Mount
Specimen and blue wool references are mounted and partly covered.
Knit Fabric Manufacturer Since 2009 · China
TEST METHOD · ISO 105-B02
Colour Fastness to Light ISO 105-B02
ISO 105-B02 measures fading under a xenon arc lamp that imitates daylight through window glass, graded 1 to 8 against blue wool references. The US equivalent is AATCC 16.3.
Specimens cut from the bulk lot.
Standard
ISO 105-B02
US equivalent
AATCC 16.3
Scale
Blue wool 1–8
In our lab
Xenon arc light fastness tester
01
What This Test Measures
A specimen is exposed to xenon arc light alongside eight blue wool references that fade at known rates. The grade is the reference that faded to the same extent: 1 is very poor, 8 is outstanding.
Because the scale runs to 8, grade 4 or 4-5 is a mid-scale result. Check that a required grade refers to the 1–8 light scale rather than the 1–5 grey scale.
02
How We Run It in Our Lab
Our technicians follow a written work instruction for this method.
Expose
Exposure to filtered xenon arc light under controlled temperature and humidity.
Compare
Fading of the specimen is compared with the blue wool references.
Grade
The grade is the blue wool reference that faded to the same extent, 1–8.
03
Test Conditions
Key settings. Write the method and procedure in your specification.
| Parameter | Setting |
|---|---|
| Light source | Filtered xenon arc lamp |
| References | Blue wool 1–8 (AATCC 16.3 reports AATCC Fading Units) |
| Grading scale | 1 (very poor) to 8 (outstanding) |
| Equivalent methods | AATCC 16.3 (US) · GB/T 8427 (China). Compare methods → |
04
Results for Your Order
Ask us for results for the selected fabric, shade and test conditions. Acceptance values for your order are agreed in writing.
05
Writing This Test into Your Specification
Check the Scale
Light fastness uses grades 1–8; 4-5 is mid-scale.
Light with Perspiration
ISO 105-B07 tests light fastness on fabric wetted with artificial perspiration. Name it separately if you need it.
Bright and Pale Colours
Fluorescent and very pale shades usually measure lower. Discuss the end use before fixing the grade.
06
Questions About ISO 105-B02
Why is light fastness graded 1 to 8?
It is rated against eight blue wool references that fade at known rates, so the scale differs from the 1–5 grey scales used for washing and rubbing.
Is grade 4 light fastness good?
Grade 4 is a mid-scale result that suits most apparel. Garments with long sun exposure usually need a higher grade.
What is the difference between ISO 105-B02 and ISO 105-B07?
B02 tests dry fabric under artificial daylight; B07 tests fabric wetted with artificial perspiration under light.