FAST – Fabric Assurance by Simple Testing

Describes the FAST system, developed by CSIRO for quality control and assurance of fabrics. FAST, or Fabric Assurance by Simple Testing, consists of a series of instruments and test methods which are inexpensive, robust and simple to use. It measures properties which are closely related to the ease of garment making‐up and the durability of worsted finishing. FAST‐1 gives a direct reading of fabric thickness over a range of loads with micrometre resolution. FAST‐2 measures the fabric bending length and its bending rigidity. FAST‐3 measures fabric extensibility at low loads as well as its shear rigidity. FAST‐4 is a quick test for measuring fabric dimensional stability, including both the relaxation shrinkage and the hygral expansion.