Fabric finishing, fiber content, color speed, standardization, and certification are essential elements of textile quality control. In this sense, ISO certifications are imperative since they guarantee the effectiveness and performance of the product.
Currently, the National Organizations for Standardization, ISO, AATCC, and IACTS are in charge. They develop and issue standards ensuring a product meets specified criteria.
Textile standardization and certification bodies
To obtain a certification, the textile industries must approve the evaluation methods of textile quality. These methods are based on advanced technologies, and currently, the organizations that provide the certifications are the following.
1. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
It is in charge of creating international standards comprising various national standardization organizations. These standards also cover the automotive industry and its use of textiles.
Some relevant standards are ISO 3795, which establishes flammability requirements for interior vehicle materials, and ISO 105-E04, which specifies test methods for the color fastness of textiles.
2. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
The AIAG is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with automobile manufacturers and suppliers to improve quality and efficiency in the automotive supply chain. The AIAG develops guidelines and recommendations for textiles used in vehicle interiors, such as the AIAG CQI-9 specification for the thermal management of fabrics.
3. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
The SAE is an international society that develops technical standards for the automotive industry. SAE J369 establishes requirements and test methods for vehicle seat fabrics, and SAE J2412 defines colorfastness requirements for automotive interior fabrics.
4. European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
CEN is a European standardization organization that develops technical standards for various sectors, including the automotive industry. CEN/TS 16980 establishes the safety requirements for textiles used inside vehicles.
5. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
AATCC, the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, is a nonprofit professional organization. Its main objective is to develop test methods and quality control materials in the textile industry. In addition, AATCC is dedicated to educational development and networking for textile and apparel professionals worldwide.
An example of AATCC’s contribution is the AATCC 100 standard method, used in the textile industry to quantify the antimicrobial activity of a fabric.
Benefits of Standardization and Certification for textile quality in the Automotive Industry
The textile industry is one of the largest and with infinite competencies. For this reason, standardization and certification for textile quality provide significant benefits, such as:
Security
The standards and certifications guarantee the safety of textiles used in the automotive industry by meeting strict flammability, toxic gas emissions, and fire resistance regulations, providing a safe environment for vehicle occupants.
Consistent quality
Standardization and certification ensure uniform quality of textiles in the automotive industry by establishing clear quality criteria, such as performance, durability, wear resistance, and color, providing manufacturers and suppliers with reliability.
Normative compliance
The standards and certifications guarantee compliance with the regulations and standards applicable to textiles in the automotive industry, avoiding legal problems and ensuring compliance with the specific requirements of each country or region.
Efficiency improvement and cost reduction
Standards and certifications improve efficiency and reduce costs in the supply chain by facilitating the selection of high-quality and reliable suppliers and promoting best practices and efficient processes in the production and supply of textiles.
The importance of having textile inspection services
Quality inspection plays a crucial role in the automotive industry by allowing manufacturers to verify, measure, and identify potential defects before manufacturing. This is achieved with two main objectives: first, to reduce or eliminate failures in production, and second, to guarantee compliance with the requirements of standards and certifications.
To carry out this process, specific work methodologies are used. For example, a careful selection of raw materials is carried out. Likewise, by optimizing production methods, it is possible to reduce costs and increase the productivity of companies.
Types of defects and problems that can be detected through quality inspection services
Listed below are some of the defects and issues that can be seen through inspections:
· Prevention of defects in upholstery covers during the manufacturing process.
· Improper selection of fiber material for specific applications.
· Deficiencies in analyzing and improving color fastness in dyed fabrics.
· Effect of environmental conditions on the textiles’ performance in the automobile.
· Use of spectroscopy and imaging techniques for quality control of textile materials.
In addition, inspection services can detect problems related to inaccurate or incomplete data and a lack of inventory control. It also considers the low productivity of machinery, whether new or old, which hinders the growth of the automotive industry.
Why choose a good inspection service provider?
Inspection service providers are critical to getting the most out of your operations. Through them, you can maximize the use of resources and operate efficiently, aiming to optimize the company’s profitability.
Standardization and certification: essential elements of textile quality control?
Of course. Each standard and certification helps textile companies improve their performance and competence. In addition, both quality control and the textile inspection service streamline production processes, all thanks to mechanization.
Another role the textile quality inspection service plays is integrating work methodologies. In this way, they not only help companies in terms of costs and productivity.
Don’t wait any longer to manage your textiles. Contact AMN properly!