Martindale cycles describe a laboratory abrasion test result under a particular method. Comparing two materials also requires the test conditions and its endpoint. For production purchasing, first establish which surface was tested: an uncoated textile or a polymer layer applied to it.
What the cycle count means
ISO 12947-2:2016 determines specimen breakdown through inspections at set intervals. A data sheet entry therefore needs to preserve the method and test endpoint. Ask whether the number records actual breakdown or whether the specimen survived that many cycles without it. Keep qualifiers such as “at least” or “more than” in the specification too.
The same word Martindale on two product cards does not establish comparable results. Check the standard, including its part and edition, the abradant, load or pressure, specimen preparation and the change being assessed. If those details are missing, request the report or clarification from the manufacturer.
Example: two data sheets with the same number
These are hypothetical entries for explanation, not DELIM product results. Assume that the method, surface and conditions are the same:
- Sample A: “Testing stopped after 50,000 cycles; no breakdown observed.”
- Sample B: “Breakdown recorded at the 50,000-cycle inspection.”
For A, the result at the stopping point is known, but the number of cycles to breakdown is not. For B, the endpoint has been reached; the precision of that conclusion depends on the inspection intervals. Reducing both entries to “50,000” loses an important distinction. If your requirement is no breakdown at that stage, the conclusions for these samples will differ.
If the method or conditions differ, obtain comparable reports first. These hypothetical numbers are not a recommended minimum for a sofa or any other product.
Textiles and coatings need different checks
ISO 12947-2 excludes coated fabrics, including laminated fabrics. For abrasion of a coated surface, check the scope of the relevant method: for example, ISO 5470-2:2021 describes wet and dry abrasion of coated surfaces using a Martindale abrader. For an uncoated side of such a material, that standard refers to the ISO 12947 series. The tested side matters.
In the DELIM catalogue, Sanwil ARTEMIS B-431 is described as a polymer-coated material. This is a reason to clarify the test method and surface before comparing it with an ordinary textile. The construction name alone does not establish testing to a particular standard; confirm it from the documentation for that exact version.
How pilling differs from abrasion
Pilling is the formation of small fibre balls on the surface. ISO 12945-2:2020 describes a separate modified Martindale method for assessing pilling, fuzzing and matting. These appearance changes are assessed separately from breakdown during abrasion. A high abrasion cycle count cannot replace a pilling result. If upholstery appearance matters, request both properties with their assessment conditions.
Why cycles cannot be converted into years
The Association for Contract Textiles, ACT, cautions that laboratory flat abrasion does not cover edge wear or every condition affecting upholstery. Twice the cycle count does not establish twice the service life. Assess folds, seams, care and actual rubbing points separately on the finished construction.
Likewise, do not convert Martindale cycles into Wyzenbeek double rubs using an arbitrary factor. ACT states that these results do not correlate. Compare documents using an agreed method.
How many cycles does your product need?
Start with the customer’s requirements and the upholstery’s intended use. For a seat, backrest or armrest edge, consider the particular contact area and construction. The label “for furniture” alone does not define an agreed acceptance criterion.
- Describe the product, intensity of use and cleaning method.
- Agree the material, method, endpoint and required result with the customer or technologist.
- Compare the report for that exact item and version with the requirement; include missing details in your supplier enquiry.
- Check the selected material in an assembled sample, including seams and folds.
If the specification sets a minimum cycle count without naming a method, clarify it before purchasing. Comparing the largest numbers alone does not resolve material suitability.
What to record before purchasing
- Item reference, colour, construction and tested side.
- Standard, preparation conditions, abradant and load or pressure.
- Result with its unit, inequality signs and endpoint.
- A separate pilling result if required for the product.
- An agreed acceptance criterion and a check of the assembled sample.
A line to complete might read: “Item ___; side ___; method ___; conditions ___; result ___ cycles to ___”. This is a request template, not a test result or a universal requirement. Agree the conditions before commissioning the test.
How to prepare a request for DELIM
Send the item reference or sample, product application, rubbing area, appearance requirements and care conditions. Attach the available data sheet and mark the details that need clarification. For other mechanical properties, see the article on tensile and tear strength. The exact version, documents and supply terms are agreed separately.
Enquiry template for the manager: “We are selecting upholstery for ___; contact area ___; item/colour ___; planned volume ___; care method ___. Please clarify the available abrasion report: method, tested side, conditions, result and endpoint. We also need pilling data ___ and a sample for checking in the product ___.”