Designation: D1777 − 96 (Reapproved 2015)

Standard Test Method for

Thickness of Textile Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1777; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thick- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of textile terms used in this
ness of most textile materials. test method, see Terminology D123.
1.2 This test method applies to most fabrics including 3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
woven fabrics, air bag fabrics, blankets, napped fabrics, knitted cross-machine direction, machine direction, pressure, and
fabrics, layered fabrics, and pile fabrics. The fabrics may be thickness.
untreated, heavily sized, coated, resin-treated, or otherwise
treated. Instructions are provided for testing thickness, except 4. Summary of Test Method
as provided for in another standard such as listed in Section 2.
4.1 A specimen is placed on the base of a thickness gauge
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the and a weighted presser foot lowered. The displacement be-
standard. The values stated in inch-pound may be approximate. tween the base and the presser foot is measured as the thickness
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the of the specimen.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.1 This test method is considered satisfactory for accep-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. tance testing of commercial shipments since current estimates
of between-laboratory precision are acceptable, and this test
2. Referenced Documents method is used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the sup-
D2904 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of a Textile Test plier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
Method that Produces Normally Distributed Data (With- a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statis-
drawn 2008)3 tical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
D2906 Practice for Statements on Precision and Bias for As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)3 specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts: from a lot of material of the type in question. Test specimens
TEX-PAC4 then should be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each
laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
laboratories should be compared using the appropriate statis-
1
tical analysis and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.59 on Fabric Test Methods, two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its
General. cause must be found and corrected, or the purchaser and the
Current edition approved July 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally supplier must agree to interpret future test results with consid-
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D1777 – 96(2011)ɛ1.
eration to the known bias.
DOI: 10.1520/D1777-96R15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5.2 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on textile materials. In certain industrial applications, the thick-
the ASTM website. ness may require rigid control within specified limits. Bulk and
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on warmth properties of textile materials are often estimated from
www.astm.org.
4
their thickness values, and thickness is also useful in measuring
A PC program on floppy disk for analyzing Committee D13 interlaboratory
data are available from ASTM Headquarters. For a 31⁄2-in. disk, request PCN:12- some performance characteristics, such as before and after
429040-18. For a 51⁄4-in. disk, request PCN:12-429041-18. abrasion and shrinkage.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D1777 − 96 (2015)
5.3 The thickness value of most textile materials will vary 7. Sampling and Test Specimens
considerably depending on the pressure applied to the speci- 7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
men at the time the thickness measurement is taken. In all randomly select the number of rolls or pieces of fabric directed
cases, the apparent thickness varies inversely with the pressure in an applicable material specification or other agreement
applied. For this reason, it is essential that the pressure be between the purchaser and the supplier. Consider the rolls or
specified when discussing or listing any thickness value. pieces of fabric to be the primary sampling units. In the
5.4 When using this test method for measuring the thickness absence of such an agreement, take the number of fabric rolls
of textile materials, the primary method for the specific specifed in Table 2.
material such as listed in the Referenced Document section NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
shall take precedence over the directions described in this test purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
method, unless specifically provided for in that test method. between rolls or pieces of fabric and between specimens from a swatch
This test method is used in its entirety when no test method for from a roll or piece of fabric to provide a sampling plan with a meaningful
measuring thickness is available for the specific material to be producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting
quality level.
tested or unless otherwise specified in a material specification
or contract order. 7.2 Laboratory Sample—For acceptance testing, take a
swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately 1
6. Apparatus m (1 yd) along the machine direction from each roll or piece in
the lot sample. For rolls of fabric, take a sample that will
6.1 Thickness Gauge, having dimensions appropriate to the exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap
material to be tested as specified in Table 1, unless otherwise around the core of the roll of fabric. For finished garments, take
specified in a material specification or contract order. A circular a piece of sufficient size to provide the number of specimens
presser foot commonly is used for most materials; however, for required in 7.3.
certain materials, such as narrow tapes, a rectangular foot is
more appropriate when agreed upon between the purchaser and 7.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit,
the supplier. take ten specimens. Use the cutting die or template described in
6.2. It is permissible to make thickness tests of a textile
6.1.1 Automatic Microprocessor Data Gathering Systems,
material without cutting, providing it can be maintained
optional.
without distortion in a plane parallel to the presser foot and
6.1.2 Spring Force or Compression Test Apparatus, may be
anvil while making measurements.
substituted for the dead-weight-type thickness gauge providing
7.3.1 Cutting Test Specimens—When cutting specimens, cut
they meet the specified conditions cited in Table 1.
having minimum dimensions at least 20 % greater than any
6.2 Cutting Dies or Templates, to cut specimens having dimension of the presser foot to be used. Label to maintain
minimum dimensions at least 20 % greater than any dimension specimen identity.
of the presser foot to be used in measuring the thickness 7.3.1.1 Take specimens, representing a broad distribution
(optional). across the width and length, and preferably along the diagonal,

