DOWN-FILLPROOF – FINISHED PRODUCTS

EVALUATION OF JACKETS, VESTS, BEDDING AND PROTOTYPE PANELS

WHAT IS IT?

This test evaluates the migration or leakage of filling material in finished products or prototype panels. All types of filling material can be tested including down, polyester, and other natural or synthetic fillings. Both the severity (amount of leakage) and the source of leakage (seams, stitch lines, fabric) are evaluated.

HOW IS IT DONE?

An entire sample (jacket, vest, prototype, etc.) is placed in the rotating box downproof test machine.

After 15 and 30 minutes, the machine is stopped and the sample is examined to determine the source of leakage (fibers or feathers protruding from the fabric, stitch lines, or seams).

After the 30 minute cycle, loose & protruding fibers and feathers are counted and reported.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?

The results of leakage are then graded on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. The grading scale is dependent on the type of sample, size of the product and stitching density.

The source or location of leakage is also reported. The approximate amount and proportion of fibers or feathers protruding from the seams versus fabric is listed.

WHY DO IT?

Leaking fibers or feathers reduce customer satisfaction. Product fabric and sewing construction for jackets, vests, and other filled products must contain fill material with minimum leakage.

Other downproof or fillproof tests are designed to evaluate the fabric only. This test can help improve performance of products by evaluating both source and the amount of leakage from the entire finished product.