A crockmeter is used to test the level and intensity of transfer of color from the surface of one material to another. The testing is carried out via dry and wet friction. The TESTEX TF411 is a well-engineered crockmeter that is available at competitive prices and offers highly accurate test results.
Apart from testing the colorfastness of a fabric, a crockmeter also tests other conditions such as scuffing, ink abrasiveness, and flexing powdering. It does so by exerting pressure and motion on the fabric as required by the region’s standards.
Features of a crockmeter
Here are some features that make it possible for a crockmeter to determine the cloth fastness of fabrics such as leather, dyed, and printed textiles.
- A counter
- A flat peg
- An operating handle
The user-friendly features make the machine very easy to operate while testing the color transference of the fabrics. These features help the crockmeter to test the colorfastness of a fabric in a very accurate manner and give timely results.
How Does The Crockmeter Work?
To measure the colorfastness of a garment, take a piece of fabric and soak it in either distilled or ionized water. After removing the excess water from the garment, attach it at the end of the finger of the instrument.
Once you mount the fabric on the sample placement platform, set the number of cycles on the machine so that it runs against the piece of fabric. The results you get show the color fastness which translates to the quality of the fabric.
The working principle…
- The rubbing fastness tester features a hard platform made out of metal on which samples are placed. The platform’s rigidity helps with holding the fabric firmly as the abrading finger rubs against it during the cycles.
- The metallic platform is attached to the base of the testing equipment in a horizontal position.
- Two pins hold the sample over an abrasive paper that is pasted on the upper side of the metallic platform.
- The abrading finger features a circular rubbing face that’s flat. The finger is surrounded by 4 pieces of a white abrading fabric.
- The abrading fabric collects colors that are lost when the sample fabric is being rubbed.
- The dye colors that are collected are held over the finger with the help of a tapered ring
- To minimize the friction that might occur during the running of the finger, two ball bearings are installed.
- There is a reciprocating arm that applies a uniform load on the finger
- The arm is operated manually by turning a handle.
- The machine is corrosion resistant thanks to the dark metallic paint that is topped with a bright chrome plating
Final Word
Overall, crockmeters are used to measure the color quality, strength, appearance, and the fastness of fabrics. The TESTEX TF411 is designed as per the set standards as required by different standardization authorities. It is one of the best machines that you can use to test the color transference of fabrics. The testing procedure gives highly accurate and precise results.
