Garments Costing Procedure | Woven Garment Costing | Different Terms of Costing

Article is Written By
Fazlay Rabby James
Merchandiser
FCI BD Ltd.

Costing: Costing is a very familiar word in Garments Industry and can be said as a heart of merchandising. It is also known as Cost sheet, Budget Sheet, BOM (Bill of Material) etc. Actually costing is nothing but a summation of different components price of a garments. But in garments industry especially for beginners costing is considered as very difficult task to learn. This article will give a brief idea about costing through which a beginner can easily understand how to calculate the garments price.

Below is a very common used table to do costing of a garments. Generally costing need to do in Microsoft Excel as to calculate the price of a garment some formulations are required. Before going through the costing procedure if we give an eye on below table then we will get a fair idea about costing format.

In above chart there is some sub category to understand a costing more easily. The aim of costing is to calculate FOB (Freight on Board/Free On Board) price of a garment as buyer buys a garment from a garment manufacturer by this FOB price.

Already I have stated that costing is just a summation of different components price of a garment. But assembling of different component price is not so easy. A merchandiser can’t put any item’s price (either Raw Material Price or consumption or SMV) in costing sheet from his assumption. Each and every item’s price has to be authentic. To get the single price, a merchant take support from different department of his factory to collect fabric consumption, SMV and also then different component price from different trims supplier.

In a nut shell we can tell that, Costing (FOB) = Fabric Cost + Trims Cost+ CM + Wash cost (If applicable)

To do a costing we must need below information.

1.    Tech Pack/Design sketch/Sample of the particular garments with all necessary measurement.
2.    FDS (Fabric Detail Sheet)
3.    Mini Marker (Fabric Consumption)
4.    Trims Price
5.    SMV (Standard Minute Value)
6.    Wash Cost (For Denim and Over dyed program)

Tech Pack/Design Sketch/Sample of the particular garments: It is the details deign sheet by which a pattern master can make a sample pattern and can make sample. This tech pack should have all necessary measurement. A tech pack should have mention all necessary operation, stitching details, component reference etc.

FDS (Fabric Details Sheet): FDS contains generally some basic and mandatory information of fabric like fabric price, composition etc. An FDS must need below information.

1.    Fabric Unit Price
2.    Fabric Cut able Width & Shrinkage Percentage (Without C/W mini marker cannot be made)
3.    Fabric Article/reference number
4.    Mill Name
5.    Fabric Composition

Mini Marker: Mini Marker is a miniature version of marker which contain fabric consumption of a particular style of garments. CAD department do this part. To make mini marker we need
1.    Tech Pack/Design sketch/Sample of the particular style with all necessary measurement.
2.    Fabric Cut able Width & Shrinkage Percentage

Trims Price: Trims Price is another important part of a costing. No garments can be made without trims and accordingly without trims price it is not possible to make a costing. A merchant can collect trims price directly from trims supplier. Sometimes buying merchant source the special trims as per buyer requirement and provide trims price to factory merchant for costing purpose. 

SMV: It denotes Standard Minute Value that states the total number of minutes take to make a garment. Industrial Engineering departments are responsible to calculate SMV. It is calculated considering time of each operation. It is necessary to calculate CM of a garment.


Different Part of a Costing Sheet:
Basic Information: Each cost sheet contain some basic information by which anyone can get a rough idea about the product component and merchandiser can easily track the costing sheet for further use.

Style No: Generally costing has been submitted to buyer after submit a new development sample. And each development sample has a individual style number by which we can track the style for any further use. E.g. 001, 002, Dev-A, Dev-B, 2018MAY01, 2018JUNE04 etc.  

Style Name : Each styling isdesigned by a designer and a designer sometimes give a particular name of that style which name sometime give a basic concept about garment item. E.g. V neck Dress, Zip through Dress, Wide Leg Trouser, Ponte Leggings, Short Sleeve Blouse, Button Trough Blazer Etc.
Fabric Mill, Fabric Reference (Article No), Fabric Cut able Width:Fabric Mill name must need to mention in cost sheet. Otherwise it cannot be understand the fabric manufacturer of the garments.

Fabric Reference:Besides fabric mill name, fabric reference/fabric article number is necessary to track the fabric quality for further use. This fabric reference/article is a individual tracking number given by fabric manufacturer which is unique.

Fabric Description:Fabric description generally means the fabric composition, construction, GSM etc.

