Global Quality Department

Valid for all brands in H&M group

27 August 2012

PULL FORCE TEST OF BUTTONS AND ACCESSORIES

Introduction
The button and accessory test apparatus should be of a well known brand.
The apparatus should include;

1. Table machine preferable with the turning wheel on the side instead of at the top.
2. Upper snap clamp for press button female part.
3. Upper stud clamp for press button male part.
4. 3-pronged clamp with long claws or similar such as a button box, for testing sewn on
buttons and jeans buttons.
5. Long nose wise grip for testing accessories such as buckles, bows and other
decorations.
6. Small part testing cylinder.
7. Goggles to protect your eyes when testing

Versions of document
Version Date Changes Made Page
1:1 2010-10 Original Document
1:2 2012-08-27 Formatting only
Table of Content
1 Test procedure .................................................................................................... 2
2 Supplier’s guideline for tests.................................................................................. 3
2.1 Test before production. .................................................................................. 3
2.2 Test during production. .................................................................................. 3
2.3 Avoid garment mixing. ................................................................................... 3
2.4 Test failure ................................................................................................... 3
2.5 Tested garments ........................................................................................... 3

1 TEST PROCEDURE
• All pull force tests must be carried out on a snap testing apparatus, by supplier’s
internal staff, QC team or lab personnel.

• Staffs that perform the tests must pass training before being allowed to carry out
pull force test on buttons and accessories according to H&M requirements.

• Apply a gradually increasing pull force up to 90 Newton, and hold 10 seconds and
write down the actual result for each test (don’t pull higher than 90 N).

• Repeat the procedure on all different kind of attached buttons or accessories.

• It is essential to consult attaching machine supplier for advice on appropriate choice

of button/accessory and machinery to be used.

• The attaching machine for press buttons, jeans buttons, rivets and eyelets should be
of a well-known brand.

• All sewn on buttons must be attached with a proper lock stitch machine.

Pull force test of buttons and accessories 2(3)

Version 1:2
2 SUPPLIER’S GUIDELINE FOR TESTS

2.1 Test before production.

All different accessories must be checked, attached and tested. Results must be discussed
during the pre production meeting, and records kept.

2.2 Test during production.

1. “Machine test” every morning.
Regularly calibrate to check that all button/accessory attaching machines are
working properly. This “machine test” can be done on a mock up sample.

2. Continually “garment tests” every 4th hour.

Test a just finished garment. Test all buttons/accessories attached by that machine.

3. Hourly “garment tests” are done when a test fails

First find and solve the problem before start attaching buttons or accessories again.
Then test a just finished garment. Test all buttons/accessories attached by that
machine. At least 5 hourly “garment tests” must pass with OK result, before you can
go back to testing every 4th hour.

2.3 Avoid garment mixing.

Keep garments from different button/accessory attaching machines separate between
“garment tests”. Only when OK test result is established you can mix garments from
different lots.

2.4 Test failure

• If any attached accessory fails during testing (fails a pull force of 90 N for 10
seconds), supplier must take immediate action.
• Stop the attachment procedure.
• Find the reason for failure and solve it before continuing.
• If a major problem occurs, supplier must contact H&M local Production office.
• All garments separately kept from last performed “garment test” must be considered
as rejects.
• H&M local Production office must be informed, if there is a possibility to manually
sort out usable garments from the rejects.
• Random tests must be performed on the usable garments from the manual check.

2.5 Tested garments

• Tested garments must be marked and kept separate.
• Records and tested garments must be available for H&M staff during production.
• Records must be kept for 6 month after shipment.

Note:

• Tested garments are rejects and cannot be included in the shipment!

• All test records must be kept on an H&M test report.

• When you as a supplier have signed the Standard Purchase Conditions, you
have the responsibility to fulfil the children safety requirements and make
sure that all buttons and accessories withstand a pull force of 90N on all
baby and children products

Pull force test of buttons and accessories 3(3)

Version 1:2