Business

James Heal Launches Microsite Dedicated To Testing Performance And Technical Textiles

The global market leader of precision textile testing instruments and test materials, James Heal, has developed a new microsite to showcase its range of Performance Testing instruments, whilst also providing useful resources - such as articles, videos and guides - on how to test performance textiles. The microsite was developed separately to the main company website. Ssays PPT Group Marketing Manager, Jenny Montgomery, “As a design and innovation leader in textile testing, it’s important for us to make information regarding our instruments and information resources easily accessible for our current and prospective customers. We decided to develop something outside of our primary website, to focus on this niche area of textile testing, and add value through an intuitive interface and personalised content, providing an easier way to learn about performance testing; why it’s needed, and to browse information based on specific applications.” The testing equipment manufacturer says the new microsite will provide the most accurate, up-to-date information and share knowledge and expertise in the field of performance testing, across a wide spectrum of applications, including:

Sportswear and Activewear
Outdoor wear
Nonwovens
Military apparel
Bedding and mattresses
PPE
Medical textiles
Tents & awnings

Why performance testing is important Continuous innovation and consumer demand in these sectors is driving the need for textile testing more than ever, and testing during development enables manufacturers and brands to better understand the capabilities of the fabric to inform their R&D and design decisions. Compared with mainstream fashion garments, performance fabrics have technical or functional benefits, for comfort and/or safety. The rise in performance fabrics means there is a need for new and improved technology for testing, because the functionality of performance wear and technical textiles must be qualified by evidence. For example, in sports performance clothing, the term ‘protection’ has expanded to embrace:

fit and comfort
abrasion resistance
insulation
tear strength
sweat wicking
waterproofing
antibacterial and anti-UV properties

“Therefore, it's crucial for sportswear brands to validate and substantiate claims on performance and functionality - for example, moisture control and breathability”, explains Jenny. The James Heal Performance Testing range has been built for a range of applications including moisture management, dry rate testing, water repellency and wet abrasion. James Heal emphasises that their textiles performance testing instruments are designed to give confidence in their results, whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, or brand.