BTMA - British Textile Machinery Association

Since its formation in 1951, SDL Atlas has been at the forefront of product development in the field of total solutions for textile testing.

As the first instrument manufacturer to fully embrace the ISO 9000 quality management standard, it is now independently accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2000. The SDL TecNet service division was accredited by UKAS for calibration services to BS EN ISO 17025 in 2001.

SDL Atlas has grown in recent years from its UK origins through the strategic acquisition of Atlas Textile Test products division and Raitech in the USA and SafQ Equipment Services and Consultancy in Hong Kong/China.

The earlier acquisition of Textile Innovators, the leading manufacturer of consumables used in AATCC standard tests, and a strategic partnership with SDC Enterprises for the distribution of Society of Dyers and Colourists fastness testing products, ensures that all testing needs are met.

A recent global alliance with Tinius Olsen, a major player in the manufacture of universal strength testing equipment, has already produced major benefits for all concerned in terms of added sales and service capabilities.

The arrangement gives SDL Atlas world exclusivity in sales of the Tinius Olsen range of testers to the textile, leather and garment industries, with further exclusivity in other industries in the important China markets.

SDL Atlas offers solutions to all aspects of the industry with comprehensive packages available to meet retail specifier programmes and all needs of fibre and yarn producers, dyers and finishers and apparel producers. Projects for the educational sector are also catered for.

Key products in the company’s range include:

Autoburst and PnuBurst digital bursting strength testers

The most powerful fully featured burst strength tester available, capable of testing the lightest fabrics, through the exacting requirements of high performance textiles for PPE and geo textile applications. With a maximum capacity of 6000 kpa (approx 900 p.s.i.) this instrument complies fully with the latest ISO 13938-1, DIN 53861 and ASTM D3786 standards.

Introduced as a cost-saving option, the PnuBurst design features a pneumatically operated diaphragm, a colour touch-screen controller pre-programmed for major test protocols and automatic bell size and clamp ring detection. The PnuBurst offers convenient out-of-the-box operation, enabling laboratories to conduct burst tests up to 1,500kPa (15bar, 217psi.)

AATCC Relationship

Atlas was the first corporate member of AATCC and commercialized a number of instruments invented through AATCC. For decades these instruments were exclusively listed in AATCC standards as the only instruments accepted.

Instruments that carried the AATCC logo alongside the Atlas and SDL Atlas name for so many years include the Launder-Ometer©, Perspiration Tester, Scorch Tester, and Accelerotor. Colour fastness to light is covered through the inclusion of the industry standard Atlas Ci3000 and Xenotest range.

Martindale abrasion and pilling tester

Available in 4, 6, 8 and 9 station configurations, following a process of regular development the latest instrument in the series exhibits all the latest concepts in this most important test.

Pillgrade

A 3D fabric scanning system for objectively and repeatably grading fabric swatches for surface properties. The system outputs pilling and fuzziness data and grades according to both ASTM and ISO standards. The use of Pillgrade ensures agreement throughout the textile supply chain. Suitable for grading samples tested on Martindale, ICI, Random Tumble or any other type and make of pilling tester.

High performance textiles

SDL Atlas also specialises in the development of instruments applicable to high performance and PPE application textiles. The Sweating Guarded Hotplate for ISO 11092 water vapour resistance and thermal resistance measurement is fast becoming the preferred instrument now installed in many research and testing centres. The newly introduced Moisture Management Tester (MMT) is fast becoming the industry standard for manufacturers and specifiers of moisture control fabrics.

All these products can be obtained through the SDL Atlas sales and service network established throughout the world.

One-stop shop online

For 2010, SDL Atlas has completely redesigned its web site. The revamped site – at www.sdlatlas.com – offers visitors a comprehensive look at the company’s textile testing equipment, laboratory products, consumables, and service offering.

Key features of the new site include:

• Search capabilities that allow users to find products based on a list of categories, applications, or standards.
• A search function that allows customers to quickly find information on the textile testing products, consumables and services they need.
• A listing of related consumables for each product, as well as ordering and contact information, providing customers with a one-stop-shop for all their textile testing solutions.
• Up-to-date information in the ‘About Us’ section, including SDL Atlas Update newsletter articles, press releases for media, and an event listing highlighting the trade shows and events at which SDL Atlas is participating.