In a significant scientific and industrial achievement, Dr. Ruhollah Samanani Rahbar, together with Eng. Reza Ghasemi and Eng. Milad Valibeygi, has been selected as the winner of a Best Project Award among 26 submitted proposals. Their project, titled “Design and Development of a Machine-Made Carpet Pile Shedding Test Device Based on ISO 12951 Standard,” marks the first successful development of such testing equipment in Iran.
Pile shedding has long been recognized as a critical challenge in the machine-made carpet industry—affecting both consumer satisfaction and manufacturers’ quality performance. Despite its importance, the industry has historically lacked a quantitative, standardized, and objective method to measure pile shedding. As a result, quality control in this area was largely based on subjective judgment rather than scientific data.
From Subjective Evaluation to Measurable Standards
The newly developed device introduces a repeatable, measurable, and standardized testing method aligned with ISO 12951. During the test, carpet pile fibers are separated using a standardized abrasive rubber, collected through a vacuum system, and subsequently weighed to determine mass loss caused by shedding.
This straightforward yet precise process enables accurate comparison between products and production batches.
By converting pile shedding assessment from a qualitative opinion-based practice into a data-driven testing procedure, the device provides manufacturers, laboratories, and quality control departments with a practical tool to improve product consistency and performance.
A Step Toward Quality Assurance in the Carpet Industry
The development of this testing system represents a meaningful step toward quality assurance, standardization, and international alignment within Iran’s machine-made carpet sector.
Its implementation has the potential to enhance product quality, strengthen consumer trust, and support Iranian manufacturers in meeting global market expectations.
The project demonstrates how applied research and industry-focused innovation can address long-standing technical challenges and contribute to the modernization and competitiveness of the carpet and flooring industry.
