4-point System
The 4-point system is an inspection method used during fabric inspection to score defects found in fabric according to their size and severity, up to a maximum of 4 points, in order to evaluate the quality of each roll.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
The 4-point system is an evaluation method in which fabric defects such as weaving flaws, stains, dye unevenness, holes, and broken yarns are checked during fabric inspection and scored according to their size and type. Each defect is scored from 1 to 4 points.
The total points for the entire roll are converted to a per-area basis and compared with a predetermined standard value to determine pass/fail status or grading. It is used to share inspection standards between trading partners and to check the quality of roll goods upon receipt or before cutting.
Evaluation Features
A key feature is that defects are not judged simply by whether they are present or not, but can be quantified by severity. It makes it easier to compare the quality of each roll, and by recording defect trends and lot-to-lot differences, it can also help improve production processes.
However, this method does not indicate physical properties such as the fabric’s hand, thickness, luster, or stretch. Even if the 4-point system result is favorable, it is still necessary to separately confirm the required applications, strength, and dimensional stability.
- Definition of the defects to be covered
- How to measure defect dimensions
- How to convert to an area basis
- Standard value for acceptance
- Handling of defects at the edge or selvedge
Main Applications
It is mainly used when receiving woven or knit roll goods, or when inspecting before shipment to control quality. It can be considered for all fabrics that will be cut and made into products, such as shirts, jackets, pants, and outerwear.
It is not a method for classifying seasons or garment categories themselves. Because defects that are easy to see in lightweight fabrics and defects that are hard to see in heavyweight or brushed items differ, inspection conditions are set according to the fabric type and the appearance of the final product.
Operational Notes
When adopting it, it is important to standardize the inspection machine lighting, inspection speed, inspection width, defect samples, and judge training. Because different conditions can lead to different judgments for the same roll, the inspection record should include the conditions and defect locations.
Shrinkage, changes in appearance after washing, and puckering during sewing cannot be fully evaluated by roll inspection alone. Before mass production, perform cutting, sewing, and washing or product testing, and confirm the marking and cutting plan so that defects do not end up in visible areas of the product.
Differences from Similar Terms
Fabric inspection refers to the work itself of spreading out the fabric and checking it visually. The 4-point system is the method used to score and evaluate the defects found during that inspection. Even if fabric inspection is performed, the 4-point system is not necessarily being used.
Fabric defects is a general term for phenomena to be evaluated, such as weaving flaws and stains. B-grade goods may sometimes refer in trade to rolls that are not treated as first-quality goods according to a certain standard. The 4-point system is used as one of the criteria when making such judgments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 4-point system evaluate all aspects of fabric quality?
No. It is mainly a method for scoring visible fabric defects. Hand, shrinkage rate, durability, tensile strength, and post-sewing appearance require separate tests or checks. Manage the necessary quality items together according to the intended use of the final product.
Are the standards for the 4-point system common?
There are operational differences in defect scoring methods and per-area pass/fail standards depending on the trading partner, material, and application. When placing an order, clarify the target defects, scoring criteria, conversion method, tolerance, and handling during reinspection in advance in the specifications or similar documents.
