Hexapod Tumbler Carpet Tester
The unit provides a rapid and convenient method of test to recognised standards. Carpet samples can
New generation model includes a colour touch-screen making the operation even easier.
Test Method
Specimens of carpet are fastened to a flexible backing sheet with double-sided adhesive tape. This assembly is fitted on the inside surface of the drum and can easily be removed at any stage for inspection of the specimens under test.
If required, an underlay may be fitted beneath the carpet for direct comparison with normal use. The drive to the drum incorporates a reversing mechanism to give more realistic pile disturbance and the required number of revolutions can be pre-set using the touch-screen. The 3.8kg tumbler has six polyurethane stud feet. The carpet specimens are treated for 2,000 revolutions, which takes approximately one hour. They are then taken out of the drum on their backing sheet and cleaned using an upright vacuum cleaner simulating practical usage. The specimens are replaced and the treatment repeated, normally six times, giving a total of 12,000 revolutions. After the final vacuum cleaning, the change in appearance is assessed against an appropriate set of ISO reference scales.
Assessment of Change of Appearance
Standard EN ISO 9405:2017
HEX:LM2 - A viewing cabinet with viewing cavity dimensions 153cm (W) x 90cm (H) x 59cm (D). The surfaces of the viewing are uniformly grey. Viewing surface with inclination of 45 degrees. D65 dimmable light source to give the required light intensity of between 700 +/- 100 lux.
HEX:GSC - Large grey scales
HEX:DIR10 - Digital image reference scales ISO Pile Cut
HEX:DIR11 - Digital image reference scales ISO Pile Loop
HEX:DIR12 - Digital image reference scales ISO Both Sets
HEX:DLN - Drum Liner
Conforms to:
ISO 10361:2015, Wools of New Zealand, IWS, ASTM D5252-15 Dimensions: 460mm (W), 580mm (D), 500mm (H)
Power Consumption: 375 W
Order Code: HEX:002
Pilfuz Carpet Tester
Quickly and easily simulate “fuzz” and pill in carpet samples
The Pilfuz Carpet Test is used to simulate the “fuzz” and pill that can be associated with carpets under normal use.
The unit incorporates a velcro covered roller which interacts with the surface fibre of the sample for a pre-determined number of cycles. The samples are then visually assessed.
Key Features
✔ Quick and easy to use
✔ Instant results
✔ Can be used in the lab or in production facility
✔ No power required
Consumables - PFZ:VEL - 5 meter roll of Velcro.
OrderCode: PFZ:001
usometer carpet tester
Used to assess the susceptibility of the carpet to fuzzing and pilling in use. applicable to all loo
Test Mothod
The Usometer has two test chambers, cube boxes with 2 removable lids. Two carpet samples are tested in each test box, the samples are fixed to the surface of each of the removable lids with double sided tape. Two weighed rubber tubes are placed inside each box and the lid closed. The boxes are then rotated at 50 revs/min for a predetermined number of revolutions. The direction of rotation is periodically changed. At the end of the test, the samples are removed and visually assessed under the lighting conditions specified in EN ISO 9405 and graded for pilling and fuzzing separately. The instrument has an operator display for easy operation to show the status of the machine.
Key Features
✔ PLC control of direction of rotation
✔ Inch facility to rotate boxes for easy opening
✔ Preset counter to determine the number of revolutions
✔ Machine supplied with 8 weighed tubes
✔ Perspex guards ensure easy visibility of test chambers and safe operation
Conforms to: ISO/PAS 118562003, IWS TM 253
Order Code: USO:001
Carpet Flammability Tester
Used to test the effects of a small source of ignition on floorcoverings
Can be used for either the hot metal nut test or the methenamine tablet test.
The test chamber is manufactured from non-combustible heat resistant board with a counter-weighted sliding panel for each access. The mirror on the top of the chamber allows the operator to view the specimens during the test.
Test Method (Hot Nut)
The stainless steel nut is heated to a temperature of 900°C in a muffle furnace. The specimen is placed inside the test chamber and the clamping rig is placed onto the sample. The heated nut is placed in the centre of the clamping rig, using crucible tongs supplied. After 30 seconds the nut is removed and the effects of the ignition allowed to subside. Measurements are then made to assess the spread of the ignition of the sample.
Test Method (Methenamine Tablet Test)
It is recommended that the test chamber is placed in a laboratory fume hood. The conditioned specimens are placed on the removable base inside the test chamber and the metal place with a circular cut-out is placed at the centre of the specimen and ignited. After the flame has extinguished, measurements are taken to assess the effects.
