Nonwovens Absorption Testing: ISO 9073-6 vs NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

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Nonwovens Absorption Testing: ISO 9073-6 VS NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) Aug 29, 2026

Nonwovens Absorption Testing:

ISO 9073-6 VS NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

If you want to know how fast a disposable wipe can absorb spilled liquid, or how much fluid a medical dressing can hold without leakage, or how quickly liquid spreads across a nonwoven fabric in practical use, then you must go with the nonwovens absorption test.

A hygiene nonwoven with a fast absorbency time and high absorptive capacity can easily handle daily use scenarios. Nonwovens buyers and manufacturers heavily rely on this test to ensure the fabric’s ability to handle liquid exposure in real-world applications.

What Is the Role of the Nonwovens Absorption Tester for Consistent Results?

The Non-Woven Water Absorption Tester gives a simulation of real-world liquid contact scenarios, and it operates on standard parameters that are defined by international organizations such as ISO and EDANA.

GESTER’s Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN26 and Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN02 both adopt high-precision sensing systems and automated control programs, which help the operator get accurate and repeatable test results.

Is it essential to do Standardized Testing for Nonwovens Absorption?

To perform standardized testing, we have two widely recognized standards, ISO 9073-6 and NWSP 010.1.R0 (20), which provide consistency when performed over different labs.

Both standards are internationally recognized and provide comprehensive details regarding test procedures, including specimen preparation, test conditions, operation steps, and result calculation methods.

Actually, these standards help the manufacturers as well, because if they have to make the product that can meet a specific absorbency time or capacity requirement, then it means after quality production, their product will meet this index in every country’s lab.

The nonwovens buyers buy the product with confidence after seeing the standardized absorption test results. So, in this way, the standardized testing eliminates the guesswork and gives authentic data.

ISO 9073-6

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides standard testing methods to measure the liquid absorption properties of nonwoven fabrics under ISO 9073-6.

The ISO 9073-6 standard specifically defines standardized test methods to determine the absorption performance of nonwovens. That’s why it is one of the best choices for evaluating the liquid management ability of nonwoven materials.

Equipment’s Compliance

GESTER’s Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN26 and Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN02 run the test procedures in strict accordance with standard requirements, which they manage through precise sensors and automated control systems. Only a standard and compliant Liquid Absorbency Time Tester can meet the requirements of the ISO 9073-6 standard and give accurate absorption performance results.

Test Parameters and Evaluation of Results

When the nonwoven specimen is tested under ISO 9073-6 standard, it undergoes standardized liquid contact, which produces quantifiable indicators including absorbency time, absorptive capacity, and wicking rate.

These indicators help to give an objective performance rating, which is given by comparing with product specification requirements. After completing the test, we compare the specimen’s test data with the standard or product index to judge whether it is qualified.

The absorption performance of the nonwoven specimen is evaluated by quantitative values. The shorter the absorbency time, the faster the liquid absorption speed; the higher the absorptive capacity, the more liquid the material can hold; the faster the wicking rate, the better the liquid spreading performance.

The other benefit of nonwovens absorption testing under ISO 9073-6 is that we get consistent results that can be cross-verified from other labs.
Standardized absorption test results give trust and confidence on both sides, the manufacturer and the buyers.

Applications of ISO 9073-6

Hygiene products, medical dressings, wet wipes, filtration materials, industrial nonwovens, these are the sectors in which the materials are tested under ISO 9073-6 to ensure the liquid absorption performance. For this testing, GESTER’s Non-Woven Water Absorption Testers are the best choice to perform according to the standard procedure.

NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

Applications of NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

Testing Principle
The NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) standard is also known as the Nonwovens Standard Practices test method for liquid absorption properties, widely recognized by the global nonwovens industry and related industry associations.

The Liquid Absorbency Time Tester also works by placing the fabric specimen under standardized liquid contact conditions and measuring the corresponding absorption indicators according to specified procedures.

After the absorption test, the technician examines the test data and gives a performance judgment according to the standard calculation methods.

In NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) standard, we examine core absorption properties including liquid absorbency time and liquid absorptive capacity, as well as liquid wicking performance in corresponding test scenarios.

It also follows standardized specimen preparation and test procedures like ISO 9073-6, to simulate real-world use conditions more accurately. NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) standard normally applies to various types of nonwoven fabrics, which depends on the fabric weight and application scenario.

Equipment & Configuration

The NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) standard covers both absorbency time and absorptive capacity tests, requiring testers to have accurate timing and weighing functions. In this test, our main focus is to monitor the liquid absorption process and record accurate quantitative data during the test.

That’s why both GESTER’s GESTER’s Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN26 and Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN02 can meet the requirements of this standard

If we compare it with ISO 9073-6, which has clear section divisions for different test items, the NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) integrates more test scenarios in one standard specification and is more flexible for factory quality inspection.

In this test, the technician operates the Liquid Absorbency Time Tester through the touch screen interface, sets test parameters according to standard requirements, and starts the test with one key. The instrument automatically completes the test process and records data.

For the NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) standard, we use pure water or specified test liquid as required. After the test completion, we calculate the test results according to the standard formula and compare them with product specifications.

Role of the Nonwovens Absorption Tester Under NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

The absorbency time test requires high timing accuracy and stable specimen falling motion, whereas the absorptive capacity test requires precise weighing and standardized immersion time.

GESTER’s Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN26 and Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT-CN02 have the functionality of switching between different test items with simple touch operations. These Non-Woven Water Absorption Testers provide precise control of test procedures and maintain stable test conditions throughout the process.

They have the automation for monitoring test status and record data automatically after completing the preset test steps.

Comparison Between ISO 9073‑6 and NWSP 010.1.R0 (20)

Similarities in Absorption Testing Principles

Both standards assess nonwoven liquid‑handling performance by bringing specimens into contact with test liquid under well‑defined laboratory conditions.

Both standards measure three key attributes: liquid absorbency time, liquid absorptive capacity and liquid wicking rate.

Both standards require specimen pre‑conditioning and use numerical outputs for test reports. Test results from both standards guide manufacturers and purchasers for quality verification of hygiene, medical and industrial nonwoven goods.

Major Differences in Specimen Preparation, Evaluation, and Grading Systems

ISO 9073‑6 contains three independent sections. Section 4 specifies liquid absorbency‑time test procedure; Section 5 defines liquid absorptive‑capacity test; Section 6 covers liquid wicking‑rate test. Each section has dedicated specimen‑preparation guidance.

NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) integrates these three absorption‑performance items within one single standard document. It has slight differences on specimen quantity, draining‑time parameters and calculation formula compared with ISO 9073‑6.

ISO 9073‑6 is widely adopted as global ISO reference standard. NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) is heavily used for nonwoven commodity trade within North‑American markets.

Both standards produce numerical test results instead of subjective grade scales. Operators get absorbency time in seconds, absorptive capacity in percentage, and wicking‑rate value. NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) puts more focus on test‑method practicability for industrial nonwoven quality‑control workflows.

GESTER Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT‑CN26 and Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT‑CN02, jointly fulfil test requirements of ISO 9073‑6 and NWSP 010.1.R0 (20).

Automatic Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT‑CN26 covers ISO 9073‑6 Section 4 liquid absorbency‑time test and corresponding NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) absorbency‑time items. It supports simulated wire‑basket free‑fall movement, transparent water‑tank observation, high‑precision sensor, touch‑screen menus and built‑in thermal printer.

Nonwovens Absorption Tester GT‑CN02 completes ISO 9073‑6 Section 5 liquid absorptive capacity, Section 6 liquid wicking‑rate tests plus relevant NWSP 010.1.R0 (20) test items. It is equipped with touch‑screen control and built‑in mini‑printer for direct data printout.

For more information on nonwovens absorption testing standards or nonwoven absorption testing equipment requirements, please contact us anytime!

‑ Tel : +86-595-28886108
‑ Email : marketing@gester-instruments.com

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