Factors Influencing the Exact Replication of Double-Knit Fabrics Part II: Textured Polyester Fabrics

Abstract

Changes in the dimensions of double-knit fabrics from textured-polyester fabric can be caused by altering knitting machine settings other than run-in and run-in-ratio. The machine settings studied which are responsible for the majority of the variation in dimensions are the take-down tension, stretcher-board width, and the yarn tension before the positive feed system. The effects of altering the machine settings remain statistically significant in unset fabric, even after a severe relaxation treatment and a heat-setting treatment under controlled conditions is required to further reduce their magnitude. Re laxation of the fabric before heat-setting reduces the magnitude of the effects more than a heat-setting treatment alone. Other important aspects of finishing textured-polyester fabric are the level of fabric extension during setting and the temperature of washing used to assess the dimensional stability.