When it comes to testing the haptic qualities of textiles, apparels and fabrics, it isn’t enough to simply rely on subjective impressions of sensations, which can vary widely depending on the sensitivity of the single hand-panel tester, daily conditions, and even the individual culture. An objective evaluation of haptic parameters such as softness, smoothness, flexibility, and recovery behavior is essential for clear communication of product specifications across locations. Parameters as friction, drape and thermohaptics round off the spectrum of TSA measurement values.
“To reliably compare and reproduce products with the desired haptic characteristics, manufacturers need objective data on hand,” says Antonio Trampler, area sales manager for emtec. “Any-thing else is just a guess.”
Trampler and Alexander Gruener, business development manager for emtec, will be on site at the Texworld NYC together with Chase Tinker from partner company Technidyne of Indus-trial Physics, to demonstrate the newly designed TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer in addition to the predecessor model (established in the tissue paper industry). The new TSA features advanced measuring capabilities, including thermohaptic determination, friction, drape, an improved method for deformation and springback measurements, and an image of the sample for optical analysis.
Much like color codes, measured TSA data also function as a numeric language, allowing inde-pendent operators to accurately match the haptic characteristics of a product. In addition, the TSA integrates all measured sample data into a Virtual Haptic Library (cloud-based haptic data-base), allowing operators to search for, compare, and reproduce a product’s haptic traits from anywhere in the world.
“Quantifying and digitizing the subjective parameters of touch opens up new possibilities in terms of quality assurance and product reproduction,” explains Alexander Gruener. “It effectively eliminates the need to ship samples halfway around the globe to confirm a sample’s haptic conformity, which alone leads to a quick and significant return-on-investment.”
