ISO 105 P01

Thermal Exposure

Production machinery applies sustained heat to synthetic and blended fabrics during heat setting and permanent press finishing stages. Thermal energy can break dye molecules apart or cause sublimation, moving color pigments from the primary substrate directly onto adjacent uncolored control cloths. Testing laboratories simulate these factory conditions by placing specimen sandwiches between heated metal plates under controlled pressure for a specific duration.

Technicians record temperature fluctuations strictly because slight deviations alter sublimation rates and skew the final color change rating.

Grading Scale

Evaluating performance relies on comparing altered test specimens against standardized gray scales under daylight simulation cabinets. Technicians assign numerical ratings ranging from one to five, where higher grades indicate superior resistance to color transfer and shade alteration. A rating of five denotes negligible change, whereas lower scores reveal severe pigment migration that will cause customer complaints regarding garment staining.

Commercial contracts frequently mandate a minimum rating of four for specific end uses like high temperature sportswear or uniform manufacturing.

Commercial Limit

Setting parameters stop at the boundary of thermal degradation, meaning structural melting points fall outside the scope of color fastness evaluation. Fabric strength losses caused by excessive heat exposure require separate mechanical testing rather than relying on color change assessments alone. Buyers must review these distinct test reports independently before approving bulk shipments for commercial release.