Fabric Cut able Width:It is the cut able width of a fabric which width is declared by fabric manufacturer. Fabric cut able width is very important to calculate the fabric consumption. Without fabric cut able width maker cannot be made and as a result consumption cannot be calculated.

Costing Quantity:In a costing generally we calculate FOB for per pcs garments. But besides calculate per PCS FOB we can also calculate total cost for each component for approximate order qty.

Wastage/Loading: Wastage/loading is wastage percentage considered for each individual item. It also vary from factory to factory based on their policy. Many factory considered wastage in fabric but many factory considered no wastage in fabric. But trims wastage must need for each factory and in that case generally sewing trims wastage is more than finishing trims wastage. Sometimes wastage percentage depends on order qty. If quantity less, then obviously wastage will be higher.

Fabric & Trims Fabric Cost:  This is basically shell fabric and other trims fabric cost. Shell fabric means main body fabric and trims fabric means other supporting fabric, contrast fabric, pocketing, binding, piping etc. Fusing/interlining also consider in trims fabric category.

Trims Cost: This is all necessary trims cost for a garments. 

Embellishment:Sometimes we have got special requirement from buyer such as printing, embroidery, heat seal etc. This is called embellishment.  A garment manufacturer generally makes a garment but they may not have embroidery or print facility. In that case garments manufacturer do this part (embroidery/print) in other factory with an agreed unit price under permission from buyer. This is called sub contract production. And this total cost (including garments transportation cost to the third part factory) need to consider in embellishment cost sheet.

Wash: Sometimes buyer ask wash effect in garments. In that case if garments factory have not wash facility that case garments vendor do this part with other sub contract factory. 

Test cost/ Courier Cost:  This cost required based on buyer requirement and as per agreement with buyer. Every buyer have some testing requirement and this testing need to done in third party testing company like SGS, Intertek, UL, TUV etc. To make costing of a garments we need to consider some value for testing as testing charge.

Some buyer need some special sample like SMS (Sales Man Sample), Mock Shop Sample etc and buyer generally pay for this sampling cost and in that case we can considered this cost in costing sheet.

Commercial Cost /Transportation Cost:To ship a goods there is some cost involved which operation is done by commercial department. This is generally a fixed value or percentage value on total cost of a garments which value cover all shipment, transportation and commercial cost.

Miscellaneous:No expenditure is possible without budget and this budget need to consider in particular style costing. To avoid any uncertain budget short generally every factory keep some value in hand as miscellaneous cost.

CM: In costing it denotes Cost of Making that refers the total manufacturing cost involved in making a garment. CM includes the factory operation cost to make the garments. CM of a garment depends on styling of a garment and also depends on factory standard. For easy style CM is less and in such a way for critical style CM is higher. In fact it is related with SMV and overhead cost of the respective production unit.

Therefor, to calculate accurate CM of a garment we have to consider SMV of a garment. Also each factory has e fixed CPM (Cost per Minitue) / EPM (Earn per Minitue). If we multiply this standard CPM with SMV then we will get CM of that garments. Basically CM offer is the main output of experience of a merchandiser. By the basic rules fixed by a factory management (SMVXCPM=CM) we can calculate CM but to offer more logical CM a merchandiser should have proper market knowledge about product price. By this knowledge a merchandiser can bring the business for his company by offering logical, sharp but profitable CM.

FOB without buying commission: If we sum the fabric cost, trims cost, commercial cost, miscellaneous cost and CM then we will get the garments FOB. But this FOB is without any buying commission. Generally we take order through local buying house and there have an agreement with factory and buying house that factory will pay a certain percentage of FOB as commission for confirmed order.

Garments FOB: If we add this buying commission with total cost then we will get actual garments FOB which price we can sell the product to buyer.

Offered FOB & Profit:  Garments FOB is the total cost of a garment making including raw materials cost & CM. To keep some margin on each order factory need to offer final price with some additional invisible cost as there will be some negotiation to place an order finally. 

Need to input all the individual prices in excel sheet to that is already formulated for costing and then check with your seniors or department head to offer this to buyer.

See Cost Sheet Making Practically with Example

Garments Costing Procedure | Woven Garment Costing | Different Terms of Costing

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Article is Written By
Fazlay Rabby James
Merchandiser
FCI BD Ltd.

