GME 60317 Determination of Yarn Count and Yarn Density of Woven Fabrics

Developed by General Motors Europe (GME), the “GME 60317 Determination of Yarn Count and Yarn Density of Woven Fabrics” standard is a material testing standard. This standard specifies a laboratory method for determining the yarn count in both the warp and weft directions of woven textile materials used in automotive interiors. It is widely applied during the qualification and quality control of upholstery fabrics, seat covers, door panel fabrics, headliners, and other woven textile components.

The primary goal of the GME 60317 standard is to establish a consistent procedure for the following measurements:

• Thread count (number of threads per unit length)
• Yarn density in the warp (longitudinal) direction.
• Yarn density in the weft (cross) direction.

These measurements ensure that the automotive textile materials meet the design specifications defined by General Motors engineering.

The GME 60317 standard primarily applies to the following:

• Woven upholstery fabrics
• Seat cover materials
• Door panel fabrics
• Ceiling textiles
• Interior decorative woven materials
• Textile laminates containing woven surface fabrics

The test method is designed for woven fabrics rather than knitted fabrics. GM uses the GME 60323 standard, a separate standard, to determine the stitch or loop density of knitted fabrics.

In principle, the test determines the number of threads within a given length of fabric. The evaluation is performed separately for the following:

• Warp threads
• Weft yarns

Measured values ​​are generally expressed as follows:

• Thread count per centimeter
• Thread count per inch (if required)

This method may include the following:

• Counting the threads manually using a counting lens or counting tool.
• Using magnification equipment
• Image analysis systems for automated counting.

The chosen method depends on the fabric structure and the required measurement accuracy.

Typical laboratory equipment used in these tests includes:

• Textile yarn counter
• Counting lens or linen testing device
• Measurement scale
• Optical microscope (for thin fabrics)
• Digital image analysis equipment
• Fabric cutting tools
• Sample holder

Essentially, the described testing process follows these steps:

• The fabric is conditioned under standard laboratory conditions.
• Representative test samples are prepared.
• The warp and weft directions are determined.
• The number of threads is determined over a specific distance.
• Measurements are repeated at multiple locations.
• The average yarn density is calculated.
• The results are recorded separately for warp and weft.

This test method yields the following values:

• Warp yarn count
• Weft yarn count
• Average yarn density
• Fabric structure consistency
• Local variations in weaving density

This data is compared to the material's engineering specifications.

Yarn density significantly affects many fabric properties, including:

• Tensile strength
• Tear resistance
• Wear resistance
• Surface appearance
• Dimensional stability
• Air permeability
• Flexibility
• Comfort
• Weight
• Durability

Even small deviations from the specified yarn count can alter the appearance and performance of automotive textiles.

The GME 60317 standard is widely used in the development and production of the following products:

• Seat upholstery
• Seat padding
• Door trim fabrics
• Luggage rack covers
• Pole upholstery textiles
• Ceiling covering fabrics
• Decorative woven fillings

The use of the GME 60317 standard enables manufacturers to:

• Verifying supplier compliance
• To maintain a consistent fabric structure.
• Detecting weaving defects
• Ensuring consistency from party to party
• Supporting incoming material inspection
• Reducing production variability.
• To increase the long-term durability of internal components.

The GME 60317 standard is frequently used in conjunction with other General Motors textile standards, including:

• GME 60301 Test method for determining weight per unit area.
• GME 60302 Test method for determining the softness of flooring materials.
• GME 60303 Test method for determining the thickness of flooring materials.
• GME 60304 Stain resistance of automotive interior trim materials to water and salt solutions.
• GME 60305 Test method for determining the elasticity and permanent deformation properties of textiles and artificial leathers.
• GME 60323 Determination of weave density of knitted fabrics.
• GME 60325 Determination of tensile properties of housing coatings, sealants and sound insulation materials.

The GME 60317 standard methodology is comparable to internationally recognized textile standards, including:

• ISO 7211 Textile testing methods, including yarn density determination for woven fabrics.
• ASTM D3775 Standard test method for warp and weft yarn count of woven fabrics.

These standards use comparable principles for determining yarn count, but sampling requirements and calculation methods may differ.

The advantages provided by the GME 60317 standard test method are as follows:

• Simple and repeatable measurements.
• High repeatability
• Reliable quality verification.
• Compliance with routine production inspections.
• Early detection of weaving inconsistencies
• Improved supplier quality management

In conclusion, the GME 60317 standard is a significant textile testing standard that establishes a standardized method for measuring yarn count and yarn density in woven automotive fabrics. Accurate determination of warp and weft yarn density helps ensure that upholstery and trim materials meet General Motors' engineering specifications for strength, appearance, durability, and manufacturing consistency. By providing a uniform evaluation method, this standard supports supplier competence, quality assurance, and the reliable performance of woven textiles throughout the vehicle's service life.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the GME 60317 standard.