Versaperm, a leading manufacturer of testing equipment, has introduced a multi-gas meter, designed to measure the vapour permeability of waterproof and windproof fabrics very quickly. 

For many fabrics, results can be produced in around thirty minutes, which is under a hundredth of the time required for conventional (gravimetric) measurements, according to the manufacturer.   

Testing fabrics

The rapid pace of change in the textile industry, and particularly in fashion for sports and outdoor clothing, has placed a strain on fabric producers to introduce new performance fabrics in ever shorter timescales.

New fabrics and textiles need to be not only waterproof and windproof but also tried, tested and breathable.  One of the problems is that testing fabrics against the ISO (15496:2004) standard can take weeks to make a single permeability measurement, the company reports.

The multi-gas meter, developed by the testing equipment specialist is designed to help solve this problem, by significantly accelerating the fabric’s testing time.

Standards for measuring

Versaperm’s instrumental techniques are said to ensure that the critical testing stage is no longer a barrier to innovation or production. The system is suitable for both product development and the quality control of textiles, fabrics and garments, the company reports. 

Most of the new materials freely allow the passage of water as a vapour (breathable), but strongly resist it as both water droplets and wind.

Although the ISO standard for measuring the waterproofness, windproofness and breathability of textiles is rapidly being overtaken by developments in technology, Versaperm also produces conventional gravimetric systems to guarantee compliance. 

Versaperm

Versaperm is a leader in the measurement of gas permeability. The company’s instruments, testing service and consultancy are interlinked. It also supplies, services and maintains the leading Gemco range of seal test equipment, which measures and verifies the integrity and strength of seams in bagged, wrapped and boxed products where seal integrity is essential.

The company’s ability to design vapour permeability instruments is based on its technological expertise married to its experience in testing a wide variety of materials and gases.

www.versaperm.com