For testing of textured yarns, the crimp contraction test procedure according to German standard DIN 53840 or the European standard EN 14621 is nowadays finding worldwide application in industrial quality control as well as for R&D purposes. This test procedure has been designed for yarns up to 500 dtex. It uses yarn hanks with an overall count of approx. 2500 dtex, the hanks being subjected to various loads during testing and their length measured at each stage.

For optimum development of the yarn crimp, the yarn hanks are subjected to a thermal treatment prior to test start. A similar method is used to determine crimp parameters according to ASTM D 4031.

The TEXTURMAT ME+ is a test instrument for fully automatic length measurements on yarn hanks, characterised by its high flexibility in terms of test sequence configuration, choice of measuring loads and time-intervals for the loading- and unloading periods. As a result, it is possible to carry out different testing methods according to different standards, e.g. crimp contraction or shrinkage tests not only  on (textured) filament yarns but also on fibre tow.

The TEXTURMAT ME+ features a removable 30-position magazine that holds suspended yarn hanks pre-loaded with weights. Special magazines are also available for testing BCF yarns.

The application of tensile forces and the measurement of yarn lengths for predetermined load times are programme-controlled and are brought about by a loading carriage in combination with a high-resolution force measuring system. The loading  force can be freely selected

The device performs shrinkage tests according to EN 14621, ISO 18066, or ISO 18067. These tests determine the length change of yarn hanks after dry or wet heat treatment.