Description
The Taber Crockmeter 418 is a precision instrument designed to evaluate color transfer and rubbing resistance of textile materials and other coated surfaces. Commonly used in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as AATCC Method 8, it provides a fast and reliable method for determining the degree of color that transfers from a textile surface onto a standardized crocking cloth during rubbing. The instrument simulates the action of a human finger and forearm using controlled pressure and a consistent reciprocating motion, ensuring repeatable and reproducible test results. It is widely applied to fabrics, carpets, yarns, leather, and can also be used for smudge, smear, scuff, and mar resistance testing on printed images and painted surfaces.
The Crockmeter 418 operates with a 16 mm diameter acrylic “finger” that moves back and forth over a 100 mm stroke length with each turn of the hand crank. A constant 9N load is applied through a weighted arm to maintain uniform pressure throughout the test cycle, while a mechanical counter records the number of completed rubs. Test specimens are securely positioned on the base using a sample holder, with a sandpaper pad placed underneath to prevent shifting during operation. For textile testing, a standardized 100% combed cotton crocking cloth—meeting strict specifications for fiber content, yarn count, weave, pH, mass, and whiteness—is typically used as the abradant, ensuring consistent and standardized evaluation of color fastness to rubbing.
