Fabric inspection standards and inspection methods, factory inspection and verification, logistics service inspection

2025年9月10日

Textiles, as the most common product category in daily life, their quality directly affects consumers' usage experience and brand reputation. For purchasers, brand owners, and quality inspection professionals, establishing a comprehensive supply chain quality management system and conducting strict factory audits and pre-shipment inspections (PSI) are of utmost importance. This article will systematically elaborate on the inspection and testing standards for textiles, the quality control (QC) process, and the inspection methods.
I. Source Control: Key Points for Factory Audits by Textile Producers
Before the order is confirmed, conducting a comprehensive supplier audit of the producer is the foundation for ensuring product quality consistency.
Quality Management System Certification:
Has the factory established and implemented the ISO9001 quality management system?
Do we have complete procedures and records for incoming material inspection (IQC), production line inspection (IPQC), and final product inspection (FQC)?
Does it have a complete quality traceability system?
Production equipment and technical capabilities:
Evaluate the equipment conditions and process levels of weaving, dyeing, and post-treatment processes.
Check whether the laboratory is equipped with detection equipment such as standard light source boxes, yarn count testers, and strength testing machines.
Verify the validity of the equipment maintenance records and calibration certificates
Raw material supply chain management:
Verify the qualifications of suppliers for raw materials such as yarn, dyes, and additives, as well as their test reports.
Verify whether the raw materials meet environmental protection requirements (such as OEKO-TEX, REACH)
Environmental and Social Responsibility Compliance:
Verify whether the factory complies with social responsibility standards such as BSCI and Sedex.
Inspect the wastewater treatment facilities and ensure compliance with environmental protection regulations.
II. Finished Product Inspection: Standard Process for Sampling Inspection of Textiles
For textile inspection, it is necessary to conduct random sampling inspections according to the AQL sampling standards (usually using LEVEL II), covering multiple aspects such as appearance, dimensions, and physical properties.
1. Packaging and Labeling Inspection
Packaging materials: Check the materials and thickness of the outer box and plastic bags, and ensure that the marking information is correct and clear.
Product identification: Verify that the labels such as the washing label, ingredient label, and origin label are all accurate and error-free.
Barcode scanning: By using the scanner, the barcode information can be checked and it should be readable and consistent with the order.
2. Appearance Quality Inspection (Visual Inspection) - Core Inspection Item
The fabric defects are evaluated using a four-point or ten-point scoring system:
Four-point scoring system:
One point: The defect length is ≤ 3 inches.
Two points: Defect length > 3 inches and ≤ 6 inches
Three parts: Defect length > 6 inches and ≤ 9 inches
Four: Defect length > 9 inches
*Calculation formula: Average score deduction per 100 square yards = (Total deduction points × 100 × 36) / Total checked square yards × Specification width (inches)*
Ten-point scoring system:
Weaving defects: 10-36 inches deduct 10 points; 5-10 inches deduct 5 points; 1-5 inches deduct 3 points; less than 1 inch deduct 1 point.
Weft defect: Full width score 10 points; 5 inches to half width score 5 points; 1-5 inches score 3 points; Less than 1 inch score 1 point
3. Dimensional Measurement (Measurement of Size and Specifications)
Width of the fabric: Measure the width of the fabric using a steel ruler, in accordance with the process requirements.
Fabric weight: Samples are taken according to ASTM D3776 standard, and the weight per unit area is calculated.
Yarn count: The warp and weft yarn densities are measured in accordance with the ASTM D3887 standard.
4. Physical Performance Testing
Tensile strength: The breaking strength and elongation of the fabric are tested in accordance with the ASTM D5034 standard.
Tear strength: Elmenhorst tear strength was tested in accordance with the ASTM D1424 standard.
Fastness test:
Wash fastness to color: AATCC 61, ISO 105-C06
Abrasion resistance color fastness: AATCC 8, ISO 105-X12
Lightfastness to light: AATCC 16, ISO 105-B02
5. Chemical Testing
Fiber composition analysis: Quantitative analysis is conducted in accordance with AATCC 20 and ISO 1833 standards.
Formaldehyde content: Tested in accordance with AATCC 112 and ISO 14184-1 standards
pH value test: Performed in accordance with AATCC 81 and ISO 3071 standards
Disable azo dyes: Tested in accordance with EN 14362-1 standard
III. Classification of Common Textile Defects
Weft direction defects: Broken yarn, thick yarn, double yarn, yarn color mismatch, ripple pattern
Weft defects: broken weft, thick weft, double weft, weft color mismatch, hundred-thread defect
Weaving defects: holes, skipped weaves, cobwebs, tangled loops, unevenness
Color defects: color variation, color streaks, tank difference, stripe patterns, wind impressions
Post-processing defects: creases, scratches, resin spots, silicone oil spots
IV. Characteristics of Common Synthetic Fiber Fabrics and Inspection Key Points
Polyester:
Characteristics: High strength, good elasticity, strong heat resistance
Inspection focus: Check the flatness of the fabric surface and confirm the heat setting effect
Polyamide (Nylon):
Characteristics: Excellent wear resistance and good moisture absorption.
Inspection focus: Check the elastic recovery rate and verify the wear resistance performance.
Acrylic:
Characteristics: Soft and fluffy, good resistance to sunlight.
Inspection focus: Check the wool texture and verify the color fastness.
Viscose:
Characteristics: Good moisture absorption, soft texture
Inspection focus: Check wet strength, verify shrinkage rate
Spandex:
Characteristics: High elasticity, high resilience
Inspection focus: Check the uniformity of elasticity and verify durability.
V. Inspection Rules and Criteria
Sampling Plan: Based on the batch size, the sampling quantity is determined according to the AQL standard.
Defect determination:
When using the four-point system, the acceptance standard is generally ≤ 40 points per 100 square yards.
When using the ten-point system, if the total penalty points exceed the number of items being inspected, it will be rated as "subpar".
Report Output: The detailed inspection report should include the sample size, defect records, test data, and rating results.
Conclusion
Textile inspection is a highly professional and meticulous task. Through rigorous factory audits, it is ensured that manufacturers possess stable production capabilities. Then, through the final random inspection before shipment, the finished products are objectively evaluated to form a complete quality assurance system. Purchasers and brand owners should, based on the product usage and market requirements, formulate corresponding acceptance standards to ensure that the product quality meets expectations.
Key words: Textile inspection, Quota system, Ten-point system, AQL sampling, Color fastness test, Fiber composition analysis, Factory inspection audit, Supply chain quality management, Textile testing standards.