GenDale is a certified Martindale abrasion testing system, used mainly on shoe fabric, shoe lining and other shoe-related materials. The specimen is rubbed in a complex back-and-forth motion, and the measure of abrasion strength is the number of cycles it takes before a hole appears in the test area. Up to four specimens can be run at the same time. The system is certified to CE, ISO and SGS. There is a fuller account of the method in our blog.
The GenDale running a set of specimens.
The machine runs both the abrasion test and the pilling test from the same touch-screen control.
| Item | GenDale |
|---|---|
| Speed | 50-2 r/min, adjustable |
| Function | Fabric pilling test and fabric wear resistance test |
| Driver system | PLC programmable control with large touch screen |
| Certification | CE, ISO, SGS |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 34.85 × 23.6 × 16.15″ (88.5 × 60 × 41 cm) |
| Power | AC 220 V, 1 ph |
The two tests differ in how far the holder travels and how much it weighs.
| Item | Abrasion test | Pilling test |
|---|---|---|
| Max. stroke of movement | 60.5 ±0.5 mm | 24 ±0.5 mm |
| Weight of holder and spindle | 200 ±1 g | 155 ±1 g |
None of these are needed to run the machine; they are the cutters, fabrics and photographic standards that a laboratory gets through over time.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Test specimen cutter | 38 mm diameter / 12 cm², with cutting mat and spare blades |
| Abradent fabric and backing felt cutter | 5.5″ (140 mm) diameter / 154 cm², with cutting mat and spare blades |
| Standard wool abradent fabric | SM25, 1.6 m wide × 5 m long, for the abrasion and pilling tests |
| Standard backing foam | 1.5 m wide, 0.5 m long |
| Standard backing wool felt piece (woven) | 1 m × 1.5 m |
| EMPA photographic standards for the pilling test | 3 × 4 knitted |
| EMPA photographic standards for the pilling test | 3 × 4 woven |
| SM 50 photographs for the pilling test | IWS and ASTM |
The system as it stands in a laboratory.
Certified Martindale abrasion testing systems.
Tell us the fabric and the standard you report to, and we will confirm the abradent and the consumables you will need. A quick request online is enough to start.
Need Additional Quality Control Equipment to Build Your Laboratory?
Abrasion testing is only one part of a complete quality control laboratory. NextGen can help you equip your entire lab with rheometers and viscometers, abrasion and flex testers, ageing and salt spray chambers, hardness and rebound testers, specimen cutting presses, and other supporting solutions, all coordinated as one complete project.
Yes. ISO 12947-2 is listed among the standards in both our GenDale brochure and the GenDale operator's manual. It is the part of the Martindale series that fixes the end point: specimens are inspected at set intervals, and the abrasion count at which breakdown occurs is recorded.
That matches how GenDale reports abrasion strength, as the number of cycles completed before a hole appears in the test area. The counter runs from 0 to 99,999,999 cycles.
The method applies to textile fabrics, including nonwovens, but not to coated or laminated fabrics, which are tested to ISO 5470-2 instead. Our ISO 12947-2 overview covers inspection intervals and reporting, and we can help you set an interval plan that matches your buyer's specification.
Yes, SATRA TM31 is one of the methods listed for GenDale in our brochure. It is a Martindale method for the abrasion resistance of flexible sheet materials, applied mainly to fabrics, coated fabrics and leathers for footwear uppers and linings, which matches the shoe fabric and lining work GenDale is built for.
Circular specimens are rubbed against a standard abradant under a controlled load, dry, after wetting or both, and the damage is assessed after the number of cycles set by the product specification. The severity of the test therefore comes from that specification: the abradant, the load and the cycle count.
The standard GenDale configuration includes standard sample holders and 9 kPa and 12 kPa weights. Tell us the material and the edition of SATRA TM31 you work to, and we will confirm the abradant and consumables for it.
GenDale is used mainly on shoe fabric, shoe lining and other shoe-related materials. Up to four specimens run at the same time, and one touch-screen control with PLC programming runs both the abrasion test and the pilling test, so a footwear lab can check wear-through and surface appearance on the same instrument.
Beyond footwear, the operator's manual covers textile fabrics and floor coverings with a pile depth of less than 2 mm.
The system is certified to CE, ISO and SGS, and it ships with a certificate of quality and an operation manual. Where four stations are not enough, the 9-Station Martindale Abrasion Tester handles more specimens at once for higher throughput. Tell us the materials and the standards you report to, and we will recommend the model and the consumables that fit your workload.
Yes. ISO 5470 appears in our GenDale operator's manual, and ISO 5470-2 is listed in the brochure. ISO 5470-2 is the Martindale abrader method for rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics. It evaluates the coated surface itself, so it is the method to use when the requirement relates to a PU, PVC, rubber or other polymer coating rather than the base fabric.
