ASTM D3597-02(2008)

1.1 This performance specification covers the performance requirements for plain, tufted, or flocked woven upholstery fabrics as used in the manufacture of new indoor furniture. These requirements apply to both the warp and filling directions for those factors where each fabric direction is pertinent.

1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to fabrics used in porch, deck, or lawn furniture; nor for knitted fabrics, bonded or laminated fabrics, or surface-coated fabrics (such as vinyls and urethanes).

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Rationale:

This performance specification covers the performance requirements for plain, tufted, or flocked woven upholstery fabrics as used in the manufacture of new indoor furniture. These requirements apply to both the warp and filling directions for those factors where each fabric direction is pertinent. Tests shall be made to determine the properties of the material in accordance with the following test methods: breaking strength; tear strength; resistance to yarn slippage; surface abrasion; dimensional change; colorfastness to water; colorfastness to solvent; colorfastness to burnt gas fumes; colorfastness to crocking; colorfastness to light; colorfastness to ozone; durability of back coating; flammability; and FTC requirements.

Fabrics intended for this end-use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1.

It should be recognized that fabrics can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of combinations of construction variables ( e.g., type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical finished). Additionally, fashion or aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.

Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this end-use.

The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate section of the specified test methods.

TABLE 1 Specification Requirements

^A For guideline purposes see 6.4.1.

^B Class in the colorfastness requirements is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible for no colorchange or color transfer to 1 for very severe color change or color transfer.

^C For guidelines purposes—See Section 6.6.2.

^D AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.

^E AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale.