Testing...for quality, conformance, and characterization

Use standard test methods for meaningful evaluation. Check your lab’s performance with interlaboratory Proficiency Testing Programs. Improve color communication with textile UV Calibration standards.

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  • UV Calibration

    PURCHASE NOW

    Spectrophotometer calibration is vital to accurate color measurement. And accurate measurement of textile color requires a textile standard.

    Program Description

    The fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) used in textiles have different UV absorption properties than those used for plastics and other non-textile materials. Calibration with the AATCC textile standard improves inter-instrument agreement for textile measurements over calibration with the white plaque supplied by the spectrophotometer manufacturer.  When retailer, brand, and manufacturer numbers agree, everyone can be more confident in approval decisions!

    Each shipment contains:
    – One certified textile UV calibration standard (TUVCS) with known CIE Whiteness value, traceable to a national standardizing lab
    – Certificate of Traceability
    – AATCC Evaluation Procedure 11: Spectrophotometer UV Energy Calibration Procedure for Optically Brightened Textiles
    A single reference standard may be used to calibrate up to three instruments in the same facility.

    Fees: Price $160.00
    For questions about UV Calibration, please contact Carrie Gray.

  • Laundering

    LP1 HOME LAUNDERING: MACHINE WASHING   LP2 HOME LAUNDERING: HAND WASHING

    BackgroundWashing MachinesTumble DryersDetergentResources

    For many years, laundering conditions and washing machine specifications were included in various AATCC test methods. They were updated by the test method committees as needed.

    In 1984, machine parameters were moved to AATCC M6 and maintained by AATCC Research Committee RA88, Home Laundering Technology. From 1984 to 2017, M6 was gradually expanded to include parameters for a wide range of home washing machines. There was no clear correlation among these machines. As technology changed, it became difficult for labs to obtain washers meeting the published specifications.

    In 2018, several research committees approved revised test methods with aligned, standard laundering conditions that are not expected to change for some time. Also in 2018, two new Laboratory Procedures were published with standard and alternate laundering conditions. AATCC LP1 and AATCC LP2 are complete laundering protocols that may be used in coordination with appearance evaluation, flammability preparation, or other procedures. AATCC LP1 replaces AATCC M6, but provides considerable additional information.

    Standard Conditions
    The manufacturers report that the following machines meet the parameters listed in the current versions of AATCC TM88B, TM88C, TM124, TM130, TM135, TM143, TM150, TM179, and TM207. These parameters are also listed in AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing, Table I. AATCC does not verify the parameters of washing machines or dryers.
    – SDL Atlas Vortex M6
    – Refond LaboWash RF6088W
    – Labtex LBT-M6
    – Introtech KMS-M6

    Alternate Conditions
    The manufacturers report that the following machines meet the parameters listed in the noted tables of AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing.
    – Introtech KMS-M6(Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
    – Labtex LBT-M6 (Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
    – Labtex LBT-M6T (Tables IIA 1.8-kg load only, IIB 1.8-kg load only)
    – Refond LaboWash RF6088W(Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
    – SDL Atlas Vortex M6 (Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
    – Whirlpool 3LWTW4840YW (Table IIC 3.6-kg load only)*
    – Whirlpool 3LWTW4815FW (Table IIIB 3.6-kg load only)*
    – Whirlpool 4KWTW4815FW (Table IIIB 3.6-kg load only)*
    – Whirlpool WTW5000DW (Table IIIC 3.6-kg load only, revised Delicate water level)*

    *On October 15, 2018, Whirlpool issued the following statement: “Due to the complexity of using a residential washer designed to calibrate the water levels based on load size and fabric types, we do not feel that our Whirlpool Residential Washers & Dryers will meet the needs of a standardized lab test unit in the future. Once the listed units are phased out, we will no longer pursue offering AATCC test machines.”

    WHIRLPOOL WASHER DETAILS 

    The manufacturers report that these machines meet the parameters listed in the current versions of AATCC test methods. These parameters are also listed in AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing, Table VI. AATCC does not verify the parameters of washing machines or dryers.
    – Introtech KMS-M6D
    – James Heal Accudry
    – Labtex LBT-M6D
    – Refond LaboDry RF6088D
    – Roaches Opti-Dry
    – SDL Atlas M223/1/2 Precision Tumble Dryer
    – SDL Atlas Vortex M6D
    – Whirlpool 3LWED4900YW
    – Whirlpool 3LWED4815FW (220 V/50 Hz/Single Phase)
    – Whirlpool 4KWED4815FW (220 V/60 Hz/Single Phase)
    – Whirlpool WED5000DW (220 V/60 Hz/Dual Phase)

     SCROLL DOWN FOR DETERGENT DETAILS! 

