Bundesmann Water Repellency Tester M230 by SDL Atlas
| Brand | SDL Atlas |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | M230 |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 780 × 760 × 2100 mm |
| Weight | 177 kg |
| Standards Compliance | BS EN 29865, DIN 53888, GB/T 14577, ISO 9865, NG G07-058 |
| Test Configuration | 4 test cups inclined at 15° |
| Dropper Array | 300 precision nozzles |
| Dropping Height | 1500 mm |
| Water Supply Options | Tap water or recirculated reservoir water |
| Integrated Features | Recirculating water system, automatic sample wiper, flow meter, water filter, intuitive control panel |
Overview
The SDL Atlas M230 Bundesmann Water Repellency Tester is an engineered instrument designed to quantitatively assess the water repellency performance of woven and knitted textile fabrics—particularly outerwear, technical apparel, and protective workwear. It operates on the principle of standardized vertical droplet impact simulation, replicating natural rainfall conditions under controlled laboratory settings. According to ISO 9865 and BS EN 29865, the test subjects fabric specimens to a defined volume and distribution of water droplets released from a fixed height of 1500 mm onto four 15°-inclined test cups. The resulting wetting pattern is evaluated visually using a standardized grading scale (0–5), where 5 indicates no wetting and 0 signifies complete saturation. This method provides high inter-laboratory reproducibility for comparative quality control and R&D validation across global textile supply chains.
Key Features
- Four independently mounted test cups angled precisely at 15° to ensure consistent droplet impingement geometry and uniform specimen exposure per ISO 9865 requirements.
- 300 stainless-steel precision nozzles arranged in a hexagonal array deliver calibrated, non-coalescing droplets with minimal variance in size and trajectory.
- Integrated closed-loop water recirculation system reduces total water consumption by up to 85% compared to single-pass configurations—critical for labs operating under sustainability mandates or water-restricted environments.
- Automated sample wiper mechanism removes excess surface water post-test, enabling rapid sequential evaluation without manual intervention or cross-contamination risk.
- Digital flow meter and inline particulate filter maintain stable hydraulic pressure and prevent nozzle clogging during extended test cycles, supporting unattended operation over multiple batches.
- Intuitive touch-enabled control panel with multilingual interface (English, German, French, Spanish) supports parameter recall, timer-based test sequencing, and real-time flow rate monitoring.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The M230 accommodates standard fabric specimens measuring 150 mm × 150 mm, clamped securely within the dedicated sample holder frame prior to insertion into the test cup assembly. Its mechanical design conforms fully to the dimensional and procedural specifications outlined in ISO 9865:1991, BS EN 29865:1993, DIN 53888, GB/T 14577, and NG G07-058. Each test cup incorporates a calibrated drainage slope and overflow threshold to ensure adherence to wetting-area measurement protocols. The instrument’s structural rigidity and vibration-dampened base minimize positional drift during droplet release, preserving measurement integrity across repeated runs. All wetted components—including nozzles, manifolds, and reservoir—are constructed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel and food-grade PTFE-lined tubing to comply with ISO/IEC 17025 environmental conditioning requirements.
Software & Data Management
While the M230 operates as a standalone hardware platform, its control firmware supports optional USB data logging for time-stamped test records—including start/stop timestamps, total flow volume, and operator ID. When integrated into a broader QA/QC infrastructure, the device outputs ASCII-formatted log files compatible with LIMS platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (via external audit trail modules). All calibration events, maintenance logs, and user access histories are retained locally with timestamped entries, satisfying GLP and GMP traceability expectations for regulated textile testing laboratories.
Applications
- Quality assurance of waterproof-breathable laminates used in outdoor sportswear and military uniforms.
- Development-stage screening of DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish formulations and application parameters.
- Comparative assessment of fabric aging effects—e.g., post-wash, abrasion, or UV exposure—on water resistance retention.
- Third-party certification testing for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, bluesign®, and ISO 14001-aligned sustainability programs.
- Supplier qualification audits requiring objective, standards-based verification of hydrophobic performance claims.
FAQ
What standards does the M230 validate against?
It is fully aligned with ISO 9865, BS EN 29865, DIN 53888, GB/T 14577, and NG G07-058 for water repellency classification.
Can the instrument operate continuously without refilling?
Yes—the integrated 25-liter recirculating reservoir enables uninterrupted testing for up to 40 full cycles (four cups × ten specimens each) before filtration service is required.
Is tap water suitable for use without pretreatment?
Standard municipal tap water may be used directly; however, inclusion of the supplied inline sediment and carbon filter is mandatory to prevent nozzle fouling and ensure long-term hydraulic stability.
How is sample positioning verified prior to testing?
Each test cup includes engraved alignment marks and a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that secures the specimen tautly at 150 mm × 150 mm dimensions, with visual confirmation via front-access inspection windows.
Does the system support remote diagnostics or firmware updates?
Firmware updates are performed via USB drive; remote diagnostic capability is available through optional Ethernet-enabled gateway modules configured for secure VLAN integration within enterprise networks.
