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Introduction |
The Factors which influence Carpet Performance
The following factors affect the performance of carpet in use: -
1. TUFT DENSITY
The number of tufts per unit area has an important influence upon how carpet feels and performs.
Carpet with a high tuft density will generally perform better in terms of wear and appearance retention.
TUFT DENSITY is quoted in terms of TUFTS PER SQUARE DECIMETRE (or SQUARE INCH)
and is calculated using: -
TUFT DENSITY is calculated by multiplying the two factors above to get the number of tufts per unit area
(sq. decimetre or sq. inch)
2. SURFACE PILE WEIGHT
Obviously the thickness of yarns used in the pile surface has an impact upon the luxury feel, the resilience, durability and appearance retention characteristics of the carpet.
SURFACE PILE WEIGHT is expressed as a weight per unit area, usually grams per square metre, and this again gives a guide to the wear performance of the carpet.
Generally speaking, the higher the surface pile weight, the better the luxury, comfort and durability,
but some account needs to be taken of the type of fibres used in the pile yarn.
3. SURFACE PILE HEIGHT
The height of the pile above the backing has an important influence on comfort and luxury and also the appearance retention of the carpet. But, there is not a simple relationship between pile height and quality because comfort and luxury have to be considered. Sometimes, a low pile height can be offset by high tuft density and pile weight to produce a durable carpet. SURFACE PILE HEIGHT is measured in millimetres and is the height above the backing.
4. PILE YARN FIBRE CONTENT
The fibres and yarns used in carpet will impact upon its performance in a complex way linked to pile density, weight and height. All pile fibres have individual characteristics, for durability, resilience, appearance retention, luxury (and, of course, price!) Some fibres and fibre blends perform better than others but often there is a trade-off between performance in it's various forms and price. It remains a important factor in assessing the overall excellence of carpet.
5.APPEARANCE RETENTION
All carpet looks good on day one when it is installed but the key question is, how will it look after a few years of wear? Will the carpet keep it's good looks and for how long? Appearance retention can now be assessed using standard tests and is a strong predictor of how the carpet will perform in use.
OTHER FACTORS
A wide range of other factors also play a part in the overall performance of the carpet in use:-
However, in most cases, the factors described in (1) to (5) deliver the main product benefits for the consumer.
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