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Physical Testing Laboratory

The Dame S. Hamby Physical Testing Laboratory offers testing and analytical services for determining physical properties of fibers, yarns, fabrics, garments and other textile products. Testing is performed by experienced technicians in accordance with standard test procedures. The lab has the capability to perform a variety of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), and other standards or, in many cases, to tailor a procedure to specific client needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ASTM D1776 Standard
  • Standard temperature: 21+/- 2 degrees Celsius, 70 +/- 4 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Standard Humidity: 65% +/- 5
  • The lab does not have the capability to offer variation of conditions for humidity and temperature.
  • Clients should generally allow for a two week turnaround time from the date the samples are received by the lab. The turnaround time also depends on the number of samples submitted and the tests requested.
  • The turnaround time also depends on existing test projects and the educational requirements of the lab.

No, expedited service is not available due to educational priorities.

Here in the PTL, we prefer to prepare the sample in house. We do require that clients provide identification of the technical front, technical back and warp or machine direction.

  • The Physical Testing Lab performs ASTM and AATCC test standards.
  • In many cases the lab can tailor a standard to fit the needs of clients. The PTL has the capability to complete tests for other standards if requested by the client. There is an additional charge for this service.

No, but we offer a complimentary cost estimate tailored to clients’ requests.

  • A testing service order form (TSOF) needs to be completed before testing can begin as required by the University.
  • Information needed for a TSOF:
  • Name of the contact person who will sign the agreement
  • Company name and physical address (also mailing and billing addresses if different)
  • Phone, fax, and email of the contact person
  • The not-to-exceed dollar amount to be assigned to the TSOF*
  • *An open-ended TSOF with an open-ended dollar amount would allow you to send samples to us over an extended period-of-time on an as-needed basis for these tests or any other tests you may need. Open-end forms are typically effective for 3 years
  • The PTL staff does not offer consulting services. If consulting services are desired, you would need to contact a faculty member in the specific field of interest.
  • The PTL only provides a summary report and not an analysis of the data. It is up to the client to interpret the data.