Wet & Dry Crocking
Colorfastness to Light
Physical Properties
Abrasion – Low Traffic
Abrasion – High Traffic
ACT Voluntary
Physical Properties Guideline for
Coated Fabrics
Key factors in assessing overall durability of a coated fabric vary depending on the coated fabric’s composition and construction.
Upholstery – Coated Fabrics
Adhesion of Coating
ASTM D751 Sections 45-48, 3 lbf/in minimum
Peel adhesion is the measurement of the force required to separate the coatings from the substrate.
Tear Strength
ASTM D2261 (Tongue Tear) – Knits & Woven Substrates, 4 x 4 lbs
OR
ASTM D751 Sections 27-31, 4 x 4 lbs.
ASTM D5733 (Trap Tear) – Nonwoven Substrates & Nonwoven Composites, 15 x 15 lbs
OR
ASTM D751 Sections 32-35, 15 x 15 lbs.
Tear Strength is the measurement of stress exerted to rip the fabric under tension.
Breaking Strength
ASTM D751 (Grab Test) – 50 x 50 lbs. minimum
Breaking Strength is the measurement of force exerted to pull a fabric apart under tension.
Seam Strength
ASTM D751 (Tack Tear) –
Woven Substrates, 25 x 25 lbs. minimum
Knit Substrates, 30 x 25 lbs. minimum
Nonwoven Substrates & Nonwoven Composites, 35 x 35 lbs. minimum
Seam Strength is the measurement of a fabric’s resistance to tearing at needle punctures in a seam.
Flex Resistance
ASTM D2097 – 25,000 cycles, Visual evaluation for no appreciable surface crazing, cracking, whitening or delamination.
Flex Resistance is the measurement of a fabric’s ability to withstand repeated flexing.
Hydrolysis Resistance – Applicable to Polyurethanes Only
ISO 1419 (Tropical Test Method C), 5 weeks*
Visual Evaluation for no cracking, peeling or delamination
Hydrolysis resistance is the evaluation of a polyurethane coated fabric’s ability to withstand exposure to extended periods of heat and humidity.
*Note: There is no direct correlation of testing weeks to years of service in the field.
Stretch & Set
ACT has chosen not to establish a minimum requirement for this performance characteristic since the ability of a coated fabric to return to its initial state is strongly impacted by factors that are attributed to furniture construction and fabrication such as the density of foam. The SAE J855 test can be used to evaluate the stretch and set of a coated fabric; however, ACT suggests that you consult with both your fabric supplier and furniture manufacturer to determine if there are any potential issues.
Wrapped Panels and Upholstered Walls
Breaking Strength
ASTM D5034 (Grab Test), 35 lbs. minimum in length and width.