The standard has two separate procedures, one for dry abrasion and one for wet abrasion, and the end point comes from the product specification, for example coating breakthrough or an unacceptable change in the surface. The uncoated face of a coated fabric is tested to the ISO 12947 series instead.
Coated fabrics behave differently from plain textiles, so we confirm the holders, the abradant and the dry or wet procedure your specification calls for with your configuration. Our ISO 5470-2 page summarises the method.
Yes, ISO 12947-4 is among the standards listed for GenDale in our brochure. This part of the Martindale series assesses appearance change: after a specified abrasion exposure, the specimen surface is evaluated visually for changes such as shading, fuzzing or surface disruption, rather than being run to breakdown or weighed.
It is not the pilling method. Pilling, fuzzing and matting are assessed with the modified Martindale method of ISO 12945-2, which GenDale also runs.
Because the result is visual, consistent viewing conditions matter as much as the abrasion itself: a controlled light source or viewing cabinet, a fixed way of presenting the specimen and acceptance criteria agreed before testing. Our ISO 12947-4 summary explains how this part fits with the rest of the series.
Yes, SFS 4328 is one of the standards listed for GenDale in our brochure. It is a Finnish standard for the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method: specimens are rubbed against a defined abradant in a controlled multi-directional motion for a set number of cycles or until a defined end point.
Labs usually meet it as a legacy or regional citation, and modern specifications more often call up the EN ISO 12947 series. Check that your document says SFS 4328 and not SFS-EN 4328, which is an unrelated standard. As abrasion resistance can be judged by a hole, broken yarns, appearance change or mass loss, the end point should be stated in the requirement.
The consumables are the usual Martindale set: standard SM25 wool abradent fabric, backing foam, woven wool felt, and cutters for 38 mm specimens and 140 mm abradent and felt discs.
Yes. The full designations are ASTM D4966 and ASTM D4970/D4970M, and both are listed for GenDale in our brochure. D4966 covers the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics on the Martindale tester, while D4970/D4970M covers pilling resistance and related surface changes. They share the instrument but answer different questions.
GenDale changes set-up between the two. The abrasion test uses a maximum stroke of 60.5 ±0.5 mm with a 200 ±1 g holder and spindle, and the pilling test a stroke of 24 ±0.5 mm with 155 ±1 g.
Pilling under D4970/D4970M is judged visually against photographic standards, on a scale from 5, no pilling, to 1, very serious pilling. We supply SM 50 photographs to IWS and ASTM, and EMPA photographic standards for knitted and woven fabrics, as optional consumables. Our ASTM D4966 and D4970 page sets the two methods side by side.
The GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester measures fabric specimen durability by applying a specific rubbing action through a complex back-and-forth motion. This method simulates the natural wear process fabrics undergo during use. The tester uses abrasive materials that contact the fabric in a controlled, repetitive manner, simulating the normal wear and tear that occurs in everyday life.
This testing method is essential for accurately determining how well textiles maintain their integrity and appearance under stress. By replicating the multidirectional stress fabrics face in real-world conditions, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester provides valuable data on fabric abrasion resistance. This information helps manufacturers understand the potential longevity and performance of their materials, enabling them to make informed decisions about product development and quality control. The precise simulation of wear patterns allows for the optimization of fabric treatments and product durability, key factors in competitive textile markets.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester meets DIN 53863 and DIN 53865. These German standards specify the methods for testing textile abrasion resistance, with DIN 53863 focusing on general testing procedures and DIN 53865 detailing more specific conditions for testing textiles used in different applications. Compliance with these standards guarantees that the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester can accurately evaluate how textiles withstand mechanical wear and tear under controlled conditions, which simulate real-world usage.
In conformance with DIN 53863 and DIN 53865, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester offers reliable and standardized assessments for textile durability, a valuable tool for manufacturers and researchers who need to ensure their products meet high-quality standards and are fit for purpose. This compliance is particularly important for those in the European market or for global companies needing to meet international durability standards in textiles, facilitating the development and certification of durable textiles that meet consumer expectations.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is designed to meet IWTO 40-88 specifications. This standard, issued by the International Wool Textile Organization, outlines the methods for determining the abrasion resistance of wool textiles. It provides assurance that GenDale tests are appropriate and relevant for wool fabrics. Compliance with IWTO 40-88 is particularly important for the wool industry, as it provides a consistent and internationally recognized benchmark for evaluating woolen products' durability and wear resistance.
