The TEXTURMAT ME+ is a fully automatic test instrument designed for precise yarn shrinkage testing and yarn crimp testing of textured filament yarns, BCF yarns and fibre tows. It enables reproducible length measurements on yarn hanks under defined tensile loads and thermal conditions, making it suitable for both industrial quality control and research applications.

The instrument features  removable 30-position magazines for pre-loaded yarn hanks. Tensile forces and load durations are programme-controlled and applied via a precision loading carriage combined with a high-resolution force measurement system. Test loads, time intervals, and sequences can be freely configured to meet international testing standards.

Special magazines are available for BCF yarn testing.

Yarn Crimp Testing According to DIN, EN and ASTM Standards

For yarn crimp testing, the crimp contraction methods according to DIN 53840 and EN 14621 are widely used worldwide and fully implemented in TEXTURMAT ME+. These methods are designed for yarns up to 500 dtex and use yarn hanks with a total count of approximately 2500 dtex.

Prior to measurement, the hanks undergo controlled thermal treatment to develop yarn crimp. During the test, the yarn is subjected to defined tensile loads and its length is measured at specified stages. This allows determination of:

• Crimp contraction
• Crimp modulus
• Crimp stability

A comparable procedure for textured yarn evaluation is described in ASTM D 4031.

Yarn Shrinkage Testing According to EN and ISO Standards

The TEXTURMAT ME+ performs standardized yarn shrinkage tests in accordance with:

• EN 14621
• ISO 18066
• ISO 18067

These methods determine the percentage length change of yarn hanks due to dry or wet heat treatment. Yarn shrinkage testing provides critical data for assessing dimensional stability, optimizing texturing processes, and ensuring consistent yarn performance in downstream applications.

By combining automated force application with high-precision length measurement, the TEXTURMAT ME+ delivers reliable and standard-compliant results for modern yarn shrinkage and yarn crimp testing requirements.