ISO 1763 Textile Floor Coverings - Determination of Pile or Loop Count Per Unit Length and Unit Area

The ISO 1763 Textile floor coverings - Determination of pile or loop count per unit length and unit area standard, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), describes a method for determining the pile or loop count per unit length and unit area of ​​textile floor coverings. This standard applies to pile textile floor coverings composed of pile or loops.

In principle, the number of complete strands or loops is counted along a distance of at least 100 mm in length and containing at least 41 complete strands or loops. The number of strands or loops is counted in directions parallel and perpendicular to the edge, and the number per unit area is calculated.

Samples are placed individually and flat, with the work surface facing upwards, in an environment with a temperature of 20 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 65 percent plus/minus 4 percent for at least 24 hours. The samples are measured in the same environment.

Four areas representing the sample are selected for testing; each edge must contain at least 41 knots or loops and be no less than 100 mm in length. It is necessary to avoid selecting an area closer than 100 mm to any boundary of the sample. For machine-made products, the procedure described in ISO 1957 standard applies. Samples must be clearly marked in directions parallel and perpendicular to the edge.

In short, this standard defines a laboratory method for measuring pile or loop density in textile floor coverings of the following types:

• Carpets
• Rugs
• Fluffy floor coverings
• artificial turf
• Looped floor coverings

This method is used to determine how many feathers or loops are present:

• Per unit length
• Per unit area

These measurements are important for evaluating carpet manufacturing quality and production consistency.

The ISO 1763 standard helps manufacturers and testing laboratories evaluate the following:

• Carpet density
• Structural homogeneity
• Production consistency
• Surface appearance quality
• Wear performance expectations

Higher loop or feather density usually indicates the following:

• Improved durability
• Better appearance protection
• Increased comfort
• Increased product value

The ISO 1763 standard applies specifically to textile floor coverings whose pile consists of the following:

• hairs
• loops
• Combinations of both

This standard includes a method for counting these airborne elements over a defined distance and calculating the corresponding density values.

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply:

• Pile: A type of yarn that forms the pile of a carpet's backing. Traditional shapes include: J-shaped loop, U-shaped loop, and W-shaped loop.
• Loop: The section of pile yarn located between two anchor points in the carpet backing. Loop carpets use continuous loops instead of cut fibers.

In principle, the procedure involves the following:

• Selection of representative carpet samples.
• Counting the number of full pile or loops over a measured distance.
• Measuring the counts: Measurements are taken parallel to and perpendicular to the edge.
• Calculations are made as: tuft count per unit length, loop count per unit length, and total pile element count per unit area. The count length must be sufficiently large to ensure statistical reliability.

These standard tests require relatively simple laboratory equipment, including:

• Calibrated ruler or measuring device
• Counting tools
• Conditioning medium
• Sample preparation tools

Measurements are usually taken to the nearest 0,5 mm.

Before testing, samples are conditioned under controlled atmospheric conditions. Typical conditions include:

• Temperature around 20 degrees
• Controlled relative humidity

Conditioning minimizes errors caused by:

• Humidity changes
• Air deformation
• Dimensional instability

The testing method generally follows these steps:

• Sample selection: Several representative areas are selected from the carpet sample. Edge areas are generally avoided, as edge deformation can affect accuracy.
• Pile or loop counting: Complete pile or loops are counted over a specified distance. Measurements are taken lengthwise and crosswise. For difficult surfaces, pile cutting or back surface inspection may be performed.
• Calculation: The counts are converted to:
  • Pile/loop per 100 mm
  • Pile weight per square meter / loops
  • Density values ​​for quality comparison.

The ISO 1763 standard is important for the following reasons:

• Quality control: Manufacturers use this standard to verify the following:
  • Feather consistency
  • Machine settings
  • Product homogeneity
• Performance prediction: Air density has a major impact on the following:
  • Wear resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Visual appearance
  • Compression recovery

Low-density carpets generally wear out faster and show marks more easily.

• Product classification: Many carpet specifications require minimum pile density values. This standard provides an internationally accepted standard measurement method.
• Supplier comparison: This standard enables the following:
  • Fair comparison among suppliers.
  • Consistent supply specifications.
  • Objective acceptance tests

The ISO 1763 standard is widely used in the following areas:

• Carpet production
• Automotive carpets
• Commercial floor coverings
• Artificial turf production
• Textile laboratories
• Quality assurance departments

The ISO 1763 standard is often used in conjunction with other textile flooring standards, such as:

• ISO 8543 Mass determination
• ISO 1765 Thickness specification
• ISO 2424 Terminology for textile floor coverings.
• Wear and tear resistance standards

Together, these standards provide a complete assessment of flooring performance.

In conclusion, the ISO 1763 standard is a key international standard for determining loop and pile density in textile floor coverings. By providing a consistent measurement method, it helps manufacturers, laboratories, and customers assess carpet build quality, durability, and production consistency.

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 ISO 1763 standard.