In 2022 the classic Martindale abrasion and wear testing instrument, that is a staple in textile and other materials testing laboratories worldwide, reached its 80th anniversary.
Take a journey through the history of this ever-popular instrument with images from our archive in this timeline, plus there are some interesting historic documents to look at below.
See how the Martindale has evolved over the years, and you can read more on how this iconic instrument changed textiles testing history in our article on the Martindale at 80.
Timeline of the James Heal Martindale
1950s
James Heal began to develop its own Martindale, it is believed with the collaboration of Dr Martindale himself.
1960s and 1970s
The Martindale 103 model continues to evolve with regular improvements in design and functionality.
1980s
In 1987 James Heal exhibits at the Martindale exhibition ITMA in Paris, as one of a small number of manufacturers.
Early 1990s
Redesign of the instrument, new Martindale 403 of 6 stations launched in 1992, with quick locking clamp rings and a hinged top plate.
1999
Launched at the 1999 ITMA exhibition in Paris, the 406 set a new benchmark in design and functionality with a clear LCD screen and auto restart function.
2003
The next model, Martindale 864, offered more options with 4, 6 or 8 stations and an ergonomic top plate design for easy access and optional variable speeds.
2010
Working with the Design Council, James Heal renews the brand significantly changing the look of the instrument range to sleek black and stainless steel, with distinctive blue LED lighting. The Martindale now includes 9 stations.
2014
The 1300 Series was launched in 2014 and introduced a hinged top plate to allow easy access to every station from the front to reduce the time to load and unload.
2016
The 1600 Series developed, introducing digital touch-screen technology. Integrated TestWise software provided ease of use and available in multiple language options. The full range includes 2-, 5- and 9-station models.
2019
Responding to shifts in consumer lifestyle trends towards athleisure and performance wear, James Heal develop AquAbrasion - a wet abrasion tester. The first of its kind, AquAbrasion was launched as part of the Performance Range in 2019, to give a real-world dimension to testing. The AquAbrasion can be used to test the effects of rainwater, perspiration or chlorinated water on textiles, leather and other materials, as well as oil-based liquids such as sun-screen lotion.
More from the Archive
The Origins of the Martindale Test Method
Download an extract from The Journal of the Textile Institute from 1942, Transactions - A New Design of Cloth Wearing Tester, by J. G. Martindale of the Wool Industries Research Association. This document explains all about the new tester and details the original test method for the Martindale.
