SDL Atlas M247 Thermal Press Tester for Ironing & Sublimation Fastness
| Brand | SDL Atlas |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Regional Classification | Domestic |
| Model | M247 |
| Price Range | USD 14,000 – 70,000 |
Overview
The SDL Atlas M247 Thermal Press Tester is an engineered solution for quantitative assessment of thermal color fastness and dimensional stability of textiles under controlled dry-heat conditions. It operates on the principle of standardized thermal compression—applying precisely regulated temperature, pressure, and dwell time to simulate industrial ironing, heat-setting, or sublimation exposure. Designed in accordance with core textile testing standards—including ISO 105-X11 (ironing fastness), ISO 105-X18 (sublimation fastness), AATCC Test Method 133 (colorfastness to heat press), and GB/T 6152—this instrument delivers repeatable, traceable results essential for quality assurance in dyeing, finishing, and garment manufacturing laboratories. Its dual-heating-plate architecture enables seamless transition between standard (150 mm × 150 mm) and small-format (100 mm × 100 mm) test configurations without hardware reconfiguration.
Key Features
- Precision pressure control via integrated high-resolution load cell mounted beneath the lower heating plate—eliminating reliance on gravitational mass and enabling accurate, adjustable force application (typically 2–4 kPa per ISO/AATCC specifications)
- Dual interchangeable heating plates: 150 mm × 150 mm and 100 mm × 100 mm—both independently calibrated and thermally stabilized
- Advanced PID temperature regulation with ±1 °C accuracy across 100–230 °C operating range; ramp rate programmable to emulate real-world thermal profiles
- Microprocessor-controlled timing system with resolution of 1 second and repeatability < ±0.5% over full 600-second range
- Touchscreen HMI (7-inch capacitive display) supporting English, Spanish, French, German, and Simplified Chinese—menu navigation compliant with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity requirements
- Thermally insulated housing with Class H insulation materials and surface temperature < 50 °C during operation—meeting EN 61000-1-2 safety directives
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The M247 accommodates woven, knitted, nonwoven, and coated fabrics—including polyester, nylon, acetate, and blended substrates—as well as printed films, transfer papers, and laminated composites. Specimen size flexibility supports both single-layer and multi-layer assemblies per ISO 105-X11 Annex A. All mechanical and thermal calibrations are traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) and optionally certifiable to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration providers. The system’s operational parameters satisfy audit requirements for GLP-compliant textile QA labs and align with documentation controls referenced in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7.
Software & Data Management
Test parameters—including temperature setpoint, dwell time, applied pressure, and plate configuration—are stored in non-volatile memory with timestamped logging. The embedded firmware supports CSV export via USB port for integration into LIMS or internal QA databases. While no external PC software is bundled, the device generates structured metadata compliant with ASTM E1482-22 data formatting conventions. Audit trail functionality records operator ID (via optional RFID badge reader interface), parameter changes, and system error events—supporting basic 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with institutional identity management infrastructure.
Applications
- Evaluation of disperse dye migration resistance in polyester fabrics subjected to heat transfer printing or steam ironing
- Assessment of dimensional change in synthetic fibers after thermal treatment per ISO 20010
- Validation of heat-set stability in technical textiles used in automotive interiors or sportswear
- Comparative analysis of sublimation resistance across dye classes (e.g., azo vs. anthraquinone disperse dyes)
- Supplier qualification testing for textile mills supplying brands requiring adherence to ZDHC MRSL Level 3 thermal processing criteria
FAQ
Does the M247 support automated pressure ramping during dwell cycles?
No—pressure is held constant throughout the test duration, consistent with ISO and AATCC protocols requiring static load application.
Can test reports be generated directly from the instrument?
The unit logs all critical parameters and timestamps but does not generate formatted PDF reports; exported CSV files require post-processing in spreadsheet or QA software.
Is third-party calibration certification available?
Yes—SDL Atlas authorized service centers provide ISO/IEC 17025-certified calibration certificates upon request, including uncertainty budgets per GUM guidelines.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Heating plate surface inspection and load cell verification are advised every 12 months or after 5,000 test cycles—whichever occurs first.
How is thermal uniformity verified across the heating plate surface?
Uniformity is validated during factory calibration using a 9-point thermocouple grid per ASTM E220-21 Annex B methodology, with maximum deviation ≤ ±1.5 °C at 200 °C.
