AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change
Applicable Standards
The AATCC Gray Scale aligns with international colorfastness evaluation protocols, including:
- AATCC Evaluation Procedure 1(Grey Scale for Stain and Color Change)
- ISO 105-A02(Grey Scale for Assessing Change in Color)
- JIS L 0801(Japanese Industrial Standard for Gray Scale Assessment)
- GB/T 250(China’s National Standard for Gray Scale for Color Change)
These standards harmonize grading criteria, enabling cross-border trade and regulatory compliance.
Working Principle
The Gray Scale functions as avisual benchmarking tool:
- Sample Preparation: Test specimens (e.g., dyed fabrics) are exposed to controlled conditions (e.g., xenon arc light, laundering cycles).
- Comparison: The faded specimen is placed adjacent to the Gray Scale chips under standardized lighting (e.g., D65 illuminant, 6500K).
- Rating: Users assign a grade based on the closest match:
- 1 = severe color change(e.g., visible fading or staining)
- 5 = no perceptible difference
- Half-steps (e.g., 4-5) allow nuanced evaluation for borderline cases.
Test Principle & Applications
The Gray Scale is used incontrolled laboratory environmentsto:
- Lightfastness Testing: Assess dye durability after accelerated aging (e.g., AATCC 16E, ISO 105-B02).
- Wash Fastness: Evaluate color retention and cross-staining after laundering (AATCC 61, ISO 105-C06).
- Perspiration/Rub Fastness: Measure color stability under simulated wear (AATCC 8, 15).
Key Applications:
- Textile & Apparel: Quality control for fashion brands and dyehouses.
- Automotive/Upholstery: Ensuring color consistency in vehicle interiors.
- Home Furnishings: Verifying fade resistance in carpets, curtains, and bedding.
The AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change is a cornerstone of colorfastness testing, offering a reliable, standardized, and user-friendly solution for industries demanding precision in product performance and durability.
Main Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scale Type | 5-step numerical rating (1–5) with half-step increments (e.g., 4-5) |
| Dimensions | 140 × 50 mm (standard card size) |
| Material | Laminated paper with fade-resistant inks, sealed in protective sleeves |
| Color Pairs | 5 pairs of gray chips (original vs. faded) for visual comparison |
| Lightfastness | Inks meet ISO 105-B02 standards for resistance to light exposure |
| Precision | Tolerance ≤ ±0.5 grade for repeatable grading |
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