SDLATLAS QuickWash Plus® Compact Fabric Dimensional Stability Tester

Overview

The SDLATLAS QuickWash Plus® is a compact, benchtop dimensional stability tester engineered specifically for rapid assessment of fabric shrinkage behavior in textile manufacturing and quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional laundering methods that rely on full-scale domestic or industrial washing and drying cycles, the QuickWash Plus® employs a precisely controlled, integrated wash-dry cycle based on standardized thermal-mechanical stress protocols. It operates under defined temperature, agitation intensity, dwell time, and forced-air drying conditions—mimicking the physical mechanisms driving dimensional change in woven and knitted fabrics without requiring separate appliances. Designed to deliver AATCC TM135 and ISO 6330-compliant results within a single 12–15 minute cycle, it replaces traditional 8–12 hour test sequences involving standalone washers and tumble dryers. This enables real-time feedback for process adjustment—particularly critical during finishing line setup for tenter frames, compaction units, and sanforizing machines—thereby supporting yield optimization and reducing pre-production waste.

Key Features

• Integrated wash-and-dry functionality in one compact unit, eliminating dependency on external laundry equipment
• Precisely calibrated thermal profiles and mechanical agitation replicating AATCC TM135 Method 1A/2A and ISO 6330 Cycle 5A/6A
• Programmable controller with preloaded standard test methods—including AATCC TM135, ISO 6330, and customer-defined cycles
• Energy-efficient operation: ~500 W per cycle vs. ~5,500 W for conventional washer-dryer combinations
• Low resource consumption: ~1 US gallon (3.78 L) of water per test vs. ~40 gallons for standard procedures
• Reduced operational cost: ~USD 0.20 per test vs. ~USD 1.34 for conventional laundering
• Benchtop footprint (W × D × H: 610 × 660 × 660 mm) suitable for space-constrained QC labs and production floors

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The QuickWash Plus® accommodates standard fabric specimens per AATCC TM135 and ISO 6330 requirements—including 38 cm × 38 cm (15″ × 15″) cut pieces from woven, knitted, nonwoven, and blended textiles. Specimen holders ensure uniform tensioning and consistent exposure to thermal and mechanical stress across the sample surface. All test parameters—including wash temperature (30°C to 60°C), rotation speed (30–60 rpm), drying air temperature (50°C to 70°C), and cycle duration—are traceable and adjustable within validated ranges. The system supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through timestamped cycle logs and method ID tracking. While not FDA-regulated, its protocol fidelity aligns with textile quality assurance frameworks referenced in ISO 9001-certified facilities and supports audit readiness for internal process validation.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller features a touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation and password-protected user levels (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator). Test methods are stored as editable profiles with version control; each run generates a digital record containing method ID, start/end timestamps, actual measured temperatures and rotation speeds, energy consumption metrics, and pass/fail status against preset shrinkage thresholds. Export options include CSV files via USB port for integration into LIMS or Excel-based QA dashboards. Audit trail functionality records all parameter changes, user logins, and firmware updates—supporting compliance with internal quality management systems requiring data integrity and operator accountability.

Applications

• Rapid shrinkage screening during fabric development and supplier qualification
• Pre-production validation of finishing parameters (e.g., heat-setting, sanforizing, compaction)
• Real-time troubleshooting of dimensional instability issues on weaving/knitting lines
• Supporting ISO 17025-accredited textile testing laboratories seeking faster turnaround without compromising method equivalence
• Training and education in textile engineering programs where demonstration of standardized shrinkage mechanisms is required

FAQ

Does the QuickWash Plus® replace ASTM D3776 or ISO 139 for moisture conditioning?
No—it does not perform atmospheric conditioning. Specimens must be preconditioned per ISO 139 or ASTM D1776 prior to testing.
Can it be used for garment-level shrinkage testing?
No. It is designed exclusively for flat fabric specimens as specified in AATCC TM135 and ISO 6330.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Temperature and rotational speed sensors are factory-calibrated; users receive a certificate of conformance. Field recalibration services are available through SDLATLAS-certified technicians.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly cleaning of the drum interior and lint filter; annual verification of thermal sensor accuracy and motor torque response.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Not natively. Data export is manual via USB; integration with facility SCADA or MES requires third-party middleware.