pilling Tester has long been the industry standard for determining the pilling and fuzzing of all fabric types. It meets requirements to pilling and resistance and other related surface changes of textile. Test specimens are tumbled in the cork-lined test chamber by a pair of aluminum impellers rotating at a constant speed of approximately 1 200 rpm for up to 60 minutes. After each test the specimens are removed, lightly cleaned, and evaluate carefully.

Instrument Characteristics

Air Injection System: Certain fabrics, generally those that are heavy or stiff, have a tendency to lay flat against the chamber wall. An air injection system helps keep the specimens in motion and is a standard feature with both Pilling Tester models. The system can be turned off for international test methods, which do not require air.

Digital Cycle Timer: The operator sets the test’s duration using the countdown interval timer on the Pilling Tester’s control panel. During a test, the time counts down from the selected running time. At the end of the test the timer will turn off the impellers and the buzzer will sound.

Impellers: We offers three types of impeller shafts: a U.S. Standard for the ASTM test method, and a French and German for international test requirements.

Testing Procedure

Prepare test samples and install the chamber liner according to operation manual or test standard. Turn on the power switch and set the test duration. Turn off the power switch, put the sample in the test room, and close the door. If compressed air is desired, turn on the Air Compressor. The air pressure should be checked periodically for deviation from the set value. Turn on the power, press the timer’s RESET button, and then start testing. After the test is completed, the sample is taken out for evaluation.

General Cleaning

Frequently cleaning the Pilling Tester will ensure the accuracy and repeatability of tests.
The cleaning schedule will depend on how often the instrument is used. Before cleaning the instrument, disconnect the electrical power cord from the machine. Using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, wipe the inside of the test chambers, the exposed parts of the shaft assembly, the inside of the door, and excess dust and debris from the exterior surfaces. Impellers can be cleaned periodically with a solution of detergent and water or as specified by the test method.