Wyzenbeek (Oscillatory Cylinder)
A Wyzenbeek Abrasion Tester is used for evaluating the quality of leather, textiles and fabrics. The test method was invented in the early 20th century. No one really knows where the name came from: the inventor? his girlfriend? or a duck that was taunting the inventor. No matter how it got named, the test became an industry-standard way of evaluating textiles. While the outcome has its objective aspects to it, the testing apparatus provided a form of repeatability and cross-industry comparison needed at the time. Buyers could point to the results of the test and determine if one supplier had a better product than another. And the seller could use the test results to prove their products were superior.
Individual test specimens cut from the warp and weft directions are rubbed back and forth using an ACT approved #10 cotton duck fabric as the abradant.
From the test instructions:
The end point is reached when two yarn breaks occur or when appreciable wear is reached or when 100,000 double rubs are reached. The samples should be checked every 5,000 double rubs, and when an end point is reached because of failure, the rater should back up to the previous 5,000 double rub checkpoint as the test result of abrasion resistance. The test results are therefore to be reported in 5,000 double rub increments.
Experience indicates that 100% olefin fabrics are best-tested using wire screen as the abradant. The Wyzenbeek method tests flat abrasion resistance of a textile. This test method does not evaluate edge abrasion or any of the other diverse factors that would determine the overall durability of upholstery as used in variety of seating designs.
* For complete technical details about ASTM D4157-07: http://www.astm.org