American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists(AATCC) has reintroduced its hands-on textile testing showcase, now called the AATCC Textile Test Zone, at the Functional Fabric Fair Portland Fall 2024. Building on the successful spring debut of its AATCC Testing and Standards Exhibition, the revamped Test Zone highlights new testing stations and methodologies for textile professionals.

Visitors at the Test Zone can engage with seven dedicated stations covering critical textile attributes-Color Acuity, Color Fastness, Moisture Management and Water Resistance, Laundering, Dimensional Stability, Stain Resistance, and Fiber Fragment Testing. Each station provides practical insights into maintaining high-quality standards and compliance.

Color Acuity testing includes tools like the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test and specialized lighting to support accurate color assessments. Color Fastness, essential for textiles in apparel and protective gear, examines resistance to factors like perspiration and washing. Moisture Management highlights tests such as Spray Testing and Pro Dry for fabric drying time, crucial for performance textiles.

AATCC’s focus on Laundering, Dimensional Stability, and Stain Testing reveals the impact of washing on appearance, shape, and stain resistance. The Fiber Fragment station addresses microplastic concerns with AATCC TM212, which measures fiber fragment release.

The AATCC Textile Test Zone allows attendees to gain a deep understanding of these testing processes, essential for advancing quality and sustainability in textiles.