The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) Fibre Products Laboratory is the most well equipped textile laboratory in the Caribbean region. Its’ testing capabilities are supported by annual, external UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) assessment of services, state-of-the-art equipment, extensive training and a rigorous ISO 17025 quality management system which provide quality assurance in the daily processes. All tests are conducted in strict accordance with national and/or international standards, including AATCC, ASTM and ISO standards or according to in-house company methods. The laboratory offers a range of services including testing, training, advising and consulting. Registration To obtain a TTBS Registration number with TTBS, the cost is $200, which is renewable every two (2) years. This is the cost for fibre identification (conducted manually via microscope. Also via dissolving, burning and/or micro FTIR)
- One (1) fibre – $300 plus VAT
- Two (2) fibres – $400 plus VAT
- Three (3) fibres $500 plus VAT
Registered persons receive a discount on fibre identification services
- 30% on five (5) items or less
- 50% on more than five (5) fibres.
Fibre testing Services include:
- Fibre identification – Analysing the fabric content using the techniques of microscope, burning and chemical/solubility analysis of fabrics
- Fabric Width and Length
- Fabric Count and Weave
- Colourfastness to laundering – Testing the fabric for colour bleeding, using a multifibre strip
- Breaking Strength and Elongation – measuring the strength of fabrics using force/impact and stretching to capacity (based on fabric content)
- Bursting Strength
- Elmendorf Tear strength – to determine the force required to continue a tear in a fabric.
- Air permeability tester – amount of air flow (e.g. in parachute or tent fabric)
- Colourfastness to Crocking – Using a crockmeter for testing how colour is fixed or not to the fabric upon Wet or Dry rubbing.
- Dimensional Stability – Determining whether a fabric will grow or shrink
- Fibre Weight
- Pilling resistance – measuring the extent to which the fabric produces pills (the raised surface or nap of a fabric, producing small balls)
- Water repellency
- Verification of design elements
- Colour evaluation testing – done under a D65 light for standardised light conditions
Footwear Services include:
- Compression resistance
- Electrical resistance
- Impact resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Heat resistance
Items for service include:
- Fabrics
- Garments
- Textile products including thread
- Safety footwear
- Development of specifications
- Verification of specifications
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Producing quality products is essential to being a success in the export industry…
WHY TEST?
-Establishing the type of fabrics which will be most appropriate for your end user.
-Identifying fabric that will be durable to last its expected lifetime and yet be relatively easy for employees to care for.
-Assessing the performance of fabrics to ensure that they will stand up to wear and tear of normal use and will satisfy your needs and ultimately the customers’.
Contact Person: Nirmala Matmungal Standards Officer I Fibre Products Laboratory Laboratory Services Division Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards 1-2 Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya, Tunapuna Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. PO Box 467, Port of Spain, Trinidad, WI (868)-662-8827 Ext 209 nirmala.matmungal@ttbs.org.tt Website: http://www.ttbs.org.tt/