1928
Launder-Ometer®
AATCC specified the Launder-Ometer as the only approved colorfastness to washing instrument for over 50 years.
History
A Rich Tradition of Expertise
Our customers can be assured that they are making informed decisions based on accurate test results. SDL Atlas is the product of the unification of several respected manufacturers and distributors of innovative and quality testing instruments and consumables. By combining the strength and knowledge of these inventive companies, SDL Atlas has grown into the largest and most complete global source of textile testing, quality control and laboratory equipment.
For over 90 years, the SDL Atlas companies have been providing confidence in standard based testing through expertise and global partnering.
1919
Atlas, founded in 1919, was the first corporate member of AATCC and worked actively with the organization and ASTM to commercialize testing instruments that met standards used by American retailers. It introduced the AATCC Launder-Ometer® in 1928 and took over production of AATCC Crockmeter in 1964. The textile instrument division separated from the light fastness division of Atlas to begin SDL Atlas in 2003.
1951
SDL started as a commercial arm of the Shirley Institue in England in 1951. It was separated out in 1984 to provide manufacturing of specialty instruments Based in Manchester, they focused their testing products on ISO standards widely used by European retailers. SDL created a large offering of products that offered laboratories one-stop shopping through their well known catalog. SDL joined SDL Atlas in 2003.
1988
Textile Innovators was created in 1988 to offer improved quality in consumables for the textile and home appliance markets. Their consumables primarily conform to standards from AATCC, ASTM, and AHAM. They became the consumables branch of SDL in 2001 and joined SDL Atlas as part of the SDL acquisition.
2004
SafQ was the former Equipment Services Division of Intertek. Based in Hong Kong, they acted as a representative in China for other manufacturers such as Atlas. In 2003 they also started their own line of testing instruments for product safety. They joined SDL Atlas in 2004.
2004
Raitech was a small, innovative company that looked at ways to make existing testing faster and easier. The QuickWash® and QuickTemp are examples of their successes. They were acquired by Atlas in 2000 and rolled into SDL Atlas.
The result is a company that has a great deal of knowledge and experience in the textile testing industry and standards organizations.
This enables SDL Atlas to bring a broad line of high quality products that meet industry and retailer standards. With offices on three continents and representatives in over 100 countries, SDL Atlas stands ready to assist with your testing requirements.
Innovative Testing Technology History
1997
QuickWash Plus
The Quickwash Plus gives fabric shrinkage information in a 12-15 minute test versus the 8-12 hours it takes a standard washer and dryer.
2001
Snap Tester
The SnapRite is a motorized instrument for determining the holding or breaking strength of snap fasteners onto garments.
2003
MMT®
The MMT is the only instrument on the market that can precisely measure the liquid management properties of performance and technical fabrics, ensuring the comfort and protection that consumers demand.
2012
FTT®
The innovative FTT measures skin touch properties of textiles objectively and quantitatively.
2016
Vortex M6
Designed to meet AATCC Monograph M6, the Vortex M6 is a top loading washing machine engineered specifically for laboratory use.