Spray rating tester

Introduction

A spray rating tester is an instrument used to evaluate the water repellency of the fabrics and the other materials, by the spraying of the water on the surface and the comparison of the wetting pattern with the standard ratings, and it is used in the textile, the clothing, the automotive, and the many other industries. The spray rating tester consists of a specimen holder, a water supply and a spray nozzle, which sprays the water on the specimen at a specified rate and the height, following the standard test methods, such as the AATCC 22 and the ISO 4920, and the wetted pattern of the specimen is compared with the standard charts to determine the spray rating, which indicates the water repellency; the spray rating tester is used for the evaluation of the water repellency of the fabrics and the garments, for the testing of the water-repellent finishes, for the quality control, for the product development, and for many other applications, and it is available as the manual and the automatic models; the spray rating tester provides a rapid and a standardized evaluation of the water repellency, and it is an essential instrument for the textile testing. Spray rating testers are used in the textile industry, in the clothing industry, in the automotive industry, in the testing laboratories, and for many other applications. With their spray rating, spray rating testers are essential for the water repellency testing.

Spray Rating Tester LSTR-T2010

Spray Rating Tester features a nozzle positioned 150 mm from the center of the sample, with a sample holder diameter of 150 mm. The entire set is made of durable stainless steel, ensurin...

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Standards

ISO 4920:2021-Textiles-Determination of resistance to surface wetting (Spray test)

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Spray rating tester for evaluating water repellency (spray test) of fabrics, textiles and coated materials.

2. Instrument that sprays distilled water onto a tilted fabric specimen and compares wetting pattern to standards.

3. Suitable for textile, apparel, outdoor gear, coating, research and quality control laboratories.

4. Includes spray nozzle, funnel, specimen holder (45 degree), rating standards (photographs), and operation manual.

5. Supports water repellency testing for outerwear, tents, backpacks, upholstery, technical textiles and coated fabrics.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this tester mainly applied to?

A: The spray rating tester is used in textile and apparel manufacturing, outdoor gear production, technical textile, coating, research, and quality control laboratories to evaluate the water repellency (resistance to wetting by water spray) of fabrics and textile materials by spraying a controlled amount of distilled water onto a tilted specimen and comparing the resulting wetting pattern to standard rating photographs (AATCC/ISO spray rating scale 0-100 or 1-5). It supports apparel and outerwear (rainwear, jackets, pants, sportswear - water repellent finish (DWR) performance evaluation), outdoor gear (tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, tarps - water repellency of shell fabrics), technical textiles (protective clothing, medical textiles, geotextiles, automotive textiles), upholstery and home textiles (furniture fabric, curtains, carpets - water/stain repellency), coated fabrics (PU/PVC coated textiles, laminated fabrics - surface repellency), and QC (raw material inspection (fabric + DWR finish), in-process testing (finish application verification), finished product specification, batch-to-batch consistency, durability testing (after washing/abrasion/weathering - evaluate retention of repellency)).

Q2: What standards does the tester comply with?

A: The spray rating tester follows relevant AATCC, ISO, ASTM, DIN and GB/T standards including AATCC Test Method 22 (water repellency: spray test), ISO 4920 (textiles - determination of resistance to surface wetting (spray test)), ASTM D4995 (related), DIN 53888 (testing of textiles - determination of water repellency by spray test), and GB/T 4745 (textiles - determination of resistance to surface wetting by water (spray test)). The hardware complies with applicable precision standards (nozzle orifice, water volume, spray height, angle). Calibration uses standard fabrics of known spray rating or certified reference materials. For regulated industries, follow ISO 9001 and maintain records.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole tester and key components?

A: The whole spray rating tester is covered by a 12-month warranty. The spray nozzle, funnel, specimen holder (45 degree), frame/stand, and housing are covered, while nozzle (wear/replaceable - mineral deposits can clog), rating standards (photographs/chart - replaceable), and cleaning supplies are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, nozzle clogging/damage (use only distilled water, clean regularly), dropping, corrosion, or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty may be available. Spray testers are simple mechanical instruments - with proper care they last many years; nozzle is the main wear item (clean/descale regularly).

