1.

0 Experiment no: 03
2.0 Experiment name: Study on crease recovery tester, pneumatic stiffness tester and universal testing
machine.
3.0 Introduction:
In our recently concluded lab experiment, we had embarked on a comprehensive study of three
indispensable instruments: crease recovery tester, pneumatic stiffness tester and universal testing machine.
The James Heal Crease Recovery Tester is a specialized testing instrument used in the textile industry to
assess the crease recovery properties of fabrics. Crease recovery refers to a fabric's ability to return to its
original, crease-free state after being subjected to mechanical deformation, such as folding or creasing. This
property is essential for fabrics used in garments, as it helps maintain the appearance and comfort of the
clothing. The James Heal Crease Recovery Tester is designed to measure crease recovery in accordance with
various international standards, such as ASTM D1295, ISO 2313, and AATCC Test Method 66. It is
commonly used by textile manufacturers, quality control labs, and research institutions to evaluate the
performance of different textiles and materials.
A pneumatic stiffness tester is an instrument used in the textile and material testing industry to measure the
stiffness or bending rigidity of fabrics or other flexible materials. Stiffness, in this context, refers to the
ability of a material to resist bending or flexing under the application of an external force. Understanding the
stiffness of a material is crucial for various applications, including apparel, upholstery, automotive textiles,
and industrial textiles.
A “Universal Testing Machine (UTM)”, also known as a “tensile testing machine”, is an electromechanical
testing system that applies a tensile force to raw materials or components to test for both tensile and
compressive strength. It is widely used for both small and large load testing in quality control or research
projects, etc. The UTM can be used to test the mechanical properties of a given test specimen by exerting
tensile, compressive, or transverse stresses. The machine has been named so because of the wide range of
tests it can perform over different kinds of materials.
4.0 Objective:
1. To understand the principles and operation of a Crease Recovery Tester and assess the crease
recovery properties of different fabrics.
2. To explore the functionality of a Pneumatic Stiffness Tester and measure the stiffness or bending
rigidity of various materials.
3. To gain hands-on experience with a Universal Testing Machine and determine the tensile,
compression, and bending properties of selected materials.
4. To familiarize students with industry-standard testing procedures and equipment commonly used in
materials testing and quality control.
5.0 Working procedure:
5.1 Working procedure for crease recovery tester:
1. A rectangular specimen measuring 40 x 15 mm was used.
2. In the test, specimens was folded in two, either face to face or back to back, with the ends being
held by tweezers.
3. The specimen was then placed under a 500g load for 5 minutes.
4. It was then immediately transferred to the holder of the measuring instrument, and one end of
the specimen was inverted as far as the back step.
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 5. The crease recovery angle was measured by reading the scale, 5 minutes after the removal of
the load

Figure 1: Crease Recovery Tester

5.2 Working procedure for pneumatic stiffness tester:

1. A specimen measuring 8 x 4 inches was cut.
2. The tester was ensured to be properly calibrated, which involved checking and adjusting the air
pressure and any measurement devices.
3. The prepared specimen was placed on the testing platform.
4. A clamping device was used to secure the specimen in place so that it wasn't moved during the
test.
5. The pneumatic system was activated to apply a specified pressure to the specimen.
6. The bending apparatus, often a blade or mechanical arm, was lowered to bend the specimen. It
typically bent the specimen to a 150-degree angle from the vertical position.
7. As the specimen was bent, the force required to achieve the specified angle was measured by
the electronic sensor or transducer.
8. The previous steps were repeated two more times.
9. Then, the average of the three results was taken.
10. The recorded force data was used to calculate the bending stiffness of the material.

Figure 2: Pneumatic Stiffness Tester

5.3 Working procedure for UTM (Universal Testing Machine):

1. The specimen was cut from the material with dimensions of 200 x 50mm.
2. The UTM was turned on, and it was ensured that it was properly calibrated and adjusted
according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
3. The appropriate grips or fixtures suitable for the sample size and shape were attached.
4. One end of the specimen was secured in the lower grip of the UTM, and the other end was
secured in the upper grip. Care was taken to ensure that the specimen was aligned properly in
the grips to avoid any twisting or misalignment during testing.

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 5. The parameters for the tests, including the test speed and the three different force levels at peak
to be tested, were input.
6. The test was started by initiating the UTM.
7. The test was monitored in real-time through the UTM's software interface.
8. The peak force for each test was identified and recorded as it reached the desired levels.
9. The displacement at the peak force and the point of breakage for each test were recorded.
10. The strain for each test was calculated by dividing the elongation by the original length.
11. The elongation was calculated by subtracting the original length from the displacement.

Figure 3: Universal Testing Machine

6.0 Experimental Data:

6.1 Data for crease recovery test:
Sample size: (40 x 15) mm
Time: 5 min (Under load) + 5 min (For degree measurement)
Load applied: 500 g
Recovery angle: 1350
6.2 Data for stiffness:
Sample size: (8 x 4) inch
No of Observation Applied load (N) Average load (N)
1. 1.8
2. 2.0 1.97
3. 2.1

6.3 Data for tensile:

Sample size: (200 x 50) mm
No Force of Elongation at Elongation Strain at Strain at
of peak (N) peak (mm) at break peak break
Obs. (mm)
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 1. 303.41 14.51 41.138 7.225 20.56
2. 460.05 47.987 71.151 23.969 35.07
3. 286.86 17.139 42.217 8.57 21.109

7.0 Result and Discussion:

In this experiment, we conducted tests using three different types of testing equipment: the
Crease Recovery Tester, the Pneumatic Stiffness Tester, and the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Each
testing procedure was designed to assess specific properties of the materials under investigation. In the
experiment recovery angle was found to be 1350 after applying 500gm load for 5min with load and 5 min
without load for a sample size of 40x15 mm. In the pneumatic stiffness tester in our 3 observation we got
1.8N, 2N and 2.1N consecutively and the average of the 3 observation is 1.97N. For Universal Testing
Machine we found Elongation at peak and at break and strain at peak and at break for different force of
peak. We got most elongation and strain for 460N force of peak and least for 303.4N force. Though 286.8N
is lesser in value compared to 303.4N force but here also we get more elongation and strain than that one.
During the experiment, several factors could have influenced the results. First, variations in the sample
material's properties, such as thickness, density, and composition, might have affected the outcomes.
Furthermore, inconsistencies in sample preparation, alignment, or clamping could introduce errors into the
measurements. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a stable testing environment, including temperature and
humidity conditions, to ensure the accuracy of the results, especially when working with materials sensitive
to environmental changes.
8.0 Conclusion:
In summary, while the experiment provided valuable insights into the mechanical properties of the
tested materials, careful attention to sample preparation and testing conditions is essential to minimize
potential sources of error and ensure the reliability of the obtained data. This information is vital for making
informed decisions about material suitability for specific applications and industries

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