ASTM D4685/D4685M-15 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4685/D4685M-15 (2020) — Standard Test Method for Pile Fabric Abrasion. This test method describes procedures to evaluate the abrasion resistance of pile fabrics by measuring loss of pile tufts (pile retention or pile pull-out). The standard includes two test procedures (Heavy Duty and Light Duty) and is intended for woven pile constructions such as corduroy and similar pile fabrics.

Abstract

This test method specifies controlled abrasion cycles applied to pile-fabric specimens and an evaluation of pile pull‑out by visual comparison with photographic standards. It quantifies pile retention (tuff loss) for both face and back abrasion, provides separate SI and inch‑pound unit systems, and supports both quality‑control and commercial acceptance testing.

General information

• Status: Historical / Superseded (superseded by ASTM D4685/D4685M-25, active edition published in 2025).
• Publication date: Current edition approved July 1, 2020 (designation D4685/D4685M‑15(2020)).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.30 — Textile fabrics; textile test methods.
• Edition / version: D4685/D4685M‑15 (reaffirmed/approved 2020 edition; earlier editions include 2015 and prior revisions).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (short test method).

Scope

This standard covers determination of pile‑fabric abrasion characterized by loss of pile tufts (pile retention or pile pull‑out). It provides two procedures: Procedure A (Heavy Duty) for fabrics over 240 g/m2 (≈7 oz/yd2) or heavy‑use applications, and Procedure B (Light Duty) for fabrics under 240 g/m2 or light‑use applications. The method is intended for regular, ribless woven corduroy and other woven pile constructions and treats SI and inch‑pound units as independent systems. Testing is performed on both face and back of specimens and evaluation is by comparison with photographic standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Two procedures: Procedure A (Heavy Duty) and Procedure B (Light Duty) based on fabric mass and end‑use expectations.
• Measurement focus: pile tuft loss (pile retention / pile pull‑out), not surface appearance such as crushed ribs.
• Separate testing of face and back of specimens because pile pull‑out behavior may differ.
• Evaluation by visual comparison with a set of photographic standards; the method includes photographic references for grading.
• Use of either SI units or inch‑pound units independently (do not combine values from both systems).
• Intended uses include quality control, specification compliance, and commercial shipment acceptance; statistical comparison between laboratories is recommended when disputes arise.

Typical use and users

Textile and apparel manufacturers, quality control laboratories, test laboratories, material specifiers, fabric converters, retail product quality teams, and procurement organizations use this method to assess pile retention and to compare fabrics for durability in upholstery, apparel, and industrial textile applications. The method is commonly used during product development, incoming inspection, and supplier acceptance testing.

Related standards

Referenced and related documents include ASTM D123 (Terminology Relating to Textiles) and preceding or succeeding revisions of D4685 (for historical context: D4685‑07, amendments, and the later D4685/D4685M‑25 edition which supersedes the ‑15/2020 edition). Laboratories should also consult adjunct photographic standards and any committee‑issued adjuncts referenced in the test method.

Keywords

pile fabric abrasion, pile retention, pile pull‑out, corduroy, pile tufts, abrasion test, photographic standards, heavy duty, light duty, textile testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4685/D4685M‑15 (2020) is a test method that specifies procedures to evaluate the abrasion resistance of pile fabrics by measuring loss of pile tufts (pile retention or pile pull‑out).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two abrasion procedures (Heavy Duty and Light Duty), test specimen preparation, exposure to a specified number of abrasion cycles, separate testing of face and back, and evaluation against photographic standards; SI and inch‑pound units are provided as independent systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile manufacturers, test laboratories, quality control personnel, product developers, fabric suppliers, and procurement/specification writers use the method for quality assurance and contractual acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D4685/D4685M‑15 (2020) edition is historical/superseded; ASTM lists a later active edition, D4685/D4685M‑25 (2025), as the current active version. Users requiring the latest requirements should consult the active 2025 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM D13 committee family of textile test methods and has earlier and later revisions (historical revisions include editions from 2007, 2011, 2015, the 2020 reapproval, and the 2025 active revision).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: pile fabric abrasion, pile retention, pile pull‑out, corduroy, photographic standards, abrasion testing, textile durability.