Lab 06
Textile Quality Assurance Lab
Independent verification — every test passed before delivery
Trust, but verify
Every fabric roll that leaves our facility carries the certification that it has passed a defined set of quality inspections and material tests. Our Textile Quality Assurance Lab is an independent function within the organisation — it reports directly to the managing director, not to production — ensuring that no commercial pressure can compromise the inspection gate. If a material batch or a finished fabric does not meet the published specification, the lab has the authority to halt shipment until the non-conformance is resolved.
The lab operates under a quality management system aligned with ISO 9001 principles, and our test methods are based on AATCC, ASTM, and ISO standards wherever applicable. We maintain detailed records of every test performed, creating a complete traceability chain from raw material receipt to final fabric delivery.
Test equipment and capabilities
| Equipment | Tests Performed | Standard / Method |
|---|---|---|
| Universal testing machine (50 kN) | Tensile strength (fabric), seam strength, tear propagation | ASTM D5034, ASTM D1683, ASTM D2261 |
| Color spectrophotometer | Delta-E color measurement, shade sorting, color fastness to light/wash/rub | AATCC TM110, AATCC TM61, AATCC TM8 |
| Dimensional stability tester | Fabric shrinkage after laundering, relaxation, and steaming | AATCC 135 / AATCC 150 |
| Hydrostatic head tester | Water penetration resistance of fabric (0-5000 mbar) | ISO 811 / AATCC TM127 |
| Digital thickness gauge & micrometer | Fabric thickness, coating thickness, film thickness | ASTM D1777 |
| Environmental chamber | Temperature/humidity conditioning (-40 °C to +80 °C) for accelerated aging tests | ASTM D573, AATCC TM186 |
| Martindale abrasion tester | Abrasion resistance, pilling resistance | ASTM D4966 / ISO 12947 |
The inspection gates — from material to delivery
Every fabric lot follows a defined quality plan with mandatory inspection points. No lot can skip a gate; each gate must be signed off by a quality inspector before the next stage begins.
Incoming material inspection
Fiber batch, coating chemicals, finish additives — all checked against incoming specification before release to production.
In-process fabric inspection
First-off greige fabric inspected (visual + weight) at start of each production run.
Color & finish verification
Finished fabric measured for color accuracy (Delta-E), coating weight, and finish uniformity.
Pre-delivery inspection
Complete fabric roll inspected: width, weight, defects, shade banding. 50-point checklist per roll.
Final certification
Test reports compiled, inspection records reviewed, Certificate of Conformance issued.
Key quality metrics (2025 rolling average)
Our quality team
The lab is staffed by a quality manager (10 years in textile QA, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer), two quality inspectors (each with Level 2 certification in textile inspection), and a materials technician responsible for all physical testing. The team undergoes annual proficiency testing through an independent third-party provider to ensure that our test results remain accurate and reproducible.
Independent testing for clients
Our Textile Quality Assurance Lab is available for independent testing services. If you need to verify a fabric specification, validate a new finish, or obtain a third-party test report for a procurement qualification, we can perform the tests to the applicable standard and issue a certified test report.
Examples of recent third-party testing work:
- Color fastness comparison of five competitive dye systems for a European apparel brand's quality assurance programme.
- Accelerated aging study (UV + thermal cycling) for a new UPF-enhanced polyester formulation, with regular interim measurements at 500 h intervals.
- Dimensional stability validation of 50 prototype fabric constructions for a new performance wear line.
Our commitment to you
When you receive a Seekingtex fabric, you also receive its quality dossier — a compiled record of the test results that apply to your specific fabric lot. Fiber certificate, color fastness report, dimensional stability test results, and pre-delivery inspection checklist. Every number is traceable. Every inspector is identified. This is not just paperwork — it is our promise that what we delivered is what we specified.
If you ever have a quality concern, you can contact the lab directly — the contact details are printed on your certificate of conformance. We take every query seriously and commit to a formal investigation within 48 hours.
Need independent testing or quality verification?
Our lab accepts third-party testing work — contact us with your requirements.
Contact the quality lab