TABLE 1 Designated Gauges and Gauge Specifications for Measuring Thickness of Textiles
Testing Material Gauge Presser Foot Anvil/Foot Foot to Anvil
Anvil Applied Pressure Readability
OptionA Type TypeB Diameter Parallelism Surface Parallelism
1 Woven fabrics dead-weight 28.7 ± 0.02 mm 38 mm D, or greater 0.01 mm 0.002 mm 4.14 ± 0.21 kPa 0.02 mm
Knitted fabrics (1.129 ± 0.001 in.) (1.629 in. D, or greater) (0.0005 in.) (0.0001 in.) (0.60 ± 0.03 psi) (0.001 in.)
Textured fabrics
2 Coated fabrics dead-weight 9.5 ± 0.02 mm 38 mm D, or greater 0.01 mm 0.002 mm 23.4 ± 0.7 kPa 0.02 mm
Narrow fabrics (0.375 ± 0.001 in.) (1.629 in. D, or greater) (0.0005 in.) (0.0001 in.) (3.4± 0.1 psi) (0.001 in.)
Webbings
Tapes
Ribbons
Braids
3 Films dead-weight 6.3 ± 0.02 mm 19 mm D, or greater 0.002 mm 0.002 mm 172 ± 14 kPa 0.002 mm
Glass cloths (0.250 ± 0.001 in.) (0.750 in. D, or greater) (0.0001 in.) (0.0001 in.) (25 ± 2 psi) (0.0001 in.)
Glass tapes
4 Glass fiber mat dead-weight (2.25 ± 0.001 in.) (2.75 in. D, or greater) 0.01 mm 0.002 mm 18.9 ± 0.7 kPa 0.02 mm
(0.0005 in.) (0.0001 in.) (2.75 ± 0.1 psi) (0.001 in.)
5 Blankets dead-weight 28.7 ± 0.02 mm 38 mm D, or greater 0.01 mm 0.002 mm 0.7 ± 0.07 kPa 0.02 mm
Pile fabrics (1.129 ± 0.001 in.) (1.629 in. D, or greater) (0.0005 in.) (0.0001 in.) (0.1 ± 0.01 psi) (0.001 in.)
Napped fabrics also 7.58 ± 0.21
kPa (1.1 ± 0.03 psi)
A
When testing fabrics made with textured yarns or open-end spun yarns, primary consideration should be given to the pressure applied in Option 1, with respect to the
size of the presser foot used.
B
Other spring force or compression test apparatus that meet the stated specifications can be used.

2
 D1777 − 96 (2015)
TABLE 2 Number of Rolls or Pieces of Fabric in the Lot Sample TABLE 3 Thickness of Fabrics, mils
Number of Rolls or Pieces Number of Rolls or Pieces in Lot Sample Components of Variance Expressed
in Lot, Inclusive as
1 to 3 all Standard DeviationsA
Test Options and Grand
4 to 24 4 Materials Average Single- Within- Between-
25 to 50 5 Operator Laboratory Laboratory
over 50 10 % to a maximum of 10 rolls or pieces Component Component Component

