Both Wyzenbeek and Martindale are abrasion tests, also referred to as rub tests. They are different tests which measure different properties, and success in one does not infer success in the other. Wyzenbeek involves rubbing along the warp and weft of the fabric whereas Martindale uses a figure-of-eight motion. This article gives summary information to assist interior designers in specifying the right levels of abrasion resistance for upholstery.
For a complete guide to the Martindale test including its history, full methodology, rub count classifications, what the test does not measure, and detailed specification guidance, see our comprehensive article: The Martindale Rub Test: A Complete Guide for Interior Designers and Specifiers.
Heavy Duty Usage
For heavy duty upholstery applications, specify a minimum of 30,000 double rubs to the Wyzenbeek method, or 40,000 cycles to the Martindale method.
End use examples where fabric rated at 30,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs is appropriate include single-shift corporate offices, hotel rooms and suites, conference rooms, and dining areas.
More demanding environments may require higher figures. End uses that may require above 30,000 double rubs include 24-hour transportation terminals, 24-hour healthcare emergency rooms, 24-hour casino areas, and high-traffic public gathering spaces such as theatres, stadiums, lecture halls, and fast food restaurants.
Rub counts above 100,000 do not generally provide meaningful additional value in use. Higher abrasion resistance does not necessarily indicate a significant extension of service life.
Test Methods
Wyzenbeek. A sample of the test fabric is pulled tight in a frame and held stationary. Individual specimens cut from the warp and weft directions are rubbed back and forth using an approved fabric as the abradant. The number of double rub cycles achieved before two yarn breaks occur, or noticeable wear is observed, is recorded as the fabric’s abrasion rating.
Martindale. Fabric samples are mounted flat and rubbed in a figure-of-eight motion using a piece of worsted wool cloth as the abradant. The number of cycles the fabric can endure before showing an objectionable change in appearance, such as yarn breaks, pilling, or holes, determines the abrasion rating. Results are recorded in multiples of 5,000 cycles.
Can You Infer One Result from the Other?
No. There is no reliable correlation between Wyzenbeek and Martindale results. It is not possible to estimate the number of cycles a fabric would achieve on one test from the results of the other.
For heavy duty usage, the two equivalent thresholds are 30,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs or 40,000 Martindale cycles. In that sense, for a given level of usage, the Martindale figure is approximately 33% higher than the Wyzenbeek figure. This is a directional guide for specifying purposes only. A fabric scoring 100,000 on one test cannot be assumed to score 133,333 on the other. The result could be higher or lower. The only way to know is to test to both standards independently.
Despite what appears on other websites, including those of well-known fabric houses, you cannot infer a Wyzenbeek score from a Martindale score or vice versa.
For further reading on the Martindale test, including its history, full methodology under BS EN ISO 12947, rub count classification bands, and guidance on what the test does not measure, see: The Martindale Rub Test: A Complete Guide for Interior Designers and Specifiers.
For information on specific collections see mohair velvet upholstery, faux leather upholstery, and upholstery linen.
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First, may I post a link to your blog on my 2 websites. You certainly explain the distinction with great clarity– a most useful article to an almost daily question.
Thank you.
Hi Michael, yes please feel free to post a link to https://www.kothea.com/2009/06/26/martindale-vs-wyzenbeek-3/ I would prefer it though if you did not copy the content to your sites.
What can you tell me about accuracy or inaccuracy of the Wyzenbeek abrasion test?
Hi Alan and also to everyone at Glen Raven fabrics in the USA.
As you know, Wyzenbeek is relied upon by specifiers in serious contract markets such as hospitality in the USA. I would not have thought it wise to create doubts of the validity of the main abrasion standard that is widely used and widely accepted in that market.
What would your experience be on this matter? Do you feel that the test and subsequent certification is inadequate or unreliable?
Very helpful information that I can utilize.
Thanks
Hallo,
Is Martindale a person?
If yes, where does he come from?
Can you give me more information or a website where a find more about this person?
Thank you.
Erik from Holland
Dear Erik from Holland The Martindale Abrasion Tester : developer J.G. Martindale. Early 1940s in England.
Hi,
I’m working in a company which developes backpacks, in several areas(alpine, trolley, day packs,…) .
