Crimp in yarn is defined as the difference between the actual length of a yarn and its apparent length in the fabric after weaving. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the yarn’s apparent length in the fabric. Accurate determination of yarn crimp is essential for evaluating fabric structure, performance, and dimensional stability.

The crimp test is performed by marking a known length on the fabric, carefully removing the marked yarn without disturbing its twist, and holding it between two grips at the marked points. The yarn is then gradually extended under a specified straightening tension. The increase in length is measured and expressed as a percentage of the original marked length to determine the crimp value.

The IKON Crimp Tester is specially designed to determine the crimp of yarns removed from fabrics. One end of the yarn is secured in a pivoted loading grip where the required tension is applied using a sliding weight acting on a lever arm. The other end is held in a movable grip mounted on a screw mechanism, allowing it to travel along the yarn’s direction and stretch it. The extension is measured on a scale positioned alongside the grip assembly.

The loading grip is pivoted on a jewel bearing and mounted on a sliding platform to accommodate different test lengths. The selected test length is indicated on a base scale aligned with a pointer fixed to the sliding platform.

During testing, the yarn is stretched until the preset tension—adjusted via the pendulum and sliding weight—is reached. When the specified tension is achieved, the pendulum lifts from its support, breaking the electrical contact and switching off a low-voltage indicator light. The elongation at this point is noted, and the percentage crimp is calculated accordingly.

The apparatus is finished in grey hammer-tone stoving paint with bright chrome plating for corrosion resistance and durability.