Standardized Testing
International standardization defines test procedures for measuring fabric weight per unit surface area under controlled environmental conditions. Compliance with mass per unit area ISO 3801 establishes commercial fabric weight specifications, expressed in grams per square metre, for trade transactions. Test protocols mandate fabric conditioning at standard temperature and relative humidity prior to specimen cutting and weighing.
This standard applies across flat woven textiles, providing reproducible weight verification for buyers and mills.
Test Methodology
Standard procedures dictate two distinct methods: cut small circular or square specimens from five dispersed locations across the fabric width, or weigh full fabric rolls and divide by total surface area. Specimen conditioning occurs in air held at twenty degrees Celsius and sixty-five percent relative humidity until moisture equilibrium is achieved. For linen textiles, natural moisture regain significantly alters measured mass, making strict atmospheric conditioning mandatory before balance weighing.
Digital analytical balances measure specimen mass to milligram precision, with results calculated to the nearest decimal place.
Specification Compliance
Discrepancies between certified weight and buyer contract specifications trigger financial deductions or lot rejections. Variations usually arise from irregular yarn linear density or inconsistent finishing stretch settings. Determination of mass per unit area ISO 3801 validates contract weight claims on export linen shipments.
