ISO 12945 pilling test

ISO 12945 is the series for testing pilling formation on textiles. Part 1 uses the pilling box (cork-lined drum), part 2 the modified Martindale apparatus (Lissajous stroke about 15 mm shorter than the abrasion test), part 3 the random tumble method and part 4 defines the visual grading. After a set number of cycles (e.g. 125, 500, 1000, 2000, 7000) the sample is visually compared to reference photos and graded 1 (severe pilling) to 5 (no pilling). Rules of thumb: quality suit fabric and business shirt should reach at least grade 4 at 2000 cycles, casual jersey often 3-4, fleece and soft cotton typically 2-3, though grade 2-3 pilling is often visually accepted in that class. It complements Martindale (ISO 12947) and burst (ISO 13938) in typical material specs for workwear and corporate wear.