Designation: D5252 − 15

Standard Practice for

the Operation of the Hexapod Tumble Drum Tester1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5252; 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 3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles see Termi-
1.1 This practice describes the equipment and operation of nology D123.
the hexapod tumble drum tester for testing pile floor covering 4. Summary of Practice
to produce changes in appearance and color due to changes in
surface structure by mechanical action tester. 4.1 The specimen is secured to a backing sheet that is
mounted inside the rotatable drum with the pile surface
1.2 This practice is applicable for use in testing unused pile exposed. A metal hexapod, with six polyurethane studs, rolls
floor covering of all types. It is not applicable for use in testing randomly on the pile surface inside the rotating drum for a
used pile yarn floor coverings. specified number of revolutions.
1.3 This practice may be used by mutual agreement between
the purchaser and supplier to set purchasing specifications. 5. Significance and Use
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 5.1 This equipment may be used to bring about the changes
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical in appearance and texture on the surface of pile floor covering
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only caused by mechanical action.
and are not considered standard.
6. Apparatus, Materials, and Reagent
1.5 This practice does not purport to address all of the
6.1 Hexapod Tumble Tester
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
6.1.1 Drum—Constructed of Nylon or other like material
responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appro-
and capped by a lid that is secured by a latching device. The
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
drum base and lid have a locating groove to hold the specimen
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
backing sheet flat to the inner wall of the drum. A photograph
2. Referenced Documents of a typical drum is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The drum
dimensions are:
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles Internal Diameter 12 ± 0.18 in. (302 ± 5 mm)
Wall Thickness 0.3 in. approx. (8 mm approx.)
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles Internal Depth 8.2 ± 0.02 in. (207 ± 5 mm)
D5684 Terminology Relating to Pile Floor Coverings 6.1.2 Driving System, cradles the drum on rollers and keeps
3. Terminology the axis of the drum level, and rotates the drum at 35 6 2 rpm
(3.6 6 0.2 rad/s). The driving direction reverses after approxi-
3.1 For all terminology related to Pile Floor Coverings, mately 500 revolutions. After the 500 rotations the unit will
D13.21, see Terminology D5684. stop and stand stationary for approximately 5 to 15 s, then
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: begin rotating in the opposite direction. After 2000 rotations
carpet, finished, finished pile yarn floor covering, floor the unit will stop and wait for the operator to restart the unit.
covering, lengthwise direction, pile, pile lay, pile yarn floor 6.1.3 Hexapod Tumbler—There are two types of Hexapod
covering, pitch, practice, primary backing, secondary backing, Tumblers: the 2.8 lb (1270 g) or the 8.4 lb (3810 g) as specified
textile floor covering, texture, tufted fabric. below. The selection of which depends on the end use of the
pile floor covering.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.21 on Pile Floor Coverings. NOTE 1—The 2.8 lb Residential Hexapod Tumbler is recommended for
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally residential pile floor covering test applications and the 8.4 lb Commercial
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D5252 – 05. DOI: Hexapod Tumbler is recommended for commercial pile floor covering
10.1520/D5252-15. applications.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.1.3.1 8.4 lb Commercial Hexapod Tumber—Comprised 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 a steel (or other suitable material) 2.0 6 0.04 in. (50 6 1 mm)
the ASTM website. cube with 1-in. (25-mm) thick plates welded to each side. The

