Textile Testing and

Quality Assurance

Title:
Seam strength testing

submitted by:
Tauqeer Raza (06-NTU-97)
8th semester
Section D

Submitted to:
Mr. Salman sb
GMD
NTU Faisalabad
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Abstract:
Seam strength testing is used for design validation and for lot acceptance.
This test method constitutes the conditions, procedures, and equipment by which inflatable
restraints are tested for seam strength and seam efficiency. It is intended to be used as a
guideline in establishing a written part specification or print. The specification or agreement of
purchaser and supplier may deviate from the procedures described herein when (based on
experience) considerations of equipment, cushion design, or other factors dictate otherwise.
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Contents
Abstract:...........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................4
Apparatus:.......................................................................................................................................4
Procedure:.......................................................................................................................................4
Calculations:.....................................................................................................................................4
Result:..............................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................5
Reference:........................................................................................................................................5
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Introduction:
Seam strength is the strength of seam assembly in a garment. It is a function of the strength of
the thread used for the seam, type of seam assembly in a garment and type of fabric
used, among other factors. Failure of seam assembly can occur either by breaking of sewing thread,
tearing of the fabric at the seam, excessive yarn slippage adjacent to the stitches or a combination of the
above mentioned conditions. 
This test method covers the measurement of seam efficiency and the maximum seam strength
in inflatable restraint cushions composed of woven fabrics when a force is applied perpendicular to the
seam, using a grab test. For evaluating sewing thread, refer to Test Method D 204
This test method is restricted to seams that are obtained from an inflatable restraint cushion.
Seams may include but are not limited to sewn, OPW, glued, fused (chemically or thermally).
This test method is used when the measurement of a resistance to a specified force, a breaking
force, a minimum elongation, or a combination thereof are required to determine the seam strength, or
seam integrity of a particular fabric for inflatable restraint use.

Apparatus:
 In a lab CRE type tensile testing machines such as INSTRON is used. Before testing the
samples are prepared. The method is called Grab Test.
 Two clamps for holding the sample. The gripping surface shall be 35 mm Perpendicular and 25
mm parallel to the application of load. The gripping surface shall be an integral part of the rigid
frame. The clamping surface shall be hinged or movable and able to apply enough pressure to
prevent the sample from slipping during testing.

Procedure:
 If the specimens are from manufactured items such as garment then five specimens are cut
having a length of 270 mm on either side of the stitch line and a width of 100 mm parallel to the
stitch line. 
 If the specimens are prepared from fabric then seam strength is measured in warp, weft and bias
directions. In such cases swatches are cut in these three directions
 Before testing the material is conditioned to standard temperature.
 The specimen is mounted on the tensile tester. It is operated until the sewn seam or fabric
ruptures. The observation is made whether the rupture is caused by Fabric yarn rupture, sewing
thread rupture, sewn seam yarn slippage or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. This
will give the seam strength.
 Repeat this Grab Test for the fabric specimens from which seam failure test is carried out. The
result will give the base fabric strength.

Calculations:
 Seam strength ( gms/cm)= ( Individual specimen seam breaking force in gms)/ Width of
specimen in Jaws i.e. 2.5 cm.
 Base fabric strength (gms/cm) = (Base Fabric breaking force in gms of individual test
specimen)/ Width of specimen in jaws i.e. 2.5 cm
 Seam Efficiency= Seam Strength (Seamed Fabric Strength) x 100)/ Base Fabric Strength
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Result:

Conclusion:
Lapped seam sample has seam strength of 3
Superimposed seam sample has seam strength 4.
Reference:
www.Blogs.com