Standard Test Method for Assessment of Surface Appearance Change in Pile Floor Coverings Using Standard Reference Scales

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The determination of surface appearance change in pile yarn floor covering is useful in quality and cost control during manufacture of pile yarn floor covering. This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments because current estimates of between laboratory precision are acceptable, and this test method is commonly used in trade for acceptance testing.  
5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such comparative tests that are as homogenous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved shall be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the assessment of changes of surface appearance of pile floor coverings after exposure to actual or simulated foot traffic. This test method applies to pile yarn floor coverings that are, or have been, installed; laboratory floor-trafficked samples; or textiles floor coverings trafficked by mechanical traffic simulators. The subjective assessment is facilitated by use of reference scales that are based on digital images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and constructions.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
14-Jun-2022
Technical Committee
D13 - Textiles

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-Feb-2020
Effective Date
01-Jul-2019
Effective Date
01-Jul-2019
Effective Date
15-May-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2017
Effective Date
15-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Sep-2015
Effective Date
01-Apr-2015
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2014
Effective Date
15-Jun-2013
Effective Date
15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM D7330-22 provides a standardized test method for the assessment of surface appearance change in pile floor coverings, such as carpet, following exposure to actual or simulated foot traffic. The method uses standard reference scales, featuring digital images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and constructions, to enable a subjective but repeatable evaluation. This standard is widely used in the textile flooring industry for quality control, cost management, and acceptance testing during manufacturing and commercial transactions.

Key Topics

  • Purpose and Scope:

    • Addresses the assessment of surface appearance changes in pile floor coverings (carpet and rug products) due to foot traffic or mechanical simulation.
    • Applies to installed flooring, laboratory-traffic samples, or textiles exposed in mechanical simulators.
  • Test Procedure Highlights:

    • Expose the sample to wear using methods such as those described in ASTM D5252, D5417, D6119, or D6962.
    • Compare trafficked samples against unexposed controls using digital reference grading scales.
    • Evaluate visual features including crushing, loss of tuft definition, and matting.
  • Assessment and Grading:

    • Multiple trained assessors independently grade each specimen, ensuring objectivity and repeatability.
    • Assessment is done under specified lighting and at fixed viewing distances and angles.
    • Final grading provides an average value indicating the degree of surface appearance change.
  • Statistical Precision:

    • Includes guidance for performing comparative statistical analyses for inter-laboratory precision or potential bias.
    • Repeatability and reproducibility limits are provided to ensure consistent results between laboratories.
  • Units and Safety:

    • Measurements are reported in inch-pound units as the standard.
    • Users are responsible for addressing safety, health, and environmental considerations.

Applications

Pile Floor Covering Quality Control:
This test method is an essential tool for manufacturers and suppliers of pile yarn floor coverings such as carpets and rugs. It is typically used for:

  • Quality Assurance:

    • Ensures carpets meet appearance retention standards after simulated usage.
    • Facilitates early detection of performance issues related to surface change, aiding in product improvement.
  • Acceptance Testing:

    • Commonly used for verifying the suitability of commercial shipments.
    • Supports trade and procurement processes by offering an objective, industry-recognized evaluation.
  • Product Comparison and Development:

    • Enables comparative analysis of various carpet constructions and materials for design optimization.
    • Aids in benchmarking new products against established reference scales.

Research and Laboratory Testing:

  • Serves as a foundational method in inter-laboratory studies for consistency and harmonization of appearance change ratings.
  • Used to establish product durability claims in marketing and warranty documentation.

Related Standards

To fully implement the ASTM D7330-22 test method and interpret its results, the following related standards are often referenced:

  • ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
  • ASTM D5252: Practice for the Operation of the Hexapod Tumble Drum Tester
  • ASTM D5417: Practice for Operation of the Vettermann Drum Tester
  • ASTM D5684: Terminology Relating to Pile Floor Coverings
  • ASTM D6119: Practice for Creating Surface Appearance Changes in Pile Yarn Floor Covering from Foot Traffic
  • ASTM D6962: Practice for Operation of a Roller Chair Tester for Pile Yarn Floor Coverings
  • ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
  • ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

