Overview
The AquAbrasion Wet Abrasion Tester is a specialist Martindale-based instrument, designed for accurate and repeatable wet abrasion testing. It features a controlled pump system that continuously doses fabric specimens with liquid, ensuring they remain wet throughout the test.
AquAbrasion enables realistic wear simulation by testing materials against various liquids, including:
- Deionised water - to replicate rain exposure
- Perspiration solution - to simulate sweat resistance
- Sunscreen, hand sanitiser, and other liquids - to assess chemical durability
Brochure(s)
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Testing outdoor wear in real-world conditions
A leading outdoor wear manufacturer approached us with a challenge - how to accurately replicate real-world wear and tear on waterproof garments?
Standard textile durability tests often assess abrasion resistance in dry conditions, but this doesn’t reflect the environments that walking jackets, rainwear, and technical outerwear are actually designed for.
The question that changed wet abrasion testing
If a garment is made to withstand rain, sweat, and moisture, shouldn’t we be testing it under those same conditions?
At James Heal, we asked this crucial question - and developed the AquAbrasion wet abrasion tester to provide an accurate and repeatable way of testing outdoor wear in wet conditions.
AquAbrasion enables manufacturers to evaluate how fabrics perform when exposed to deionised water (rain simulation), perspiration (sweat resistance), and other liquids like sunscreen or hand sanitiser, offering deeper insights into textile durability and waterproof performance.
Discover the science behind wet abrasion testing and why it’s an essential step in creating long-lasting, high-performance outdoor wear.
Read more about our research into wet abrasion testing.
Features
Accurate & Repeatable
A fully controlled method of dosing fabric with water to keep the fabric wet for the duration of the test.
TestWise Touch
Simple to use TestWise Touch control system, providing optimum lab efficiency. A toughened glass cover stands up to laboratory wear and tear.
View our scratch and drop test
Replicating Outdoor Wear
Standard tests on outdoor garments include dry abrasion, which is not representative of the conditions they are worn in.
To make an accurate claim about the performance of an outdoor garment it must first be subject to wet abrasion to truly understand the impact of outdoor wear and tear.
Unique ergonomic design
Gives access to all stations from the front, and the 9 station Martindale has a hinged lid which lifts to allow full access to the tables without lifting off the top plate.
Material / End use
Technical Specification
Specifications are provided as a guideline only and are subject to change.
| Conditioned atmosphere recommended | Yes |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Bench standing |
| Space requirements | |
| AquAbrasion |
Height 747mm Width (without pump and beaker) 937mm Depth 760mm |
| Approximate net weight | |
| AquAbrasion | 150kg |
| Personal Computer (PC) - Minimum Specification |
OS Windows® 8, Windows® 7, Windows® 10 Not compatible with Windows® XP or Windows® Vista Microsoft.NET 4.0 Framework is required (included on disc) HDD Minimum 250GB Ports At least 3 free USB 2.0 ports if using the Hand Held Controller |
| Power |
110 to 230 V 50/60 Hz 60 W |
| Read our frequently asked questions and download the Operators Guide | KnowledgeHub |