Key Features
✔ Complete with measuring grid & clamping ring
✔ Sliding panel for easy access
✔ Angled mirror for viewing
✔ Applicable to 2 different tests
✔ Enclosed unit for optimum safety
Conforms to: BS4790:1987, BS 6307:1982, and ISO 6925:1982
Dimensions: 500mm(W), 500mm(D), 830mm(H)
Consumables
Test Chamber - Order Code CFT:001
Furnace for use with Hot Nut Test Method - Order Code CFT:FUR
Accessories for Hot Nut Test - Order Code CFT:002
Accessories for Methenamine Tablet Test - Order Code CFT:003
M16 Nuts - Order Code CFT:NUT
Order Code: CFT: 001
Dynamic Loading Machine
Provides accurate information on ʻbedding-downʼ of carpets
Test Method
The weight has two rectangular steel feet, 51mm by 6.5mm and 9.5mm deep, attached to its underside, 38.1mm apart. By means of a pivoted arm, a cam raises the weight and then allows it to fall freely from a controlled height on to the carpet specimen every five seconds. The steel plate to which the specimen is clamped, is slowly and continuously traversed in such a way that there is 3.2mm movement between each drop of the weight, creating a half overlap with each impact. A complete traverse forwards and back is completed after every 25 impacts, producing a uniformly compressed area 50mm wide by 90mm long. The Wira Dynamic Loading Machine gives information on the ʻbedding- downʼ of the pile, by simulating two of the main actions of walking: compression, and the shearing effect at the edge of the shoe. A thickness gauge is required to measure the thickness of the samples.
Key Features
✔ Gives information on ‘bedding- down’ of carpets.
✔ Similates walking compression and shearing effects.
✔ British and International Standard method of test.
Conforms to: ISO BS 2094:1999
Power Consumption: 250W
Dimensions: 500 mm (W), 500 mm (D), 370 mm (H)
Order Code: DLM:001
Carpet Tile Thickness Gauge
Measure the thickness of carpet tiles
Convenient thickness gauge in special frame.
The Wira Carpet Tile Thickness Gauge is specially designed for quick and repeatable measurements of tile thickness. The base plate can accommodate carpet tiles up to 500mm x 500mm. The carpet tile is located in position by means of two raised edge guides. The presser foot applies a pressure of 2 kPa as specified for testing textile floor coverings and measuring the thickness at a position 106mm from the corner, on the diagonal. The thickness is displayed on a digital indicator gauge that automatically zeros at the press of the button. The standard gauge measures for specimens up to a thickness of 25mm. The digital gauge can be connected to a PC by means of a cable (optional) and data collected by using software package (optional). A set of weights to produce pressures of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150 and 200kPa to carry out the compression and recovery test are available as an option.
Options:
Download Software - TTG:SCF USB Cable - TTG:CBL
Weights for compression and recovery test - TTG:WGT
Key Features
✔ Quick and convenient
✔ Easy to use
✔ Optional software to record results
✔ Includes a range of standard weights
Dimensions: 615 mm (W) x 615 mm (D) x 500 mm (H) Standards: BS 4051:1987, ISO 1765:1986
Order Code: TTG:001
Carpet Tile Squareness Gauge
Determine the dimensions and squareness in minutes.
A range of apparatus suitable for measuring the dimensions and squareness of carpet tiles and carpet samples.
Apparatus TSG:001 can be used to determine the dimensions of carpet tiles (BS 5921) or carpet test specimens (BS 5920), for use in particular for the dimensional stability tests.
Test Method
Samples are placed on a rigid base plate and are positioned on two sides against stop bars. Four digital micrometers (two on each of the remaining two sides) measure the dimensions of the sample. The gauges and stop bars can be positioned for measuring carpet tiles or samples 300mm x 300mm and 500mm x 500mm. The apparatus comes complete with metal reference plates for setting the gauges and smaller metal plates for covering the samples during the test.
Apparatus TSG:002 can be used for measuring the side length, straightness and squareness of carpet tiles according to the “Moveable Dial Gauges Apparatus” as specified in EN ISO 24342:2018. Samples are placed on a rigid base plate and are positioned on two sides against the long horizontal stop bars and the short stop bar. Four digital micrometers measure the dimensions of the sample. The apparatus comes complete with a metal reference plate for setting the gauges and a smaller metal plate for covering the samples during the test. The standard apparatus will measure tiles 500mm x 500mm but special apparatus can be manufactured for measuring alternative sizes.
Standards: EN ISO 24342; BS5920, BS5921. Dimensions: 750mm (W), 700mm (D), 55mm (H)
Order Code: TSG:001/002
Carpet Staining Kit
Used to determine a carpetʼs resistance to staining
An important factor for carpets both in domestic and commercial settings is the resistance to staining. The Wira Carpet Staining Kit uses acid food colour to determine a carpetʼs resistance to staining.
Test Method
A solution is prepared by dissolving the standard dye supplied in distilled water and the pH is adjusted by the addition of citric acid.
