Adhesive and Seam Tape Testing That Catches Problems Before Bulk
We test adhesives, seam tapes and bonding materials on your fabrics under production conditions, as part of your development or production project with us, so you know how they will perform before you commit to bulk.
What We Test and How: Adhesive and Seam Tape Test Methods
Testing is built into our development and production work, from seam tape testing to full wash durability programs. Each test program starts from your fabric and the garment’s end use, and covers the failures that show up in production, from a bond that peels on day one to a seam that leaks after repeated washing.
Peel Strength Testing
Measures the force needed to separate bonded or taped layers under controlled conditions. Results validate the bond and set acceptance criteria for the garment’s end use.
Seam and Shear Strength Testing
Measures how much load a seam takes before it fails. Bonded, welded and taped seams are tested to your brand’s method, with stitched seams tested to ISO 13935.
EMR Testing
Elongation, modulus and recovery testing shows whether a bonded seam on stretch fabric keeps its stretch and returns to shape.
Wash Durability Testing
Samples go through 5, 10, 25 and 50 wash cycles to check the bond over the garment’s life, following ISO 6330 or care-label conditions, with industrial laundering simulated where required.
Hydrostatic Waterproofness Testing
Sealed and bonded seams are tested for water penetration under hydrostatic head pressure to ISO 811 or AATCC 127, against ratings such as 10,000 mm or 20,000 mm, using our TE-90 hydrostatic head tester.
Rain Testing
Finished garments are rain tested to check that the whole garment, not only the seam sample, stays dry.
Material Compatibility Testing
We check how each adhesive or tape bonds to your fabric’s face, coating or laminate, so an incompatible pairing is found before it reaches production.
Heat & Pressure Trials
We map the processing window: the range of temperature, pressure and dwell time that produces consistent, high-quality bonds, giving your factory a repeatable, validated process.
Adhesive Benchmarking
When you are choosing between adhesives, we compare them head to head on peel strength, wash durability and ease of processing, with a clear recommendation backed by results.
Testing Under Real Production Conditions
Aligned testing
Test Standards We Work To
We test to international standards, to your brand’s own method, or to both. Where a brand needs certified results, we arrange testing with accredited third-party laboratories.
| Standard | What it measures | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 811 | Resistance of fabric to water penetration, by hydrostatic pressure | Waterproof fabrics and sealed seams |
| AATCC 127 | Water resistance, by hydrostatic pressure | Waterproof garments for the US market |
| ISO 13935 | Seam tensile strength of sewn seams: the maximum force before the seam breaks | Stitched seams; bonded, welded and taped seams are tested to your brand's method |
| ISO 6330 | Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing | Wash durability of bonds and tapes |
| Brand and in-house methods | Your own acceptance criteria and test conditions | Programs built around your specification |
What Testing Prevents: Bonding and Seam Failures We Catch
How a Testing Engagement Works, from Fabric Sample to SOP
Sample Submission
You send fabric samples, the adhesives or tapes you use now, and a brief describing the garment’s application, end user and performance requirements.
Test Plan
We propose a test matrix covering the failure modes that matter for your garment type, end use and target standard.
Trial Execution
Tests are run in our Innovation Lab under production-representative conditions, with every parameter logged.
Results Report
You receive a clear report with results, a pass or fail analysis, and specific material and process recommendations.
Production SOP
Approved parameters go into a production SOP for your factory team to follow.
Garments and Products We Test Bonds and Seams For
Adhesive and Tape Testing FAQs: Standards, Timing and Materials
Can you test adhesives and tapes we currently use in production?
Yes, as part of a development, trial or troubleshooting project with us. Send us your current materials with a sample of the fabric. We will assess their performance and flag any issues, or confirm they are correctly specified for your application.
Do you test against specific brand or retailer standards?
Yes. We test to your internal specification, the brand standard you supply to, or international standards such as ISO 811, AATCC 127, ISO 13935 (for stitched seams) and ISO 6330. Where required, we engage accredited third-party laboratories through our established testing partners.
How long does a testing program typically take?
A full test program typically takes about 28 working days, depending on the number of wash cycles and the size of the test matrix. We give you a clear timeline at the start.
Can we book testing on its own, without a development project?
Our testing is part of the development, trial and production work we do with you, so results lead straight to a material and process decision. If you only need certified lab results, we can point you to accredited third-party laboratories.
Which failures do you see most?
Bonded seams peeling, seams leaking in waterproof garments, delamination after bonding or seam sealing, and failures after washing. The test plan is built to catch each of them before bulk.
Can you recommend replacement materials if our current ones fail?
Yes. If your adhesive or tape is underperforming, we identify why and recommend specific alternatives, including adhesives and seam tapes made by Ardmel, which are available through ardmel.com.
Don't Let Production Find the Problem. Test Your Fabric and Tape First
Test before you scale. Send us your materials and your garment brief, and we will show you what to expect in bulk.
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