The Importance of Textile Testing for Sustained Quality

The textile industry supports a variety of related sectors. From clothes to carpeting, every kind of textile-based product can be produced in a countless number of ways and comes in a variety of styles and functions.

For a number of reasons, every proposed product and its use must be appropriately tested--under government-established regulations, as well as voluntary, industry-driven standards designed to reflect your company’s desire for quality.

When considering which of these industry-driven standards are the most appropriate for a given product, important consideration should be given to:

What your product’s eventual use will be
Who your end users are
Whether or not its durability and lifespan will meet customer expectations

As exemplified by the clothing industry, understanding how your product should match your customer’s specific needs will help you determine the best testing procedures to use. Even more important is to take into account the factors which the buyers might not necessarily have at the forefront of their minds while shopping.

For instance, when people shop for leisure clothing, they generally think about such factors as comfort, style and cost. Durability might not heavily influence their decision at the time of purchase. However, if six months down the road the article begins to fray or lose its color, they will be very unlikely to choose the same brand again.

The Importance of Industry Standards

Textile producers have a strong incentive to take part in developing their own standards for measuring their product, with regard to the product’s specific purpose and its ability to stand up to repeated use.

Production companies are motivated by their long-term relationship with their customers, and often they will use their commitment to verifiable quality standards as part of their marketing strategy.

Testing Validity
When a manufacturing company either chooses an existing testing method or attempts to develop a new test to measure their product, their goal is to simulate as closely as possible the conditions the product must face in real life. This is known as “testing validity,” and it is the litmus test for whether or not a particular quality test should be incorporated into the testing program.

Whereas a pair of heavy construction pants must be subjected to tests that best replicate the daily battering from weather, mud and sustained contact with hard construction materials, formal wear will be measured more by its aesthetic qualities--the integrity of the stitching, or the quality of the dyes used and the process by which they are applied.

It takes a lot of trial, error and further adjustments to previous testing standards before a test comes close to replicating real-world conditions. One of the benefits of hiring an experienced quality assurance and lab testing service for your textile products is that they can help you determine and incorporate testing validity into your product line from the start.

Covering Mandatory and Industry-driven Standards

Whereas mandatory national and international compliance standards for textiles focus more on product safety and environmental protection, voluntary standards address aspects of quality, durability and style--the make-or-break factors in the eyes of the consumer.

Your QA service can help your company:

Understand all national and international compliance requirements.
Incorporate both mandatory and industry-driven standards into your production design.
Help train your in-house staff and supply chain to comply with both.

QIMA will help your company set the right tone throughout your supply chain to avoid a minimum performance level environment where every product “passes the test” but in the end fails to achieve customer satisfaction.

Finding the Right Supplier

As part of our QA services, QIMA can assist you with raw material testing, allowing your company to compare potential suppliers and make the best supply choice available for your textile product.

A Seamless Transition

From the preliminary stages--concept design, establishing production methods, incorporating testing standards and securing suppliers--to the actual production of your textile product, there should be no gaps in quality oversight.

QIMA's full-spectrum inspection service starts at the initial stages of production, delivering same-day inspection reports throughout--from first factory bell to pre-shipment inspection.

Don’t wait for unforeseen production and quality issues to arise on the factory floor. Ensure quality production by establishing them from the start with help from QIMA's comprehensive inspection services.

Easily Schedule Your Textiles Lab Tests and Inspections Online

Our online platform and mobile application make it easy for you to schedule textiles tests and inspection services, and receive your results at any time. Book new tests, view pending orders, and access results from your mobile device. Our online platform provides valuable supply chain insights, including a summary of your QC activity, all of your supplier’s quality stats, industry benchmarking data, and more.

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