Meeting the IWTO 40-88 means that the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester can deliver accurate and reliable results, essential for manufacturers who need to verify that their wool textiles can withstand daily use without significant deterioration. This capability allows for maintaining quality standards in wool textiles, supporting the development of products that meet consumer expectations for comfort and longevity, and enhancing the overall value of woolen garments and furnishings on the market.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is designed to meet BS EN 388 and BS EN 530. BS EN 388 specifies methods for testing protective gloves' abrasion resistance, whereas BS EN 530 outlines abrasion resistance tests for protective clothing materials. Compliance with these standards ensures that the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester accurately evaluates the durability and performance of safety apparel materials.
Following BS EN 388, the tester can assess how well gloves can withstand physical wear during use, which is crucial for ensuring user safety in environments that require hand protection. Similarly, compliance with BS EN 530 allows the tester to determine the durability of fabrics used in protective clothing under abrasive conditions. This dual capability is essential for manufacturers and quality control laboratories that focus on the development and certification of protective apparel, guaranteeing that their products provide effective and reliable protection in accordance with European safety standards.
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Yes, ISO 12947-1 is listed for GenDale in our brochure. It is the apparatus part of the Martindale series: it sets requirements for the tester and for the auxiliary materials used with Parts 2 to 4, and it does not define an end point or a pass mark on its own.
The apparatus values in the GenDale operator's manual include a 395 ±2 g pressure mass for fabric samples, 595 ±7 g for furniture and decorative fabrics, a 2385 ±10 g loading hammer and an effective friction diameter of 28.8 mm on the abrading block.
The manual's auxiliary materials are standard felt of 750 ±50 g/m2 and 3 ±0.3 mm thickness, standard combed plain fabric of 195 g/m2 and standard foam backing of 29 to 31 kg/m3. When a specification cites ISO 12947 without a part number, we confirm with you whether breakdown, mass loss or appearance change is required before configuring the system.
The GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester can test up to four specimens together for abrasion. This capability allows for efficient and time-saving testing, enabling manufacturers and testing laboratories to conduct multiple assessments in parallel. This feature is particularly beneficial in high-throughput environments where large volumes of fabric need to be tested quickly to keep pace with production schedules and quality assurance processes.
In addition to enhancing productivity by testing multiple samples at the same time, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is also able to provide comparative insights between different materials or treatments under the same test conditions, as it tests multiple samples at once. Using simultaneous tests provides consistency in abrasion resistance evaluation, making it easier to determine the durability and suitability of materials used in shoe manufacturing and other textile applications.
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Yes, BS 3424/5690 appears in the list of standards for GenDale in our brochure. The combined citation points to two British Standards: BS 5690 for the abrasion resistance of fabrics on the Martindale principle, and the parts of BS 3424 that cover coated fabrics, including abrasion methods such as BS 3424-24.
The combination is not a single document, so the load, abradant, end point and reporting come from the part, method and edition named in your specification. Results are usually given as the number of rubs to a defined end point, either specimen breakdown or a set level of appearance change.
Many specifications have since moved to BS EN ISO 12947 for textiles and ISO 5470-2 for coated fabrics. If your contract still cites BS 5690 or a BS 3424 part, send us the clause and we will match the GenDale configuration and consumables to it.
Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is designed to comply with the IWSTM 112/196 standard, which outlines specific methodologies for testing textile abrasion resistance. This compliance is crucial for ensuring that the abrasion tests conducted with GenDale are both accurate and globally recognized, compliant with established industry norms.
By meeting the IWSTM 112/196 standard requirements, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester provides manufacturers, quality control labs, and research institutions with a reliable tool for assessing textile durability. This standardization ensures that the fabrics tested can withstand expected wear and tear, making this tester an indispensable asset in the textile and footwear industries where material longevity and performance are paramount. The ability to adhere to such rigorous testing standards underscores the tester's utility in evaluating how textiles will perform under actual conditions, thereby assisting in the development of more durable and consumer-friendly products.
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GenDale is listed for both parts in our brochure, and the two differ in what is measured after abrasion. ISO 12947-3 is the mass loss method: conditioned specimens are weighed, abraded on the Martindale tester under the specified conditions, then weighed again, and the loss in mass is reported.
That gives a numeric, balance-based result, useful when visual grading alone is not enough or when a programme needs figures for trending and acceptance. Besides the tester, the lab needs a balance suited to the specimen mass and the expected change.
ISO 12947-4 weighs nothing. It assesses how the surface of the specimen looks after a set abrasion exposure, by visual evaluation under controlled viewing. A programme can call for both: mass loss for a number, appearance for what the end user will see. Our ISO 12947-3 page covers the mass loss method in more detail.
Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is designed to comply with IS 12673. This standard, established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), outlines methods for determining textile fabrics' abrasion resistance. Compliance with IS 12673 ensures that the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester can accurately assess fabrics' wear and tear resistance under specific test conditions prescribed by the standard.
This compliance is vital for manufacturers and quality control laboratories within India, or for those exporting to Indian markets, so that the textiles meet local regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for durability. By adhering to IS 12673, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester provides reliable data that optimizes fabric performance and quality, key to sustaining competitiveness in the textile industry. This standard's adherence also helps consumers trust textiles, offering assurance that they have been rigorously tested and meet established durability standards.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester is designed to meet ISO 12945-2 requirements. This standard specifies the method for determining pilling and surface changes in textile fabrics using the Martindale method. While ISO 12945-2 is often associated with pilling tests, it also addresses other surface changes that can occur in fabrics under abrasion and stress conditions.
The compliance of the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester with ISO 12945-2 guarantees that it can effectively evaluate how textile surfaces withstand repeated friction, which can lead to pilling - a key aspect of textile quality and durability. The standard outlines specific procedures and settings for conducting these tests so that the results are consistent and reproducible across different testing instances and locations.
This capability is particularly important for fabric manufacturers and quality control laboratories that need to ensure their products maintain their appearance and functionality even after extended use. Compliance with ISO 12945-2 helps these entities establish textile durability in terms of resistance to pilling and surface wear, enhancing product reliability and consumer satisfaction.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester complies with ISO 20344, which outlines the methods for testing personal protective equipment and footwear, including specific tests for determining the abrasion resistance of materials used in the upper, lining, and outer sole components of footwear. This standard is vital for ensuring that footwear products offer adequate durability and protection, as required in various occupational environments.
Compliance with ISO 20344 enables the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester to accurately evaluate how well footwear materials can withstand daily wear, particularly in demanding work settings. This capability is essential for footwear manufacturers who need to ensure their products meet safety standards and provide sufficient durability. ISO 20344 not only helps in developing safe and reliable products but also supports manufacturers in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for high-quality, durable footwear.
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Yes, the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester conforms to comply with the NEXT 16 standard. This specific standard outlines methods for assessing the abrasion resistance of textiles, with a particular emphasis on testing protocols that simulate real-world wear conditions. Compliance with NEXT 16 guarantees that the GenDale Martindale Abrasion Tester can accurately measure how textile fabrics endure repeated abrasion, which is essential for applications where fabric durability is a key performance indicator.
Its compliance with the NEXT 16 standard allows the GenDale tester to provide reliable and consistent data necessary for manufacturers and quality assurance teams in the textile industry. This standard is particularly valued for its rigorous approach to testing, which helps in predicting the lifespan and maintaining the quality of textiles under typical usage conditions. For industries such as clothing and home furnishings, where fabric wear and durability are directly linked to customer satisfaction and product reputation, compliance with such standards is essential.
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When a dispute arises from a material supplier, the customer and supplier should perform comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between the tests. Each side should take a group of test specimens that are as homogenous as possible from the material in question. The fabric specimens should be assigned at random in equal numbers for each laboratory to test. The average results from both testing’s should be compared. If a bias is found after comparing results, the cause must be investigated and corrected or the purchaser and supplier need to consider the bias when interpreting the test results of the material in question.
Woven, Non-woven and knit apparel fabrics are most common types to be tested with the Martindale abrader. Other common fabrics include household fabrics such as curtains, pillows, or sofa materials and commercial/industrial heavy duty fabrics.
When considering the sample breakage testing method, the Martindale system usually provides a score of 1000's cycles of abrasion completed. The general idea of the scoring system is as follows:
The testing process should be stopped immediately once a change in the appearance of the fabric specimen is noticed - or when two yarns break. Due to the involvement of the technician for ending the test, the Martindale system can have skewed results caused by human error.
The material being tested is loaded onto the lower plates of the Martindale abrasion tester. The abrading material which consists of a small disk of worsted wool or wire mesh is loaded on top of the test specimen. The abrading material has constant contact with the specimen fabric and is oscillating in a circular motion.
The Martindale system tests the abrasion resistance of the fabric while in constant friction with another material. It also has the capabilities of measuring the pilling resistance which directly affects the fabrics durability and application of the material.
Unfortunately, the Martindale Abrasion method is not satisfactory or widely accepted as a method for approving shipments of fabric. The Martindale has issues in consistency and results can vary between operators. With this being a large downside of the Martindale system, the test method is still widely used outside of the United States and is in accordance to many ISO standards, ASTM D4966 as well as many EU and GB standards (ISO 20344, ISO 12947, ISO 17704, ASTM D4966-12e1 to name a few).