ISO 12947-3 is part of the ISO 12947 Martindale abrasion method family for textiles. This part focuses on evaluating abrasion resistance by measuring the mass loss of a fabric specimen after Martindale abrasion.
It is commonly used when a numeric, balance-based result is needed for comparing materials, qualifying constructions, or confirming performance against a customer or brand requirement. If you need help aligning the correct ISO 12947 part(s) and end-point criteria to your product, you can talk with our team.
ISO 12947-3: Textiles — Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method — Part 3: Determination of mass loss
ISO 12947-3 specifies a laboratory approach for determining abrasion-related mass loss using a Martindale abrasion tester. It is used across a wide range of textile fabrics (including nonwovens), where the test requirement is defined using mass change as the evaluation criterion.
Quick definition
ISO 12947-3 is a Martindale abrasion method that reports abrasion performance as the loss of specimen mass after a defined abrasion exposure.
What this standard covers
This standard covers mass-loss determination for textile specimens subjected to Martindale abrasion. The method outcome is a before/after mass comparison based on controlled abrasion exposure on a Martindale tester.
ISO 12947-3 is typically used alongside the broader ISO 12947 framework, where the apparatus requirements and other evaluation options (such as specimen breakdown or appearance change) are addressed in other parts of the series.
Why this standard matters in testing
Mass loss can provide an objective way to compare abrasion performance across fabric constructions, finishes, fiber types, and fabric weights. It is especially useful when visual grading alone is not sufficient, or when procurement and quality programs require a numeric result for acceptance or trending.
Because abrasion behavior can be sensitive to how the end point is defined and how results are reported, buyers often specify ISO 12947-3 when they want a consistent mass-based criterion rather than (or in addition to) visual or breakdown-based criteria.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
ISO 12947-3 is used for many textile fabrics, including nonwovens. It is often applied to materials where abrasion durability is a purchasing or performance driver, such as upholstery and seating textiles, workwear and uniform fabrics, outdoor and technical textiles, and other fabrics expected to withstand repeated rubbing in service.
Final applicability should be set by the product specifier, including the selected evaluation criterion and any required conditioning, exposure level, or reporting format.
Common test or verification workflow
A typical ISO 12947-3 workflow centers on weighing conditioned specimens, applying Martindale abrasion under the specified conditions, then re-weighing to determine mass loss.
Common workflow elements: Specimen preparation and conditioning, initial mass measurement, Martindale abrasion exposure, post-test cleaning/handling as specified, final mass measurement, and calculation/reporting of mass loss.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
ISO 12947-3 typically points to two core equipment needs: Martindale abrasion capability and repeatable mass measurement.
Common equipment: Martindale abrasion tester (with the required specimen holders and auxiliary materials defined in the ISO 12947 series), a laboratory balance appropriate for the specimen mass and expected mass change, specimen cutting tools/dies, and conditioning facilities appropriate to the test requirement.
If you are selecting a Martindale system or balancing throughput (number of stations) against reporting needs, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your workload and material types.
How to read this designation or revision
Designation: ISO 12947-3 identifies Part 3 within the ISO 12947 Martindale abrasion series.
Published edition commonly cited: ISO 12947-3:1998.
Revision sensitivity: Test setup, auxiliary materials, and reporting expectations can depend on the exact cited edition and any referenced companion parts. When a customer specification cites multiple parts (e.g., apparatus requirements and end-point criteria), align all documents to the cited editions.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks
ISO 12947-3 is part of the ISO 12947 family and is commonly used with other parts of the series depending on whether the requirement is mass loss, specimen breakdown, or appearance change.
Common companion references: ISO 12947-1 (apparatus and auxiliary materials), ISO 12947-2 (specimen breakdown end point), and ISO 12947-4 (appearance change).
Talk to a Martindale abrasion testing specialist
If you are quoting equipment or building an ISO 12947-3 test capability, we can help map your fabric types and reporting requirement (mass-loss criterion) to an appropriate Martindale configuration, station count, and lab balance approach. To compare options for your lab, request pricing with the standard designation and the materials you plan to run.
