Deciphering Martindale Ratings and Flame Resistance Characteristics: Their Significance and Importance Explained
Hey there! You're about to dive into the world of Martindale ratings and fire retardant fabrics. Brace yourself, it's gonna be a wild ride!
What are Martindale Ratings?
The Backstory
Martindale ratings are a durability test designed to mimic the wear and tear that occurs on upholstery fabrics over time. Originally developed during World War II to protect against gas attacks in carbon coated wool fabrics, the Martindale rub test has since become the universal standard for assessing the strength and quality of upholstery fabrics [1].
How They're Determined
The Martindale test involves rubbing discs covered in sandpaper or wool across a fabric. The fabric is placed on a special machine, and the discs move across the fabric at high speed, simulating the action of someone sitting on a fabric-covered seat. The number of oscillations is calculated when the fabric first shows signs of degradation compared to the original fabric, resulting in the Martindale rating [1].
The Importance of Ratings
Martindale ratings provide consumers with an indication of the quality and durability of the fabric since a higher rating means greater durability [1][2]. Testing is done according to the International standard ISO 12947-2:2000 [1].
Martindale Rating Scale
- Decorative: Less than 10,000 Rubs (suitable for cushions)
- Light Domestic: 10,000 to 15,000 Rubs (occasional domestic use)
- General Domestic: 15,000 to 25,000 Rubs (everyday domestic furniture use)
- Heavy Duty: 25,000 to 30,000 (domestic use with higher-than-average wear)
- General Commercial Use: 30,000 to 40,000 (hospitality industry)
- Commercial Grade: 40,000 plus (transport and public areas with high traffic)
For instance, a linen blend furnishing fabric with Martindale 15,000 is suitable for light domestic use, while a grey velvet and grey polyester upholstery fabric with Martindale over 100,000 is suitable for heavy domestic and commercial use [1].
Why Martindale Ratings Matter
Durability Understood
Martindale ratings help consumers predict how long their item of furniture will last without visible wear and tear [2].
Choosing the Right Fabric
It's crucial to consider the intended use of the furniture before selecting a fabric [1]. heavier fabrics with a tight weave, such as 100% wool and polyester, and those treated with flame-retardant substances burn more slowly than lighter, looser-weave fabrics [2]. Always choose a fabric that meets the required standards for public, commercial, or private domestic use, and don't hesitate to ask for certification proof [2].
Fire Retardant Fabrics
Public Safety
Theaters, hotels, public auditoriums, and other public places require fire-retardant fabrics to ensure safety [3].
British Standards
Three key British standards regulate the fire safety of fabrics:
- BS 5852:2006: focuses on the testing of single material combinations and the effects of a burning cigarette or other sources of fire [3].
- BS 5867: applies to curtains and blinds fabrics, testing the fabric's reaction to flames before and after cleaning [3].
- The Crib 5 Test: assesses upholstery for flames or smoldering, testing the fabric cover or filling upholstery for non-ignition [3].
Combining Ratings and Fire Safety
As a homeowner or commercial operator, you'll need to choose fabrics with both a high Martindale rating and fire-retardant properties for applications in public places, where safety is paramount and the fabric will be exposed to high levels of repeated use [2].
In conclusion, understanding Martindale ratings and fire safety requirements is essential for choosing the right fabric for your specific needs! Need more guidance? Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team for advice on your home furnishing projects!
Photo credit: Sven Brandsma
Enrichment Data:
- Martindale ratings evaluate how well a fabric can withstand wear and tear, and function as a universal standard for assessing upholstery fabric quality [1][4].
- By knowing the Martindale rating, consumers can make educated decisions about the longevity of their upholstery, saving costs associated with frequent repairs or replacements [3].
- Martindale ratings are crucial for commercial settings, where fabrics need to withstand heavy traffic and frequent cleaning, and for domestic settings, where they help homeowners choose fabrics for daily use [4].
- Fabrics treated with flame retardants burn more slowly than those without, making them safer for public, commercial, or private domestic use. British standards exist to regulate the fire safety of fabrics [3].
In the realm of lifestyle, it's important to consider Martindale ratings when choosing fashion-and-beauty items such as upholstered accessories or home-and-garden textiles. A high Martindale rating ensures the longevity of these items, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and is especially crucial for technology products that involve fabric covers, such as gaming chairs or virtual reality equipment. Furthermore, in the field of education-and-self-development, understanding Martindale ratings can play a significant role in learning about textile durability and the science behind fire safety, knowledge that can be invaluable in both personal and professional settings.
