At Winter & Company, we are therefore proud of the success of our in-house Technical Competence Centre (TCC), which has served as the cornerstone of our commitment to excellence for a number of years. Equipped with testing equipment for various material types, our TCC facilitates quality assurance and to drive product innovation in the field of high-end cover materials.

Since its implementation, our in-house TCC has conducted a large number of different product tests on a daily basis, ensuring consistent quality control. By investing in advanced testing capabilities and maintaining complete control over the testing process, we have been able to improve our standards for quality and innovation. Today we would like to introduce you to our key testing tools.

The spectrophotometer is an important part of the TCC and enables us to measure colour accurately and objectively. By proactively detecting and correcting colour variations or deviations, we uphold our commitment to deliver products of high quality.

Our climate control cabinet plays a crucial role in evaluating the longevity and durability of our high-quality cover materials. By exposing materials to controlled levels of temperature and humidity, we simulate real-world conditions and evaluate their resistance to environmental impacts. This comprehensive testing ensures that our materials maintain their quality, even under extreme conditions.

With the crockmeter we assess the colorfastness or resistance of our materials to rubbing or friction. During the test, a sample of the material being evaluated is placed under a specified pressure. The rubbing process causes the release of colorants or dyes from the fabric, and these colorants are then transferred onto a standardized white cotton fabric. The transferred color is visually assessed and compared against a standardized grayscale, which helps determine the level of colorfastness or resistance of the material. The crockmeter test allows us to assess the potential for color transfer, staining, or fading of a fabric during its intended use. By conducting these tests, we can control the quality and durability of our materials, ensuring that they consistently meet the desired colorfastness standards and customer expectations.

The lightfastness test is an evaluation conducted on cover materials to determine their resistance to fading or discoloration when exposed to light. During our lightfastness test, samples of the material are exposed to a controlled light source, which simulates the effects of natural or artificial light. The duration of the exposure depends on the intended application and the industry standards. The test results are compared against a standardized bluewool-scale, which allows for consistent evaluation and classification of lightfastness. By conducting lightfastness tests on our materials, we can guarantee durable and long-lasting products that maintain their original appearance, quality, and aesthetic appeal over time, even when exposed to light.

In recent years, our in-house TCC has enabled us to streamline our production processes and reduce reliance on external laboratories. By combining advanced testing capabilities with our extensive expertise, we ensure that our customers receive their high-quality material promptly, effectively meeting their project schedules and deadlines. Our in-house Technical Competence Centre underlines our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality assurance. By constantly being at the forefront of technological advancements and conducting in-house testing, we are solidifying our position as the industry's trusted supplier of premium covering materials.

For more information on our extensive range of premium cover materials and the capabilities of our in-house Technical Competence Centre, please visit our website or get in touch with us.