1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance to the formation of pills and other related surface changes on textile fabrics using the Martindale tester. The procedure generally is applicable to all types of fabrics, being particularly suitable for woven fabrics. NOTE 1—For other methods, if testing the pilling resistance of textiles, refer to Test Methods D3511/D3511M, D3512/D3512M, and D3514.
1.2 This test method is not suitable for fabrics thicker than 3 mm [0.125 in.] because such fabrics cannot be mounted in the specimen holder.
1.3 The fabric may be laundered or dry cleaned before testing.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D4970/D4970M-16e1 Referenced Document
ASTM D123 Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles*, 2023-09-14 Update
ASTM D3511/D3511M Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester*, 2022-02-01 Update
ASTM D3512/D3512M Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Random Tumble Pilling Tester*, 2022-11-01 Update
ASTM D3514 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Elastomeric Pad
ASTM D4850 Standard Terminology Relating to Fabrics and Fabric Test Methods*, 2023-09-14 Update
ASTM D7018 Standard Terminology Relating to Glass Fiber and Its Products*, 2024-04-20 Update
ASTM D4970/D4970M-16e1 history
2022ASTM D4970/D4970M-22 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2016ASTM D4970/D4970M-16e3 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2016ASTM D4970/D4970M-16e2 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2016ASTM D4970/D4970M-16e1 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2016ASTM D4970/D4970M-16 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2010ASTM D4970/D4970M-10e1 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2010ASTM D4970/D4970M-10 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2007ASTM D4970-07 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester
2005ASTM D4970-05(2007)e1 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Martindale Tester)
2005ASTM D4970-05 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textiles Fabrics (Martindale Pressure Tester Method)
2002ASTM D4970-02 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textiles Fabrics (Martindale Pressure Tester Method)
1999ASTM D4970-99 Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textiles Fabrics (Martindale Pressure Tester Method)