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

1
 D5252 − 15

FIG. 1 Typical Front View of Drum Cover FIG. 3 8.4 lb Commercial Hexapod Tumbler

with six feet installed is 2.8 6 0.13 lb (1270 6 60 g). A

photograph of a typical 2.8 lb Residential Hexapod Tumbler is
shown in Fig. 4.
6.1.3.3 Hexapod Tumbler Feet Specifications (see Fig. 5)—
Tumbler Feet parameters are:
Diameter of Foot 1.60 ± 0.04 in. (40 ± 1 mm)
Height of Foot 0.60 ± 0.04 in. (15 ± 1 mm)
Edge of Radius Stud 0.60 ± 0.04 in. (15 ± 1 mm)
Steel Backing for Polyurethane
Foot Hardness 8.3 ± 6 Type A Durometer
Foot Thickness 0.12 ± 0.01 in. (3.00 ± 0.25 mm)
Threading for 0.75 in. Metric M8 – 1.25 (typical)
Bolt to attach Foot to
Tumbler
6.2 Specimen Backing Sheet, polyethylene approximately
375 by 8.5 by 0.08 in. (approximately 950 by 215 by 2 mm).
6.3 Tape, double-sided adhesive, approximately 2.0 in. (50
mm) width.
FIG. 2 Typical Inside of Drum without Cover 6.4 Vacuum Cleaner—Each specimen shall be vacuumed
and pile erected with a hand-held vacuum that meets the
following general specifications: powered rotating brush, bag
outside corners are welded such that when the studs are fitted less design, HEPA filtration, 7 A motor, nozzle width 6.5 6 0.3
and the hexapod placed on a flat surface, no metal touches the
flat surface. The total length of any axis, not including hexapod
feet, should be 3.8 6 0.08 in. (96 6 2 mm). Replaceable
tumbler feet (see 6.1.3.3) are screwed centrally into each face.
The specified total mass of Commercial Hexapod Tumbler with
six feet installed is 8.4 6 0.2 lb (3810 6 90 g). A photograph
of a typical 8.4 lb Commercial Hexapod Tumbler is shown in
Fig. 3.
6.1.3.2 2.8 lb Light Residential Hexapod Tumbler—
Comprised of aluminum (or other suitable material) 2.00 6
0.04 in. (50 6 1 mm) cube with 25-mm (1-in.) thick plates
welded to each side. The outside corners are welded such that
when the studs are fitted and the hexapod placed on a flat
surface, no metal touches the flat surface. Alternatively, the ball
may be milled from a solid block if the construction meets the
specification. The total length of any axis, not including
hexapod studs, should be 3.8 6 0.08 in. (96 6 2 mm).
Replaceable tumbler feet are screwed centrally in each face.
The specified total mass of the Residential Hexapod Tumbler FIG. 4 2.8 lb Residential Hexapod Tumbler

2
 D5252 − 15
junction. Mount the specimen pile surface uppermost, allowing
a 0.2 in. (5 mm) gap at the end and between 0.2 to 0.4 in. (5 to
10 mm) between specimens to allow space for the pile when
the backing sheet is curved to fit the drum.

8. Conditioning
8.1 Condition and determine that moisture equilibrium for
testing has been attained as directed in Practice D1776.

9. Procedure
9.1 Perform this practice on a specimen prepared as de-
scribed in Section 8, maintaining the Hexapod Tumble Drum
Tester in a temperature controlled atmosphere of 70 6 5°F (21
6 3°C) for testing textiles.
9.2 Wipe the hexapod tumbler and the inside of the drum
with a clean lint-free tissue or cloth and one of the recom-
FIG. 5 Typical Hexapod Tumbler Foot mended solvents.
9.3 Ensure that the Hexapod Tumble Drum Testing Unit has
in. (165 6 7 m), and overall weight 6.5 6 0.5 lb (3.0 6 0.2 kg). been maintained to the recommended checks found in Annex
Replace the rotating brush when the bristle length changes A1.
more than 15 % of the original length. An upright vacuum
9.4 Ensure that the specimen lies smoothly around the
approved in the CRI Seal of Approval Program shall be
internal circumference when the backing sheet is curved to fit
acceptable for use in this practice.
the drum and that it is firmly held in place by the locating
6.5 Cleaning Frame (optional), a rectangular frame ap- grooves. If necessary, adjust the specimen length.
proximately 40 by 12 in. (1000 by 300 mm) with a central
9.5 Place the selected hexapod tumbler in the drum on the
rectangular aperture approximately 37 by 8 in. (940 by 200
specimen surface.
mm) to receive the test specimen. The frame should be made
from a material of similar construction to the test specimen and 9.6 Secure the lid to the drum and position the drum on the
mounted on a rigid backing sheet. rollers of the drive mechanism. Ensure that the drum is level.
6.6 Solvent—Use only ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, 9.7 Set the revolution counter for 2000 revolutions. When
technical grade. the machine stops, remove the mounted specimen and prepare
to vacuum the specimen. An optional central aperture of the
7. Preparation of Specimen cleaning frame can be used to hold the specimen.
7.1 Marking Specimen—Before cutting out the test 9.8 Using the vacuum cleaner, make four passes (1 pass = 1
specimen, mark on the backing the direction of manufacture forward and back motion) along the length of the mounted
with the head of the arrow pointing in the same direction as the specimen. The entire specimen must be vacuumed and the final
lay of the pile. pass must be in the lay of the pile.
7.2 Size of Specimen—Cut the specimen approximately 37 9.9 Return the mounted specimen to the drum and repeat 9.4
by 8 in. (940 by 200 mm) with the long dimension parallel to – 9.8 until the required number of rotations has been com-
the lengthwise direction of the pile yarn floor covering. Take no pleted.
specimen within 4.0 in. (100 mm) of the trimmed selvedge.
9.10 Do not let the tumbler lay on the specimen without
Alternatively, up to four smaller specimens of similar thickness
movement for more than 2 h.
may be tested together, although if this is done, the effect of
fiber or finish must be considered. If this is the case, cut the 10. Report
specimen to allow for a 0.2-in. (5-mm) gap between each
specimen, and ensure that the pile lay is in the same direction. 10.1 State that the tester was operated as directed in Practice
NOTE 2—Texture change results can be noticeably different when D5252.
testing a specimen in the machine direction versus across the machine 10.2 Report the following information:
direction.
10.2.1 The number of drum rotations.
7.3 Cleaning of Specimen—Prior to testing, vacuum the 10.2.2 The type of vacuum cleaner used.
specimen to remove any loose tufts or fibers. 10.2.3 Detail any deviations from this practice.
7.4 Specimen Attachment—Attach the double-sided adhe- 10.2.4 The type of Tumbler used (8.4 lb Commercial
sive tape along each side and across the end of the specimen Hexapod Tumbler or 2.8 lb Residential Hexapod Tumbler).
backing sheet leaving approximately 0.2 in. (5 mm) clear at
each edge, pressing down firmly to ensure adhesion. If testing 11. Keywords
multiple specimens, attach an additional strip tape at each cross 11.1 appearance; carpet; floor covering; hexapod; pile yarn

