ASTM D1335-12 is used to measure the force required to pull a tuft from a pile flooring sample. Tuft adhesion testing of artificial turf surfaces is
important when quality testing manufactured products to ensure that the artificial turf meets industry durability standards.
Challenges of testing to this standard are:
Clamping the Tufts
Standard-Compliant Fixtures
Lixian Solutions:
Clamping the Tufts - Tufts are often short and difficult to fit into a clamp or fixture. To simplify the clamping process, we recommend using an
easily removable upper clamp or fixture. Hemostats that are secured to the upper clamp by hooks have proven to work well. The hooks or hemostats
can be clamped directly using advanced side-acting clamps or pneumatic side-acting clamps.
Standard-Compliant Fixtures - The specimen clamp must be secured to the lower clamp or base of the machine. For this test, we constructed the
specimen clamp using a 2-inch diameter PVC pipe, which we prepared according to the standard requirements. We made a 2x2-inch cutout so that the
backing material opposite the tuft being tested would not come in contact with the tube surface. We wrap an 8x6 inch specimen around the circumference
of the pipe, aligning the cut directly underneath the bundle being tested. We then clamp the bundle using a hemostat as previously described.
In order to fully understand the test setup, procedures, and result requirements, it is important to review ASTM D1335-12.