Using the Cup and Ring, the carpet sample is wetted using the dye solution and allowed to stand for 24 hours. The carpet sample is then rinsed under running water to remove the excess stain. After allowing the sample to dry, it is evaluated against the scale supplied or by using a spectrophotometer. The kit includes dye, staining ring and cup and the reference stain scale. A selection of pH meters are available from Wira Instrumentation.
Key Features
✔ Determination of resistance to staining by acid food
✔ Proven test method
✔ Standard dye
✔ Simple application using Cup and Ring
✔ Reference scales
Standards: ISO 13750:2000
Order Code: CSK:001
Carpet Static Loading Tester
Convenient and reliable simulation of carpet indentations using Wiraʼs Static Loading Tester
Tests the ability of floor-coverings to recover from indentations.
When a piece of furniture is moved, indentations can often be seen on the floorcovering where the feet of the article have stood. These marks can be unsightly unless the floor-covering is able to recover most of its original thickness. The Wira Carpet Static Loading Tester provides a convenient and reliable method of simulating such indentations and hence the ability of floor-coverings to recover from them.
Test Method
The apparatus applies a heavy load to a specimen for a specified period, normally 7.0kg/cm2 for 24 hours. The presser foot of the apparatus has an area of 6.0cm2, allowing the presser foot of the Wira Digital Thickness gauge to fit easily within the compressed area. The apparatus conforms to the requirements of British Standard 4939 ʻDetermination of thickness loss of textile floorcoverings after prolonged heavy static loadingʼ. The test is applicable to all textile floor-coverings of uniform height and construction.
It also applies to other types when areas of different thickness and construction are separately tested. Thickness measurements are taken before load is applied and after recovery times of 2min, 1hr and 24hr.
Key Features
✔ Simulates indentations caused by furniture
✔ Conforms with international standard requirements
✔ Gives considerable time savings over use of combined loading and thickness testing
devices
✔ Simple, compact and robust
Conformsto: BS 4939:1987 (2017), ISO 3416:1986. Dimensions: 710mm (L), 100mm(W), 182mm (H)
Order Code: LDT:001
Soil Applicator
Soil Applicator with cylinder and modified Hexapod lid
A dispensing hopper is mounted on a free standing unit and vibrated electronically. A centrally fitted ribbed applicator driven by a variable speed motor, evenly disperses the soil. The hopper and applicator are designed to fit into the Wira Hexapod Drum and the soil is dispensed directly onto a carpet sample mounted directly inside the drum.
A 2.3kg cylinder, 205mm long x 63mm in diameter, runs freely within the drum and over the carpet sample. A modified Hexapod drum lid allows the unit to be used with existing Hexapod units.
Key Features
✔ Works with existing Hexapod
✔ Cost effective
✔ Compact design
Consumables:
A 2.3kg cylinder, 205mm long x 63mm in diameter, runs freely within the drum and over the carpet sample.
A modified Hexapod drum lid allows the unit to be used with existing Hexapod units.
Standard Laboratory Testing Soil (ISO)
Order Code: HEX:TSS
Soil Test
Test Method: The test method utilises the Wira Hexapod Tumbler Carpet Tester to subject carpet test specimens to an accelerated soiling process. Soiled pellets are prepared by mixing a standard soiling compound with polyamide pellets inside a mixing container.
The container is placed on the Hexapod Tester and driven for 20 minutes to thoroughly mix the ingredients. The carpet samples are attached to the backing sheet of the test drum using double-sided adhesive tape, then placed inside the drum.
The soiled pellets, together with some chrome alloy steel balls are placed inside the drum, and the lid closed. The drum is then set to rotate for 30 minutes and the specimens are removed from the drum.
Assessment: Assessment of the samples may be carried out either by colour measuring devices or by using Large Grey Scales.
Ordering Information
HEX:LST - Starter kit for drum soiling test including AATCC Standard Soil (1kg), polyamide pellets (1kg), Chrome alloy steel balls (1kg), mixing container (suitable for use with the Hexapod Tumbler), straight edge ruler, backing sheet.
HEX:DRM - Spare Hexapod Drum, it is recommended that a separate drum is used for the soiling tests, so that the carpet samples are not contaminated during the standard appearance test
HEX:GSC - Large Grey Scales
HEX:PPL - Tub of Polyamide Pellets (15kg)
HEX:TSA - AATCC Standard Laboratory Testing Soil (1kg)
Key Features
✔ Conforms to industry standards
✔ Fast and repeatable results
✔ Simple test method
Conforms to: EN ISO: 11378-2:2002 Textile floor coverings - Laboratory Soiling Tests - Part 2 Drum Test. ASTM D6540-00 Standard Test Method for Accelerated Soiling of Pile Yarn Floor Covering
Order Code: HEX:LST