3
 D5252 − 15

ANNEX

A1. HEXAPOD POD UNIT, QUALITY CONTROL AND REPEATABILITY PROCESS (Mandatory Practices)

(Mandatory Information)

A1.1 To ensure unit to unit reproducibility, it is important A1.4.1 Weight for 8.4 lb Commercial Hexapod Tumbler
for every unit and tumbler combination to be evaluated for 8.40 6 0.20 lb (3810 6 90 g)
conformance to the specifications listed in this annex. The A1.4.2 Weight for 2.8 lb Residential Hexapod Tumbler 2.80
operators of this equipment must understand and consistently 6 0.13 lb (1270 6 60 g)
observe the running of the equipment and report any discrep-
ancies for repair. A1.5 Hexapod Tumbler feet should meet all specifications
for manufacture, and should be evaluated for the following
A1.2 Verify the r/min of each machine is 35 6 2 r/min at attributes before being put into service, and during the normal
least weekly. If the r/min is not within specification then take course of it usefulness. Check each foot for cuts, tears,
the unit out of service, and check the following abrasions, and any other damage or imperfections that might
A1.2.1 Drive belt worn or out of tension. cause additional texture change to the test specimen. If found
discard the foot, and replace with a new foot.
A1.2.2 Evaluate counting system for improper set up or
function. If using a reflectance system replace tape/clean eyes. A1.5.1 Shape must meet the specifications found in 6.1.3.3.
If using a metal proximity system evaluate the distance Shape will change over time; visually check specimen versus a
between sensors. control Tumbler Foot, and determine if the shape is changing.
If the shape becomes visually different discard all studs and
A1.2.3 If r/min is not within specification then make an replace with new.
adjustment to the speed to obtain the proper r/min.
A1.5.2 Check hardness of stud versus 6.1.3.3. Typically, the
A1.2.4 If the unit is gear driven, consider changing drive hardness will change with usage. If the hardness exceeds the
pulley size or converting unit to variable drive system. tolerance remove from use.
A1.3 Evaluate operational control of the hexapod unit at A1.6 Break In Period for New Hexapod Feet:
least once every 6 months. If the unit fails any of the
A1.6.1 When installing a complete set of new hexapod feet,
verifications remove the unit from service until repaired.
run the ball with new feet for 24 h on a trial carpet specimen
A1.3.1 Check each unit’s programmed rotation cycle. The (no vacuuming required). This break in period is necessary to
unit must rotate in one direction for approximately 500 ensure accurate results for the life of the stud.
rotations (or 14.5 min); stop, wait approximately 60 s, and then A1.6.2 If the unit has been in constant use, it is recom-
rotate in the opposite direction for another 500 rotations (or mended that the feet of a hexapod unit be replaced every 6
14.5 min). The unit’s control system should produce a cycle of months or 1 million cycles. Constant use equals >20 h/week for
2000 rotations; stop and wait for the operator to remove the 26 weeks.
specimen for vacuuming.
A1.3.2 Ensure that the unit stops when the desired number A1.7 Hexapod Unit to Unit Texture Change Evaluation—If
of rotations has been obtained. multiple hexapod units are used within a facility, an evaluation
of the texture change produced should be conducted twice per
A1.4 Hexapod Tumblers should be weighed with new year. Specimen for the evaluation should be sampled from the
hexapod feet installed. If weight is out of specification make same carpet sample. The results are evaluated to ensure each
necessary changes to ensure tumbler is in specification. unit will produce similar texture change results.

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/