By adhering to ASTM D7330-22, textile floor covering professionals can objectively assess, compare, and certify surface appearance retention, supporting informed manufacturing, purchasing, and maintenance decisions in the flooring industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D7330-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Assessment of Surface Appearance Change in Pile Floor Coverings Using Standard Reference Scales". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The determination of surface appearance change in pile yarn floor covering is useful in quality and cost control during manufacture of pile yarn floor covering. This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments because current estimates of between laboratory precision are acceptable, and this test method is commonly used in trade for acceptance testing. 5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such comparative tests that are as homogenous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved shall be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the assessment of changes of surface appearance of pile floor coverings after exposure to actual or simulated foot traffic. This test method applies to pile yarn floor coverings that are, or have been, installed; laboratory floor-trafficked samples; or textiles floor coverings trafficked by mechanical traffic simulators. The subjective assessment is facilitated by use of reference scales that are based on digital images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and constructions. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The determination of surface appearance change in pile yarn floor covering is useful in quality and cost control during manufacture of pile yarn floor covering. This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments because current estimates of between laboratory precision are acceptable, and this test method is commonly used in trade for acceptance testing. 5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, use the samples for such comparative tests that are as homogenous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved shall be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the assessment of changes of surface appearance of pile floor coverings after exposure to actual or simulated foot traffic. This test method applies to pile yarn floor coverings that are, or have been, installed; laboratory floor-trafficked samples; or textiles floor coverings trafficked by mechanical traffic simulators. The subjective assessment is facilitated by use of reference scales that are based on digital images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and constructions. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D7330-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.150 - Floor coverings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D7330-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6962-24, ASTM D6119-19(2024), ASTM D5252-24, ASTM D5252-20, ASTM D6119-19, ASTM D5684-19a, ASTM D5684-19, ASTM D123-17, ASTM D123-15b, ASTM D123-15a, ASTM D123-15, ASTM D5252-15, ASTM E177-14, ASTM D123-13ae1, ASTM D123-13a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D7330-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7330 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Assessment of Surface Appearance Change in Pile Floor
Coverings Using Standard Reference Scales
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7330; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D5684 Terminology Relating to Pile Floor Coverings
D6119 Practice for Creating SurfaceAppearance Changes in
1.1 This test method covers the assessment of changes of
Pile Yarn Floor Covering from Foot Traffic
surface appearance of pile floor coverings after exposure to
D6962 Practice for Operation of a Roller Chair Tester for
actual or simulated foot traffic. This test method applies to pile
Pile Yarn Floor Coverings
yarnfloorcoveringsthatare,orhavebeen,installed;laboratory
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
floor-trafficked samples; or textiles floor coverings trafficked
ASTM Test Methods
by mechanical traffic simulators. The subjective assessment is
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
facilitated by use of reference scales that are based on digital
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and
constructions.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to Pile Floor Coverings,
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
refer to the Terminology D5684.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2 Thefollowingtermsarerelevanttothisstandard:carpet,
and are not considered standard.
crushing cut pile yarn floor covering, finished, finished pile
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
yarn floor covering, loss of tuft definition, matting, pile, pile
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
yarn floor covering, textile floor covering.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3 For definitions of other terms related to textiles, refer to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Terminology D123.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Summary of Test Method
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1 The floor covering shall be tested in a mechanical wear
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
simulator or tested under controlled laboratory foot traffic tests
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
referencedinPracticesD5252,D5417,D6119,andD6962.The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tested floor covering shall then be assessed for surface appear-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ance change by comparing unexposed controls to the exposed
sample by using the appropriate Appearance Change Grading
2. Referenced Documents
Scale.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
5. Significance and Use
D5252 Practice for the Operation of the Hexapod Tumble
5.1 The determination of surface appearance change in pile
Drum Tester
yarn floor covering is useful in quality and cost control during
D5417 Practice for Operation of the Vettermann Drum
manufacture of pile yarn floor covering. This test method is
Tester
considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial
shipments because current estimates of between laboratory
precision are acceptable, and this test method is commonly
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.21 on Pile Floor Coverings.
used in trade for acceptance testing.
Current edition approved June 15, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally
5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between
approved in 2007 as D7330-07. Last previous edition published in 2015 as
D7330-15. DOI: 10.1520/D7330-22.
reported test results for two laboratories (or more), compara-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tive tests should be performed to determine if there is a
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assis-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tance. As a minimum, use the samples for such comparative
