An air permeability tester is a laboratory instrument used to measure how easily air passes through a material such as textiles, paper, nonwovens, or filters under controlled pressure conditions.
It provides a quantitative measurement of airflow rate, helping evaluate breathability, porosity, and material structure.
Air permeability testers measure:
Airflow rate through material
Pressure difference across sample
Material resistance to air passage
Output is usually expressed in:
L/m²/s
cm³/cm²/s
mm/s (depending on standard)
A material sample is placed in the test chamber
Controlled air pressure is applied
Air flows through the material
Sensors measure airflow rate
System calculates permeability value
Higher airflow = higher permeability
Lower airflow = tighter material structure
Air permeability testers are used to evaluate how air passes through materials for performance and quality control.
Textile breathability testing (garments, fabrics)
Paper and packaging porosity testing
Filter and membrane performance evaluation
Nonwoven and medical material testing
Foam and industrial material airflow resistance
Different testers are used depending on material and precision level:
Used for fabrics, garments, and apparel materials.
Used for paperboard, packaging, and corrugated materials.
Digital systems with automated airflow measurement.
Basic laboratory models for standard testing.
Used for materials requiring different pressure ranges.
Textile and apparel manufacturing
Paper and packaging industry
Medical and healthcare materials
Filtration and nonwoven production
Research and academic laboratories
Airflow rate
Pressure differential
Test area size
Material thickness
Environmental conditions (humidity & temperature)
Selection depends on:
Material type (fabric, paper, foam, filter)
Required testing standard (ASTM / ISO)
Pressure and airflow range
Level of automation
Sample size compatibility
Modern instruments include:
Digital airflow measurement systems
Stable pressure control
Interchangeable sample holders
Automated calibration features
Data recording and analysis systems
These are inversely related properties.
What is an air permeability tester used for?
It is used to measure how easily air passes through a material under controlled pressure.
Which materials can be tested?
Textiles, paper, nonwovens, foams, films, and filter media.
What industries use air permeability testing?
Textile, packaging, healthcare, filtration, and research industries.
What affects air permeability results?
Pressure, sample thickness, humidity, temperature, and material structure.
Is air permeability the same as porosity?
No, air permeability measures airflow, while porosity measures pore structure.
How is calibration done?
Using reference standards or calibrated airflow systems to ensure accuracy.
An air permeability tester is a laboratory instrument used to measure how easily air passes through materials such as textiles, paper, nonwovens, foams, and filter media under a controlled pressure difference. It helps determine material breathability, porosity, and airflow resistance, making it essential for quality control, product development, and compliance with ASTM and ISO standards.
