The Air Permeability Tester is a specialized instrument used to evaluate the air permeability of textiles and technical materials, ensuring product quality and performance in applications requiring breathability such as sportswear, filter media, protective materials, and medical fabrics.
Definition:
The Air Permeability Tester measures the airflow passing through a defined fabric area under a specified pressure differential. The test result (typically expressed in cm³/cm²/s or mm/s) indicates the material’s breathability, ventilation, thermal insulation, or filtration performance.
Working Principle:
According to standards such as ISO 9237, ASTM D737, and JIS L1096, the instrument operates as follows:
- Specimen clamping:
The sample is securely clamped to prevent air leakage around the edges
- Pressure differential generation:
A defined air pressure (commonly 100 Pa or adjustable) is applied to one side of the specimen
- Airflow measurement:
A precision sensor measures the volume of air passing through the specimen per unit time
- Result calculation:
The instrument automatically calculates and displays the air permeability value based on the test area and applied pressure
Structure & Key Features:
- Sealed test chamber: Leak-proof design using durable materials such as aluminum alloy or epoxy-coated steel
- Control system: Touchscreen or LCD display for pressure, airflow, and test time
- Standard specimen clamps: Common test areas of 20 cm² or 38 cm², adjustable per standard requirements
- Connectivity: USB interface and software for data export, storage, and analysis
- Auto calibration: Built-in function to ensure long-term measurement accuracy
Applications:
- Sportswear: Evaluation of breathability for apparel and footwear
- Filter materials: Testing air filtration performance of nonwovens and membranes
- Thermal insulation fabrics: Assessment of ventilation properties for tents, tarpaulins, and construction materials
- Automotive: Testing air permeability of seat fabrics and interior materials
- Quality control: Laboratories, research institutes, and manufacturing facilities
