Why is abrasion resistance important in upholstery textiles?
Any fabric is not good for upholstering furniture, we have to pay attention to its technical characteristics to know if the fabric we like is strong enough and has the quality and resistance required to be used as upholstery.
When we choose an upholstery fabric we always have to look at its abrasion resistance, one of the most important technical characteristics, which is measured in Martindale cycles..
What is the abrasion resistance of textiles?
The abrasion resistance of a fabric refers to the friction with another surface that a textile can resist without starting to break.
When we read the technical specifications of a fabric, we will find the abrasion resistance measured in Martindale cycles. A higher number of Martindale cycles means that the fabric has more resistance and it will have a longer life.
"a higher number of martindale cycles means that
the fabric has more resistance"
How are Martindale cycles measured?
The Martindale cycles of a fabric are measured by a test. In the Jover Group we have the appropriate machinery and technology to carry out the Martindale test in our factory in Alicante (Spain).
The Martindale test consists of exposing a fabric continuously to friction, through a machine that is continuously making circular movements, frictioning the fabric until it starts to break. Depending on the number of turns the fabric can resist without abrasion, it will have a lower or higher resistance, measured in Martindale cycles.
How many Martindale cycles does an upholstery fabric have to resist?
The upholstery of a sofa, armchair or chair is very exposed because of its continuous use and it has to stand a lot of friction.If it does not have the right abrasion resistance, it will quickly start to tear and we will have to replace it.
It is estimated that a fabric is suitable for domestic decorative use (for example, cushions) when it withstands between 4,000 and 10,000 Martindale cycles; for general domestic use (sofas, armchairs, chairs...), between 12,000 and 30,000; and for intensive public use, more than 35,000.
"our galaxy fabrics withstand
martindale 120.000 cycles"
At Jover we manufacture upholstery fabrics with much greater resistance to guarantee their quality, they are perfect for intensive use or severe use for contract projects. In our catalogue you will find hundreds of upholstery fabrics that resist more than Martindale 40,000 cycles.
For example, our Galaxy fabrics withstand Martindale 120,000 cycles. They are very strong fabrics, which last a long time under prolonged use and they are completely suitable for upholstering furniture that is highly exposed.
