ASTM INTERNATIONAL TO EXPAND ITS TEXTILES PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM  TO INCLUDE ASTM D5587 TRAPEZOID TEST IN  2006

 

The ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center  is pleased to announce its plans to expand the program scope of testing to include ASTM D5587 in its Textiles Proficiency Testing Program(PTP) beginning in 2006.

 

Beginning in February 2006, ASTM International Proficiency Testing Program on Textiles will include ASTM D5587 Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid Procedure. The test method covers the measurement of the tearing strength of textile fabrics using a recording constant-rate-of-extension-type (CRE) tensile testing machine. The CRE-type tensile testing machine has become the preferred test apparatus for determining trapezpoid tearing strength. Most textile fabrics can be tested by this test method including the heavy fabric test samples used in the Textiles PTP.

 

Effective in 2006, D5587 will be included in the Textiles program scope of testing whereby, one test cycle out of every two test cycles conducted each year, will contain a heavy fabric suitable for D5587 testing. The intent of including this test in the program scope is to give all registered laboratories with an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in conducting D5587 regardless of the heavy fabric type distributed for testing. Adding D5587 to the Textiles PTP will offer labs with the opportunity to compare their test results with other laboratories worldwide.

 

Adding ASTM D5587 testing to the ASTM PTP will make program participants very attractive to NFPA Code 1951 & 1971 testers and users as well as to those labs doing fire-service protective clothing fabric analyses.  How well can you perform ASTM D5587!!!  Joining this program allows you to prove your proficiency in performing this test!!!

 

The Textiles PTP is conducted twice annually in February and August for a modest subscription fee.  As a program participant, you receive three textile test samples (light, medium and heavy) plus test instructions for each trial.  Your laboratory can perform one test or all tests in the program scope as you normally conduct within your own facility. Other tests in the program scope include ASTM D737 Air Permeability, D1424 Tear Strength by Emeldorf Apparatus, D2261 Tear Strength by Single Rip Procedure, D3775/D3776 Fabric Count Procedures, D5034/D5035 Breaking Strength and Elongation by the Grab and Strip Methods. And now, effective 2006, D5587 Trapezoid Procedure. Participation is NOT contingent upon the performance of  all program tests.

 

Upon completion of tests, each laboratory electronically submits their test data to ASTM-PTP for use in generating statistical summary reports. Reports contain 1) Coded laboratory test results, 2) Statistical analyses of test data, 3) Charts plotting test results versus lab ID, 4) Other very pertinent information.      

 

The benefits of participation include receiving the test results available in a statistical summary report available only to participating laboratories that will help you, 1) monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory’s performance, 2) periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories, 3) Compare test data for a given quality parameter with laboratories using the same methods.

 

 

Samples, test instructions, and web-based data entry forms are available to each participant from the ASTM-PTP website prior to each test trial.  Labs will have approximately 4-6 weeks to electronically submit their test results to ASTM-PTP. The final statistical report will be electronically disseminated to each trial participant within 30 days of data submission deadline.  

 

 

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2006-07 TEXTILES PTP THAT NOW INCLUDES D5587 TESTING!!!!!!. Contact ASTM-PTP at ptp@astm.org registration options and answers to your questions. An official registration form is available from www.astm.org under  Proficiency/Crosscheck Under TEXTILES. Just download a registration flyer, complete it and fax back ASTM-PTP Center at 610-832-9668.           

 

FOR MORE REGISTRATION INFORMATION, contact:  Jamie Lake at jlake@astm.org or (610) 832-9682.

 

Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.