Application
The Rotating Drum Snag Resistance Tester is designed to evaluate the tendency of fabrics to snag by assessing how easily yarn loops are pulled from the fabric during normal wear. It features four rotating test cylinders, each fitted with fabric sleeves and mace balls with tungsten carbide points. The system is controlled by a programmable electronic counter, ensuring consistent and repeatable results. A set of four felt sleeves is included with the tester.
Definition Fabric snagging is a common defect caused by plucking, pulling, and external friction. Evaluating a fabric’s snag resistance helps manufacturers prevent this issue and improve fabric durability.
Testing Method
A cylindrical fabric specimen is mounted on a rotating drum. As the drum spins, the mace ball flips and bounces against the fabric’s surface, simulating wear and snagging. The degree of snagging is influenced by factors such as fabric composition and construction. The sample is visually compared with standard reference photographs to assess the snagging level, rated on a scale from 5 (no noticeable snagging) to 1 (severe snagging).
Preparation
- Fabric Dimensions: Weft-knitted fabrics: 205 mm x 330 mm; Warp-knitted and woven fabrics: 205 mm x 320 mm
- Felt Sleeve: Green S/924 (70% wool, 30% rayon), 1.6 mm thick, 235 g/m²
- Spacer Plate: Sets hammer position
- Rubber Ring: Secures the fabric specimen
- Sewing Thread: Cotton or polyester/cotton (Line Number 30–50)
- Standard Calibrated Fabric: Reference fabric provided by purchaser or supplier
- Standard Sample Photographs: Rating scale from 1 to 5
- Specimen: Prepared after washing or dry-cleaning if needed
Mace Snagging Test Procedure
- Fit the rotary drum with the felt sleeve and ensure it’s completely dry.
- Condition the specimen for at least 4 hours at 21 ± 1°C and 65 ± 2% humidity.
- Inspect the specimen for flaws such as accidental snagging or pilling and replace if necessary.
- Mount the specimen on the rotating drum with the fabric facing outward, smoothing the seam and securing it with a rubber ring or adhesive tape.
- Ensure multiple drum-mounted specimens have consistent orientation.
- Position the mace ball so it can move freely over the fabric surface.
- Set the machine to 600 revolutions and start the test.
- After testing, remove the specimen and inspect for snagging.
Results Snagging is evaluated using standard sample photographs:
- Grade 5: No noticeable snagging
- Grade 1: Severe snagging
Snagging types:
- Protruding loops without fabric deformation
- Deformation without protruding loops
- Both protrusion and deformation
Reports should note any large protrusions (over 4 mm), significant deformations (over 15 mm), or noticeable color changes.
Test Report
- Fabric specifications and material details
- Specimen preparation method (washing/dry cleaning)
- Testing procedure (Method ABC or ICI)
- Test parameters (600 rpm or other settings)
- Ironing status and temperature, if applicable
- Average snagging resistance grade for fabric length and width