Option 1
Mat 6, S/0002H 7.13 0.19 0.17 0.66
Mat 7, S/28305 11.49 1.46 0.55 0.02
Mat 9, S/Denim 38.65 0.75 0.41 1.54
of the laboratory sample and no nearer the edge than one tenth Option 2
its width. Ensure specimens are free of folds, creases, or Mat 6, S/0002H 7.04 0.23 0.00 0.72
wrinkles. Avoid getting oil, water, grease, and so forth, on the Mat 7, S/28305 11.84 0.23 0.27 0.48
Mat 9, S/Denim 38.33 0.64 0.00 1.64
specimens when handling. Option 3
Mat 6, S/0002H 6.68 0.32 0.18 0.58
8. Preparation of Test Apparatus and Calibration Mat 7, S/28305 11.50 0.37 0.13 0.49
Mat 9, S/Denim 36.50 0.60 0.19 2.41
8.1 Use Table 1 to select the thickness gauge designated for Option 4
the material to be tested. Mat 6, S/0002H 10.20 0.40 0.00 ...
Mat 7, S/28305 12.85 0.36 0.00 ...
8.2 Verify calibration of the thickness gauge as directed in Mat 9, S/Denim 43.95 1.08 0.54 ...
the manufacturer’s instructions. Option 5 (0.1 psi)
Mat 10, Pile 178.08 8.79 0.00 3.30
8.3 When using microprocessor automatic data gathering Mat 14, Pile 46.91 1.15 0.16 0.69
Option 5 (1.1 psi)
systems, set the appropriate parameters as defined in the Mat 10, Pile 101.67 4.63 0.00 10.08
manufacturer’s instructions. Mat 14, Pile 38.37 1.51 0.33 0.28
A
The square roots of the components of variance are being reported to express
9. Conditioning the variability in the appropriate units of measure rather than as the squares of
those units of measure.
9.1 Precondition the specimens by bringing them to ap-
proximate moisture equilibrium in the standard atmosphere for
preconditioning textiles as specified in Practice D1776, unless
otherwise specified in a material specification or contract order.
9.2 After preconditioning, bring the test specimens to mois- read directly from the thickness gauge or data collection
ture equilibrium for testing in the standard atmosphere for system, unless otherwise specified in a material specification or
testing textiles as specified in Practice D1776 or, if applicable, contract order.
in the specified atmosphere in which the testing is to be
11.2 Thickness Average—Calculate the average thickness
performed, unless otherwise specified in a material specifica-
for each laboratory sampling unit and for the lot.
tion or contract order.
11.3 Standard Deviation, Coeffıcient of Variation—
10. Procedure Calculate when requested.
10.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmo- 11.4 Computer-Processed Data—When data are automati-
sphere for testing textiles, which is 21 6 1°C (70 6 2°F) and cally computer-processed, calculations generally are contained
65 6 2 % relative humidity, unless otherwise specified in a in the associated software. Record values as read from the
material specification or contract order. direct-reading scale designated in the readability column of
10.2 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering Table 1, unless otherwise specified. In any event, it is recom-
the natural state of the material. mended that computer-processed data be verified against
known property values and its software described in the report.
10.3 Place the specimen face side up, or otherwise as
specified, on the anvil of the thickness gauge. Gradually lower
the presser foot into contact with the specimen, taking 5 to 6 s 12. Report
to apply full pressure for most textiles and 3 to 4 s for glass 12.1 Report that the thickness was determined in accor-
material textiles. dance with Test Method D1777. Describe the material or
10.4 Read and record the thickness value to a readability product sampled and the method of sampling used.
shown in Table 1. 12.2 Report the following information for each laboratory
10.5 Continue as directed in 10.2 – 10.4 until ten specimens sampling unit and for the lot as applicable to a material
have been tested from each laboratory sampling unit. specification or contract order:
12.2.1 Thickness.
11. Calculation 12.2.2 Testing option selected from Table 1.
11.1 Thickness, Individual Specimens—The thickness for 12.2.3 When calculated, the standard deviation or the coef-
individual specimens using the readability column of Table 1 is ficient of variation.

3
 D1777 − 96 (2015)
A
TABLE 4 Thickness of Fabrics, mils The critical differences were calculated using t = 1.960, which is based on infinite
degrees of freedom.
Critical Differences for the Conditions NotedA