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7330 − 22
tests that are as homogenous as possible, drawn from the same 9.5 Each assessor shall grade each specimen independently
lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results of the other assessors.
during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers
10. Calculation or Interpretation of Results
to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories
involved shall be compared using a statistical test for unpaired
10.1 If specimens are trafficked in machine and cross
data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a
direction, average the ratings for each direction to the nearest
bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected, or
0.1 unit and then average all ratings together to the nearest 0.5
future test results for that material must be adjusted in unit.
consideration of the known bias.
11. Report
6. Apparatus
11.1 The average value for surface appearance change.
6.1 CRI Reference Scales —A series of imaged standards
11.2 Any observation variables that occur on the specimen
containing a progressive amount of surface appearance change
face that affects the rating.
ranging from 5.0 (no change) to 1.0 (severe change).
11.3 Thetypeoftestemployedtoexposethespecimen.,the
6.2 Illumination System for Assessment—Either portable of
applicable units of time or other units used to measure
fixedlightingmaybeusedwhichprovidesfor~120lumensper
exposure.
squarefoot(1200 6300lux)atthesurfaceofthetestspecimen
11.4 Detail any deviations from the test method.
with the predominance of the light from directly above. Either
North Sky Light or Cool White Fluorescent is satisfactory. 4
12. Precision and Bias
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units 12.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study of D7330, Standard Test Method for
7.1 Testspecimensconsistofpreviouslyexposedspecimens
Assessment of Surface Appearance Change in Pile Floor
tested in accordance to the appropriate test method an
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7330 − 15 D7330 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Assessment of Surface Appearance Change in Pile Floor
Coverings Using Standard Reference Scales
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7330; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the assessment of changes of surface appearance of pile floor coverings after exposure to actual or
simulated foot traffic. This test method applies to pile yarn floor coverings that are, or have been, installed; laboratory
floor-trafficked samples; or textiles floor coverings trafficked by mechanical traffic simulators. The subjective assessment is
facilitated by use of reference scales that are based on digital images of representative pile yarn floor covering styles and
constructions.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D5252 Practice for the Operation of the Hexapod Tumble Drum Tester
D5417 Practice for Operation of the Vettermann Drum Tester
D5684 Terminology Relating to Pile Floor Coverings
D6119 Practice for Creating Surface Appearance Changes in Pile Yarn Floor Covering from Foot Traffic
D6962 Practice for Operation of a Roller Chair Tester for Pile Yarn Floor Coverings
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to Pile Floor Coverings, refer to the Terminology D5684.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.21 on Pile Floor Coverings.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015June 15, 2022. Published April 2015July 2022. Originally approved in 2007 as D7330-07. Last previous edition published in
ε1
20112015 as D7330-11-15. . DOI: 10.1520/D7330-15. 10.1520/D7330-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7330 − 22
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard: carpet, crushing cut pile yarn floor covering, finished, finished pile yarn floor
covering, loss of tuft definition, matting, pile, pile yarn floor covering, textile floor covering.
3.3 For definitions of other terms related to textiles, refer to Terminology D123.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The floor covering shall be tested in a mechanical wear simulator or tested under controlled laboratory foot traffic tests
referenced in Practices D5252, D5417, D6119, and D6962. The tested floor covering shall then be assessed for surface appearance
change by comparing unexposed controls to the exposed sample by using the appropriate Appearance Change Grading Scale.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The determination of surface appearance change in pile yarn floor covering is useful in quality and cost control during
manufacture of pile yarn floor covering. This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments
because current estimates of between laboratory precision are acceptable, and this test method is commonly used in trade for
acceptance testing.
5.2 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories ( or (or more), comparative
testtests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a
minimum, use the samples for such comparative tests that are as homogenous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as
the samples that resulted is desparatein disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each
laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved shall be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability
level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that
material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.
6. Apparatus
6.1 CRI reference Scales—Reference Scales —A series of imaged standards containing a progressive amount of surface
appearance change ranging from 5.0 (no change) to 1.0 (severe change).
6.2 Illumination systemSystem for assessment—Assessment—Either portable of fixed lighting may be used which provides for
~120 lumens per square foot (1200 6 300 lux) at the surface of the test specimen with the predominance of the light from directly
above. Either North Sky Light or Cool White Fluorescent is satisfactory.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
7.1 Test specimens consist of previously exposed specimens tested in accordance to the appropriate test method and an unexposed
"control" specimen.
8. Conditioning
8.1 All specimens shall be allowed to recover at ambient room conditions, undisturbed, for a minimum of 16 hoursh prior to
grading. The specimens shall not be stacked on top of each other.
9. Procedure
9.1 Place unexposed and exposed specimens under and perpendicular to the specified lighting such that the unexposed specimen
is adjacent to the exposed portion of the exposed specimen. The specimens shall be laid in a manner as to orient the pile directions
in the same direction.
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is The Carpet and Rug Institute, Online, Available: https://carpet-rug.org/store. If you
are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this inform
...

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