Versaperm, a leading manufacturer of testing equipment, has introduced two ranges of textile permeability testers for measuring the weather and water-proof breathability (vapour permeability) of new and improved textiles.

The company’s development is a response to a rising demand for new methods of testing, following the continual drive for new styles and ever higher-performance materials in the fashion and sports markets.

Measuring standards

The ISO standard for measuring the vapour permeability of textiles at the moment is based on the traditional gravimetric technique, which usually takes several weeks to produce a single reading, and according to the company, this is not compatible with the needs of this fast moving market.

Versaperm has introduced two types of instrument. One is gravimetric, to meet the demands of the ISO standard, and the other one is a faster instrumental technique, which is said to produce results in as little as a few hours for some fabrics.

Quality control

According to the company, the instrumental technique, which offers accuracies that are typically in the PPM range, is designed for both rapid product development and to ensure the quality control of textiles and garments.

The alternative gravimetric system is said to guarantee that the results meet the ISO standard where this is important for legal or marketing reasons. 

Weatherproof fabrics

Weatherproof fabrics are typically plain weaves with yarns coated with a durable, water repellent finish.  Many also have a microporous or monolithic film, coating or bicomponent combination.  Today, these materials are produced in massive quantities worldwide and this is the market which Versaperm is targeting.

www.versaperm.com