    Representative Formula
    AATCC standard reference detergents are formulated to have the performance of an “average” consumer detergent. This means the results you see in the lab are likely to match the results an end-product consumer sees at home. No false passes from using a high-end detergent in the lab. AATCC and comparable mid-level consumer detergents are compared for performance in dimensional change, color change, color staining, stain release, and general appearance tests.

    Consistent Production
    The recipes for AATCC detergents are the same lot-to-lot. Using standard detergent throughout your supply chain means one less variable to consider when comparing test data. You can count on closely-monitored consistency—every season, in every location. No need to worry about the impact of new formulas, scents, or additives on your results.

    Optical Brightener Options
    For colorfastness testing, the optical brighteners present in most detergents can interfere with specimen evaluation. AATCC standard reference detergents without optical brightener (WOB) let you assess color change due to the test procedure, without the added influence of brighteners. This makes it easier to determine whether a particular dye or process is suitable for your product. AATCC detergents are also available with brighteners for general appearance evaluations or other tests where it may be important to replicate the end-product consumer’s laundering experience.

    HE WASHERS & DETERGENT

    M1 AATCC STANDARD REFERENCE DETERGENTS & LAUNDRY DETERGENTS IN GENERAL

    RA88 HOME LAUNDERING TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

    Detergent Details

    AATCC 1993 Standard Reference DetergentAATCC High Efficiency Liquid Standard Reference DetergentCarpet Detergent

    PURCHASE WITH BRIGHTENER PURCHASE WITHOUT BRIGHTENER (WOB)

    Description
    – Powder
    – NOT for use in high efficiency (HE) washing machines (see AATCC Standard Reference High Efficiency Detergent)
    – Available with or without optical brightener
    – No phosphates, added colors, or added scents
    – Sold in buckets and drums

    OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified and ZDHC Level 1 certified.

    Safety Data Sheets
    – AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (with brightener) US English version  EU English version
    – AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (without brightener, WOB)  US English version  EU English version
    AATCC provides only the SDS version(s) listed above. Customers are responsible for any necessary translation or reformatting to comply with local regulations.

    Standards (with brightener)
    The following standards call for AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (with brightener):
    – AATCC TM61 (with or without brightener)
    – AATCC TM88B 
    – AATCC TM88C
    – AATCC TM96
    – AATCC TM124 
    – AATCC TM130
    – AATCC TM135
    – AATCC TM142
    – AATCC TM143
    – AATCC TM150
    – AATCC TM179
    – AATCC TM207
    – AATCC LP1 (standard conditions)
    – AATCC LP2

    – 16 CFR §1610
    – 16 CFR §1615
    – 16 CFR §1616

    Standards (WOB)
    The following standards call for AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent WITHOUT brightener (WOB):
    – AATCC TM61 (with or without brightener)
    – AATCC TM167
    – AATCC TM172
    – AATCC TM188
    – AATCC TM190
    – AATCC LP1 (alternate conditions)
    – AATCC LP2

    PURCHASE

    Description
    – Liquid
    – For use in high efficiency (HE) washing machines OR traditional washing machines
    – Available without optical brightener
    – No phosphates, added colors, or added scents
    – Sold in 13-L buckets
    – Use 50 mL per 1.8-kg (4-lb) load

    HE vs. Regular Detergent (published by American Cleaning institute)

    Safety Data Sheets: AATCC Standard Reference High Efficiency Detergent (WOB)
    AATCC provides only the SDS version(s) listed above. Customers are responsible for any necessary translation or reformatting to comply with local regulations.

    Standards: AATCC LP1 (alternate conditions)

    AATCC Detergent 171 is used in AATCC TM171 Test Method for Carpets, Cleaning of: Hot Water Extraction.
    PURCHASE AATCC TM171 SAFETY DATA SHEET

    Description
    – Powder
    – For hot-water extraction cleaning of carpets

AATCC Technical Contacts

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