SDL Atlas A228AA Launder-Ometer Color Fastness Tester
| Brand | SDL Atlas |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | A228AA |
| Price Range | USD 14,000 – 70,000 |
Overview
The SDL Atlas A228AA Launder-Ometer is a precision-engineered, benchtop color fastness testing instrument designed specifically for standardized laundering and dry cleaning evaluation of textile materials. Based on the Couette-type rotational agitation principle, it replicates controlled mechanical action in aqueous or solvent-based media to assess color migration, bleeding, staining, and fabric degradation under reproducible thermal and mechanical stress conditions. As an AATCC-recognized reference instrument for over five decades, the A228AA complies with core international test standards including AATCC Test Method 61 (Colorfastness to Washing), ISO 105-C06 (Color Fastness to Domestic and Commercial Laundering), and ISO 105-D01 (Color Fastness to Dry Cleaning). Its robust stainless-steel construction, sealed chamber architecture, and thermally stable heating system ensure long-term dimensional stability and resistance to corrosion in high-humidity laboratory environments.
Key Features
- Stainless-steel main frame and chamber housing with electropolished interior surfaces for chemical resistance and ease of decontamination
- Precision-controlled rotational speed of 40 rpm ± 2 rpm, maintained via brushless DC motor and closed-loop feedback system
- Dual-capacity wash canister support: accommodates both 550 mL and 1200 mL stainless-steel canisters with dual-seal options (rubber gasket or hybrid PTFE/chloroprene composite gasket)
- Integrated door safety interlock: automatic rotor shutdown upon chamber door opening, meeting IEC 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-4 electromagnetic compatibility requirements
- Full-color 7-inch capacitive touchscreen controller with multi-language UI (English, Chinese, German, Spanish, Turkish) and GLP-compliant audit trail logging
- Preloaded standard test programs aligned with AATCC 61-2023, ISO 105-C06:2022, and ISO 105-D01:2010; user-definable timer, temperature ramp, and dwell profiles
- Quick-lock sample loading mechanism enabling full canister insertion/removal in under 8 seconds without tools
- Modular side-mount canister rack—detachable and storable independently of the main unit, supporting workflow optimization in high-throughput labs
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The A228AA supports simultaneous testing of up to 20 fabric specimens per cycle when using the 1200 mL canister configuration (with appropriate specimen size and ballast ratio per ASTM D2054 and ISO 105-C06 Annex A). Compatible substrates include woven and knitted cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, blends, and coated textiles. All test protocols adhere to regulatory frameworks requiring documented traceability: data logs retain operator ID, timestamp, parameter set, and final status per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. The system’s thermal uniformity (±0.5°C across canister volume at 40°C–60°C operating range) and rotational repeatability (<0.8% CV over 100 consecutive cycles) are verified during factory calibration and supported by NIST-traceable documentation.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware includes built-in data export via USB 2.0 (CSV format), RS-232 serial interface, and optional Ethernet connectivity for LAN integration. RemoteAccess™—a cloud-enabled monitoring application—is certified for iOS and Android platforms, providing real-time status updates, push notifications for cycle completion, and remote diagnostics without compromising local network security. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, user logins, and emergency stops, satisfying GLP/GMP documentation requirements for textile QC laboratories seeking ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Custom report templates may be configured to align with internal QA dashboards or third-party LIMS platforms.
Applications
- Evaluation of reactive dye fixation efficiency on cellulosic fibers
- Assessment of pigment print durability on synthetic substrates after repeated domestic laundering
- Validation of eco-friendly detergent formulations against color transfer metrics
- Pre-market compliance screening for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class II and Class III product categories
- Comparative analysis of anti-migration finishing agents under accelerated wash conditions
- Supporting R&D for smart textiles incorporating chromic materials subject to hydrolytic degradation
FAQ
Does the A228AA meet AATCC TM61 revision requirements for 2023?
Yes—the instrument’s firmware and mechanical specifications fully align with AATCC TM61-2023, including updated ballast mass tolerances, temperature ramp rates, and post-cycle cooling validation protocols.
Can third-party wash canisters be used with this unit?
No—only SDL Atlas-certified canisters are validated for dimensional accuracy, seal integrity, and rotational balance. Non-OEM canisters void calibration certification and compromise test reproducibility.
Is RemoteAccess compatible with enterprise MDM systems?
Yes—RemoteAccess supports standard MDM enrollment via Apple Business Manager and Android Enterprise, enabling centralized policy enforcement and secure credential management.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for GLP compliance?
Annual verification of temperature uniformity, rotational speed accuracy, and door interlock response time is required; quarterly visual inspection of gaskets and canister threads is advised per SDL Atlas Maintenance Guide Rev. 4.2.