Now I was on a Fare east Trip and have seen they test the Fabrics (for example, a nylon 420 HD Oxford) with kind of a Sandpaper. I did/do more or less all the Tests with the woolen Fabric (DIN EN ISO 12-947).
I could not really find out kind of a “Norm” of this Sandpaper, and what the best would be to test these kind of really durable Fabrics. Of cours it need to be the Martindale Test (becaus we are a Switzerland Company) and the Wyzenbeek Test Methodes are not that well known here!
Has someon of you an idea how the Test Standards should look like on a durable Fabric, and have you got some ideas how?
It would be great to get some helpful answers
cheers gabi
Hi Wyzenbeek is for the USA, Martindale for the UK. They are both measures for the durability of upholstery fabric. How durable do you want? 20,000 is a reasonable test result maybe 30,000 to 50,000 or more for a hotel/high use area.
Hello…is there a particular manufacturer of Wyzenbeek machines that is particularly good? What is approximate price of one? thanks for any info
Hi we sell fabrics and do not perform the tests. I would speak to one of the many testing companies. However I would say that as the machines must test fabrics to a legal standard THEN it follows that they themselves must all be regulated in their performance. So I would suspect that they all perform similarly and that price becomes a key issue unsurprisingly.
Can i know 11,000 rubs in Martindale test is equivelant to how many rubs in Wyzenbeek?
i’m talking about a hand woven 100% cotton fabric-
would this fabric be suitable for public spaces?
thanks
the answer is in the article – there is no equivalence.
Can I know how many Martindale rubs will be needed for a certain fabric to be suitable for outdoor canopy fabric (atleast a rough value)?
It depends on how much you are going to ‘sit’ on the canopy. I suspect ‘not at all’. And so the answer is that you are looking at the wrong measure of strength. Sy I don’t know what the right measure is.
We were given a fabric sample to test whether it is suitable for a canopy. That’s why asked for a value. i got your point.
any way thanks.
Thanks for posting this with such clarity. Loved it, will pass it along and thanks for stopping by my blog
pleas advise which composition will be more suitable for a sofa upholstery for a living room;
51%cotton spun+49% polyster filament (30000 rubs),
30%polyster and 70% cotton
100 cotton
I cannot advise as you need to do a martindale test if durability is your concern. It depends on many things not just the composition.
yes, my concern is durability. which one would be better if it is the case of durability.
The one that has the highest martindale score…
thnak you very much..
Odd question this but can you get a sense of how scratch resistant a fabric is from a martindale test? I ask this because I have a dog with claws who really likes to ‘nest’ in the sofa, thus destroying most fabrics he comes into contact with.
Sorry no you can’t
What kind of materials is the actual machine/tester made of? I mean the mechanism. Also, what kind of materials are also suitable to use as abradants?
No idea, sorry. Talk to SGS in the UK.
This was really enlightening for my projects with – thanks!
You have a spelling mistake. You used the word “help” instead of “held” when describing a test procedure.
ha! after 7 years someone finally spots it. Thank you
I am replacing my linen blend fabric on my family room sofa which wore out in 5 years – shredded. I have two potential fabrics – one is from Lewis & Wood 63% cotton and 37% linen with a ‘Rub Test’ = 30,000. The other fabric from GP & J Baker 85% viscose and 15% linen with a ‘Rub test’ = 45,000 (neither are ‘Double Rub’). Are these rub test Martindale rub tests and can I do anything to the back of the fabric e.g. felt backing or finishing applied to increase the durability of it?
they are the martindale rubs
you need to upholster the sofa prfessionally as that makes a difference
perhaps use fabric with an even higher rub
Wyzenbeek Abrasion Tester(TF212) is to determine the abrasion resistance of fabrics when rubbed against a standard abrasive or a wire mesh screen. Wyzenbeek abrasion tester applies to automotive and furniture industry fabric manufacturers.
Hi,
how many Martindale cycles is good enough for 24hr, public bus?
perhaps 200,000
for the sofa. normally i will seat 6 times per day, for 6 years –> 6 year * 300 day * 6 times= 10800 times. so May i know how many Martindale cycles do i need?
Thank you in advance.
i think you answered your own question there, but err on the safe side in case someone else sits on it