Test Options and Number of

Single- Within- Between- 12.2.4 For computer-processed data, identify the program
Observations
Materials
in Each
Operator Laboratory Laboratory (software) used.
Precision Precision Precision 12.2.5 Any modification of this test method.
Average
Option 1
Mat 6, S/0002H 1 0.53 0.72 1.96 13. Precision and Bias5
2 0.37 0.61 1.93
5 0.24 0.54 1.91 13.1 Summary—In comparing two averages, the differences
10 0.17 0.51 1.90 should not exceed the single-operator precision values shown
Mat 7, S/28305 1 4.05 4.33 4.33 in Table 3 for the respective number of tests and for materials
2 2.86 3.25 3.25
5 1.81 2.37 2.37 having averages similar to those shown in Table 1 in 95 out of
10 1.28 2.00 2.00 100 cases when all the observations are taken by the same
Mat 9, S/Denim 1 2.10 2.39 4.89 well-trained operator using the same piece of equipment and
2 1.48 1.88 4.66
5 0.94 1.48 4.52 specimens randomly drawn from the sample of material.
10 0.66 1.32 4.47 Larger differences are likely to occur under all other circum-
Option 2 stances.
Mat 6, S/0002H 1 0.63 0.63 2.10
2 0.44 0.44 2.05 13.2 Interlaboratory Test Data—An interlaboratory test was
5 0.28 0.28 2.02
10 0.20 0.20 2.01
run in 1994–1995 in which randomly drawn samples were
Mat 7, S/28305 1 0.63 0.99 1.65 tested as specified in the five options of this test method. Two
2 0.45 0.88 1.59 operators in each laboratory each tested ten specimens of each
5 0.28 0.81 1.55
10 0.20 0.79 1.54
material. Five of the ten specimens were tested on one day, and
Mat 9, S/Denim 1 1.76 1.76 4.88 five specimens were tested on a second day. Analysis of the
2 1.25 1.25 4.72 data was conducted in accordance with Practices D2904 and
5 0.79 0.79 4.62
10 0.56 0.56 4.59 D2906, as well as the adjunct Tex-Pac. The components of
Option 3 variance for thickness, expressed as standard deviations, were
Mat 6, S/0002H 1 0.90 1.03 1.91 calculated to be the values listed in Table 3. The fabric types
2 0.64 0.81 1.80
5 0.40 0.64 1.73 are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The designated options and
10 0.29 0.58 1.71 number of participating laboratories are shown as follows:
Mat 7, S/28305 1 1.04 1.10 1.74
Option Number of Laboratories
2 0.73 0.82 1.58
1 6
5 0.46 0.58 1.47
2 4
10 0.33 0.48 1.43
3 3
Mat 9, S/Denim 1 1.67 1.75 6.90
4 1
2 1.18 1.29 6.79
5 2
5 0.75 0.91 6.73
10 0.53 0.74 6.71 13.3 Precision—For the components of variance reported in
Option 4
Mat 6, S/0002H 1 1.12 1.12 ...
Table 3, two averages of observed values should be considered
2 0.79 0.79 ... significantly different at the 95 % probability level if the
5 0.50 0.50 ... difference equals or exceeds the critical differences listed in
10 0.36 0.36 ...
Mat 7, S/28305 1 1.00 1.00 ...
Table 4. There were sufficient differences related to the
2 0.71 0.71 ... material type and structure to warrant listing the components of
5 0.45 0.45 ... variance and the critical differences separately. Consequently,
10 0.32 0.32 ...
Mat 9, S/Denim 1 2.99 3.34 ...
no multi-material comparisons were made.
2 2.11 2.58 ...
NOTE 2—Since the interlaboratory tests for Options 2, 3, 4, and 5
5 1.34 2.00 ...
10 0.94 1.76 ...
included less than five laboratories, estimates of between-laboratory
Option 5 (0.1 psi) precision should be used with special caution.
Mat 10, Pile 1 24.37 24.37 26.03 NOTE 3—The tabulated values of the critical differences should be
2 17.23 17.23 19.50 considered to be a general statement, particularly with respect to between-
5 10.90 10.90 14.22 laboratory precision. Before a meaningful statement can be made about
10 9.71 7.71 11.95 two specific laboratories, the amount of statistical bias, if any, between
Mat 14, Pile 1 3.18 3.21 3.75 them must be established, with each comparison being based on recent
2 2.25 2.30 3.00 data obtained on specimens taken from a lot of material to the type being
5 1.42 1.49 2.44 evaluated so as to be as nearly homogeneous as possible, and then
10 1.01 1.10 2.22
Option 5 (1.1 psi)
randomly assigned in equal numbers to each of the laboratories.
Mat 10, Pile 1 12.84 12.84 30.75 13.4 Bias—The value of thickness of fabrics only can be
2 9.08 9.08 29.38
5 5.74 5.74 28.52
defined in terms of a test method. Within this limitation, this
10 4.06 4.06 28.23 test method has no known bias.
Mat 14, Pile 1 4.18 4.28 4.35
2 2.95 3.09 3.19
5 1.87 2.08 2.23 5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
10 1.32 1.61 1.79
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D13-1110.

4
 D1777 − 96 (2015)
14. Keywords
14.1 fabric; thickness

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/