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation requires trained laboratory personnel familiar with textile testing. We provide operation manuals and training. Proper instrument preparation (inspect nozzle for cleanliness and clogging (use distilled water only; clean with vinegar/descaler if mineral deposits), ensure funnel/nozzle assembly is clean, verify specimen holder is at 45 degrees and stable, use distilled water (250 mL per test, at specified temperature (typically 20 +/- 2 or 27 +/- 1 degrees C per standard)), specimen preparation (cut fabric specimen (typically 180 x 180 mm or 6-7 inch square), condition specimen in standard atmosphere (21 +/- 1 degrees C, 65 +/- 2% RH for at least 24 hours per AATCC/ISO), mount specimen taut in holder (test side up, no wrinkles, centered), test execution (place holder with specimen under funnel/nozzle at specified distance (typically 150 mm or 6 inches from nozzle to specimen center), pour 250 mL distilled water into funnel quickly (water sprays onto specimen through nozzle over ~20-30 seconds), wait for spray to complete, remove holder, tap specimen firmly twice (edge against solid surface, first at top edge then bottom edge - to remove loose water droplets; do not rub), evaluation (immediately after tapping, compare wetting pattern on specimen to AATCC/ISO spray rating standards (photographic reference chart): Rating 100 (ISO 5): No wetting or adherence of water drops to surface (excellent repellency); Rating 90 (ISO 4): Slight random wetting/adherence of drops (good); Rating 80 (ISO 3): Wetting at spray points (fair); Rating 70 (ISO 2): Partial wetting of specimen face beyond spray points (poor); Rating 50 (ISO 1): Complete wetting of specimen face (very poor); Rating 0: Complete wetting of entire specimen face (no repellency); report rating (e.g., 80 or ISO 3); test at least 3-5 specimens per sample, report average or range; for durability, test after specified washes/abrasion/weathering), post-test (remove specimen, empty/clean funnel and nozzle (flush with distilled water, descale if needed), dry equipment, discard or retain specimens), maintenance (regular cleaning (after each use - rinse nozzle/funnel with distilled water; descale nozzle periodically with vinegar/citric acid if using non-distilled water (but always use distilled for testing)), nozzle inspection (check orifice for damage/clogging - replace if damaged), rating chart replacement (if faded/worn - keep clean, avoid direct sunlight), calibration verification (every 6-12 months with standard reference fabric of known rating; verify water volume (250 mL), spray distance, angle, nozzle orifice), troubleshooting (inconsistent ratings (nozzle clogged, water temperature wrong, specimen not conditioned, tapping technique inconsistent, rating subjectivity - clean nozzle, control conditions, standardize technique, use multiple specimens/operators), no spray (nozzle completely clogged, water level - clean/unclog), uneven spray (nozzle damaged or partially clogged - replace/clean), water runs off too fast (specimen holder angle wrong - verify 45 degrees), and safety (water/electrical (keep water away from electrical outlets; tester is typically manual/no power), slip hazard (clean water spills), use only distilled water (tap water minerals affect results and clog nozzle), specimen handling (wet fabric - handle carefully) are important for accurate spray rating.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Calibration verification recommended every 6-12 months: water volume (verify 250 mL pour), spray distance (nozzle to specimen center), specimen holder angle (45 degrees), nozzle orifice diameter (per standard - AATCC 22 specifies specific nozzle), and rating accuracy (using certified reference fabric of known spray rating, or inter-laboratory comparison). If nozzle is replaced or damaged, recalibrate. Routine inspection before each use (clean nozzle, verify setup). For ISO 17025 labs, follow applicable schedules and maintain records (calibration certificates, reference fabric lot numbers). Spray testers are mechanical and stable, but nozzle clogging/wear and operator subjectivity (visual rating) are main variability sources - regular calibration and standardized technique are important. Visual rating has inherent operator variability - using multiple specimens, trained operators, and reference standards reduces bias; some advanced systems use image analysis for objective rating.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Nozzle (replacement - specific to tester model/standard (AATCC vs ISO may have different nozzle orifice); most common spray testers use a standard nozzle), rating standards (AATCC/ISO spray rating photographic chart - standard reference, available from textile supply (AATCC, SDL Atlas, James Heal)), specimen holders (replacement - specific to model), distilled water (consumable per test), cleaning/descaling supplies (vinegar, citric acid, brushes), and reference fabrics (for calibration - certified) are available from textile/lab supply companies, though nozzle and holders may be tester-specific. Long-term consumable cost is minimal (distilled water per test, occasional nozzle replacement, rating chart).

