ASTM D6207-03 (2019) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6207-03 (reapproved 2019) — Standard Test Method for Dimensional Stability of Fabrics to Changes in Humidity and Temperature. This method specifies equipment, specimen preparation, conditioning cycles, and measurement procedures used to determine how fabrics intended for panel and screen systems (for example acoustic panels, free‑standing screens, office partitions, and furniture systems) change in size when exposed to controlled humidity and temperature cycling.

Abstract

This ASTM test method describes a laboratory procedure to measure growth or shrinkage of fabric specimens when subjected to repeated changes in relative humidity and temperature. The procedure uses a controlled environmental test chamber and fixture to mount specimens, applies defined humidity/temperature cycles, and records linear dimensional change under a small, constant load. Results are reported as percent dimensional change and are intended for quality control, acceptance testing, and specification of fabrics used on panel and screen systems.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved)
• Publication date: Originally approved 2003; reapproved 1 July 2019 (designated D6207-03(2019), also published as D6207-03R19).
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 59.080.99 (Other products of the textile industry)
• Edition / version: D6207-03(2019) (D6207-03R19)
• Number of pages: 6

Scope

The standard covers determination of dimensional stability of fabrics intended for use on panel and screen systems when subjected to cycled humidity and temperature conditions. It defines specimen size and mounting, preconditioning, required environmental chamber capabilities and cycling, measurement locations and frequency, and calculation/reporting of linear dimensional change (growth or shrinkage) in the fabric.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: quantify dimensional change (growth/shrinkage) under controlled humidity and temperature cycles to assess suitability for panel/screen applications.
• Test apparatus: environmental chamber capable of specified humidity (approx. 15–95 % RH) and temperature cycling (typical test range and tolerances defined), with continuous recording of conditions.
• Specimen mounting: vertical mounting in a specimen frame with reference pointers; use of a small, uniformly distributed load (weighted spring clamp) to apply a defined tension across specimen width.
• Preconditioning: specimens are preconditioned under defined humidity/temperature prior to testing to establish baseline dimensions.
• Test cycle: automatic cycling of humidity and temperature between specified setpoints for prescribed dwell times; measurements taken at defined reference points (for example at a 900 mm mark) to determine dimensional change.
• Measurements and calculations: linear dimensions measured before, during and after cycles; dimensional change reported as percent change with sign convention for growth or shrinkage.
• Significance and limitations: intended for acceptance and quality control; users are cautioned about between‑laboratory precision and advised to use comparative testing or statistical checks when discrepancies occur.

Typical use and users

Used by textile and upholstery manufacturers, quality control and independent testing laboratories, specifiers and buyers of panel/screen systems, furniture and acoustic product designers, and contract manufacturers who need to verify that face fabrics will remain dimensionally stable (not sag, bubble, or distort) when exposed to real‑world humidity and temperature variations.

Related standards

Standards and test methods commonly referenced alongside ASTM D6207 include ISO and AATCC methods for dimensional change in textiles (for example ISO 5077 and ISO 3005 and domestic/industrial laundering methods such as AATCC 135), and other industry standards that address specimen preparation and measurement conventions for textile testing.

Keywords

dimensional stability, dimensional change, fabric, humidity cycling, temperature cycling, panel systems, screen systems, ASTM D6207, D13.59, specimen conditioning, acceptance testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6207-03(2019) is a test method that defines how to measure dimensional stability of fabrics when subjected to controlled cycles of humidity and temperature. It is intended for fabrics used on panels and screens.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation and mounting, environmental chamber requirements, conditioning and cycling protocols, measurement points and methods, calculation of percent dimensional change, and reporting conventions for growth or shrinkage.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile and upholstery manufacturers, independent test laboratories, product designers and specifiers for furniture, acoustic panels, office partitions and similar panel/screen systems, and procurement/quality teams performing acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document title indicates original approval in 2003 and reapproval in 2019 (D6207-03(2019), also shown as D6207-03R19). At the time of this product summary the standard is listed as active (reapproved). Users should check the issuing organization for any subsequent revisions after 2019 before relying on the method for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is produced under ASTM Committee D13 (Textiles) and specifically developed by subcommittee D13.59 (Fabric test methods, general). It is related to other textile dimensional‑change and conditioning standards and test methods used in the same application area.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Dimensional stability, dimensional change, fabric, humidity, temperature, panel systems, D6207, specimen conditioning, acceptance testing.