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes standard compliance (AATCC 22 (US), ISO 4920 (international), DIN 53888, GB/T 4745 - nozzle/geometry may differ slightly by standard; choose based on target market), number of stations (single (standard) or multi-station (for higher throughput, test multiple specimens simultaneously)), water dispensing (manual pour (standard, simple) or automated (controlled volume/temperature/pour rate - more consistent)), rating method (visual comparison with photographic chart (standard, subjective) or digital image analysis (camera + software for objective, repeatable rating - advanced, reduces operator bias)), construction (metal frame (durable, corrosion-resistant), stainless steel (for wet environment), plastic (lightweight, low cost)), accessories (rating chart (AATCC/ISO), reference fabrics, extra nozzles, specimen holders, distilled water, conditioning chamber (for standard atmosphere), calibration certificate (ISO 17025)), certifications (CE, ISO 9001), language and accessories. Additional nozzles, holders, and rating standards can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes spray rating tester (nozzle, funnel, holder, frame), rating standards (photographic chart), specimen holders, and instruction manual. On-site installation is not required (manual instrument, no power needed for standard models - just assemble, place on bench, use distilled water). On-site training is not included for standard orders but can be arranged at additional cost (for QC teams on proper technique and rating interpretation - visual rating has operator learning curve). Remote guidance is provided.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The spray rating tester evaluates water repellency of various textile and fabric materials including apparel fabrics (woven and knitted fabrics for rainwear, jackets, pants, sportswear, uniforms - typically with DWR (durable water repellent) finish), outdoor gear fabrics (nylon, polyester, ripstop for tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, tarps - often with silicone/PFAS DWR finishes), technical textiles (protective clothing (chemical, biological, weather), medical textiles (surgical gowns, drapes - fluid resistance), geotextiles, automotive textiles, industrial filters), upholstery and home textiles (furniture upholstery fabric, curtains, tablecloths, carpets - water/stain repellent finishes), coated and laminated fabrics (PU-coated, PVC-coated, PTFE membrane (Gore-Tex style) laminated fabrics - surface repellency of outer layer), and nonwoven fabrics (some applications). NOT compatible with: Rigid materials (not fabrics - use other water penetration test), materials that absorb water completely (no repellency to measure - rating will be 0, but test still valid), very thick/heavy fabrics (may not mount in standard holder - may need adaptation), materials damaged by water (water-soluble fabrics - not applicable), and non-flat/3D objects (test is for flat fabric specimens only - cut flat specimen). IMPORTANT: Spray rating (water repellency) fundamentals: (1) What it measures: The spray test measures resistance to SURFACE WETTING by water spray - it does NOT measure water penetration (leakage) or hydrostatic pressure (water column). A fabric can have excellent spray rating (water beads up) but still leak under pressure (e.g., needle holes, seam leakage). Conversely, a fabric can wet through (low spray rating) but still resist penetration (e.g., tightly woven fabric without DWR). Spray rating = surface repellency (beading), not waterproofness. (2) How it works: A 250 mL volume of distilled water is poured into a funnel with a standardized nozzle (specific orifice size and pattern). The water sprays downward onto a fabric specimen mounted at 45 degrees, centered under the nozzle at a specified distance (typically 150 mm / 6 inches). The spray simulates rain hitting the fabric surface. After spraying, the specimen is tapped to remove loose droplets, and the wetting pattern is compared to a set of standard photographic reference ratings (AATCC 22 / ISO 4920 scale). (3) Rating scale: AATCC 22 uses 0-100 scale (increments of 10): - 100: No wetting or water drop adherence on specimen face. - 90: Slight random wetting or adherence of water drops. - 80: Wetting of specimen face at spray points. - 70: Partial wetting of specimen face beyond spray points. - 50: Complete wetting of specimen face. - 0: Complete wetting of the entire specimen face (front and back). ISO 4920 uses 1-5 scale (corresponding roughly to 50, 70, 80, 90, 100). (4) Factors affecting spray rating: - DWR finish: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating (PFAS-based, silicone, hydrocarbon, wax) on fabric surface causes water to bead and roll off - this is the primary factor. Without DWR, most fabrics wet through (rating 50 or below). - Fabric structure: Tight weaves, high thread count, smooth surfaces improve repellency (less surface area for water to cling). Knits and loose weaves are harder to treat. - Fiber type: Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) are inherently more water-repellent than natural fibers (cotton, wool, rayon) which absorb water. Blends perform intermediately. - Fabric condition: New fabric with fresh DWR = high rating; after washing, abrasion, weathering, UV exposure, DWR degrades = rating drops. DWR can be restored by washing/re-treating. - Water temperature: Colder water may show higher apparent repellency; standards specify water temp. - Fabric prep: Conditioning (temperature/humidity) affects moisture content and rating. (5) Durability testing: Spray rating is often tested BEFORE and AFTER: - Laundering (e.g., 5, 10, 20 wash cycles per AATCC 135/ISO 6330) - evaluates DWR durability. - Abrasion (e.g., Martindale or Wyzenbeek cycles) - simulates wear. - Weathering/UV exposure (e.g., Xenon arc) - simulates sun/weather degradation. - Dry cleaning. The retention of spray rating after these treatments indicates DWR durability (important for product performance claims). (6) Common errors: - Using tap water (minerals affect surface tension and clog nozzle - always use distilled water). - Inconsistent water volume (must be exactly 250 mL). - Wrong spray distance or angle (affects spray pattern/intensity). - Nozzle clogged or damaged (alters spray pattern). - Specimen not conditioned (moisture affects results). - Tapping technique inconsistent (too hard/soft, wrong edge - affects droplet removal). - Rating subjectivity (visual comparison requires training; use reference chart, consistent lighting, multiple specimens/operators). - Testing dirty/stained fabric (contaminants affect repellency - test clean specimens). - Confusing spray rating with waterproofness (they measure different things - spray = surface wetting, hydrostatic pressure = penetration/leakage). (7) Related tests: - Hydrostatic pressure / water column (AATCC 127, ISO 811): Measures water penetration resistance (waterproofness) - different from spray. - Bundesmann rain test (ISO 9865): Simulates heavier rain with impact and measures water absorption/penetration. - Rain room / shower test: Full garment rain testing. - Contact angle measurement: Quantifies water repellency at microscopic level (Young angle). - Maeser water penetration (footwear): Flexing + water penetration. Spray rating is a quick, simple, low-cost QC test for surface water repellency - widely used in textile industry for DWR finish evaluation and durability.