Costing: Costing is a very familiar word in Garments Industry and can be said as a heart of merchandising. It is also known as Cost sheet, Budget Sheet, BOM (Bill of Material) etc. Actually costing is nothing but a summation of different components price of a garments. But in garments industry especially for beginners costing is considered as very difficult task to learn. This article will give a brief idea about costing through which a beginner can easily understand how to calculate the garments price.

Below is a very common used table to do costing of a garments. Generally costing need to do in Microsoft Excel as to calculate the price of a garment some formulations are required. Before going through the costing procedure if we give an eye on below table then we will get a fair idea about costing format.

In above chart there is some sub category to understand a costing more easily. The aim of costing is to calculate FOB (Freight on Board/Free On Board) price of a garment as buyer buys a garment from a garment manufacturer by this FOB price.

Already I have stated that costing is just a summation of different components price of a garment. But assembling of different component price is not so easy. A merchandiser can’t put any item’s price (either Raw Material Price or consumption or SMV) in costing sheet from his assumption. Each and every item’s price has to be authentic. To get the single price, a merchant take support from different department of his factory to collect fabric consumption, SMV and also then different component price from different trims supplier.

In a nut shell we can tell that, Costing (FOB) = Fabric Cost + Trims Cost+ CM + Wash cost (If applicable)

To do a costing we must need below information.

1.    Tech Pack/Design sketch/Sample of the particular garments with all necessary measurement.
2.    FDS (Fabric Detail Sheet)
3.    Mini Marker (Fabric Consumption)
4.    Trims Price
5.    SMV (Standard Minute Value)
6.    Wash Cost (For Denim and Over dyed program)

Tech Pack/Design Sketch/Sample of the particular garments: It is the details deign sheet by which a pattern master can make a sample pattern and can make sample. This tech pack should have all necessary measurement. A tech pack should have mention all necessary operation, stitching details, component reference etc.

FDS (Fabric Details Sheet): FDS contains generally some basic and mandatory information of fabric like fabric price, composition etc. An FDS must need below information.

1.    Fabric Unit Price
2.    Fabric Cut able Width & Shrinkage Percentage (Without C/W mini marker cannot be made)
3.    Fabric Article/reference number
4.    Mill Name
5.    Fabric Composition

Mini Marker: Mini Marker is a miniature version of marker which contain fabric consumption of a particular style of garments. CAD department do this part. To make mini marker we need
1.    Tech Pack/Design sketch/Sample of the particular style with all necessary measurement.
2.    Fabric Cut able Width & Shrinkage Percentage

Trims Price: Trims Price is another important part of a costing. No garments can be made without trims and accordingly without trims price it is not possible to make a costing. A merchant can collect trims price directly from trims supplier. Sometimes buying merchant source the special trims as per buyer requirement and provide trims price to factory merchant for costing purpose. 

SMV: It denotes Standard Minute Value that states the total number of minutes take to make a garment. Industrial Engineering departments are responsible to calculate SMV. It is calculated considering time of each operation. It is necessary to calculate CM of a garment.


Different Part of a Costing Sheet:
Basic Information: Each cost sheet contain some basic information by which anyone can get a rough idea about the product component and merchandiser can easily track the costing sheet for further use.

Style No: Generally costing has been submitted to buyer after submit a new development sample. And each development sample has a individual style number by which we can track the style for any further use. E.g. 001, 002, Dev-A, Dev-B, 2018MAY01, 2018JUNE04 etc.  

Style Name : Each styling isdesigned by a designer and a designer sometimes give a particular name of that style which name sometime give a basic concept about garment item. E.g. V neck Dress, Zip through Dress, Wide Leg Trouser, Ponte Leggings, Short Sleeve Blouse, Button Trough Blazer Etc.
Fabric Mill, Fabric Reference (Article No), Fabric Cut able Width:Fabric Mill name must need to mention in cost sheet. Otherwise it cannot be understand the fabric manufacturer of the garments.

Fabric Reference:Besides fabric mill name, fabric reference/fabric article number is necessary to track the fabric quality for further use. This fabric reference/article is a individual tracking number given by fabric manufacturer which is unique.

Fabric Description:Fabric description generally means the fabric composition, construction, GSM etc.

Fabric Cut able Width:It is the cut able width of a fabric which width is declared by fabric manufacturer. Fabric cut able width is very important to calculate the fabric consumption. Without fabric cut able width maker cannot be made and as a result consumption cannot be calculated.

Costing Quantity:In a costing generally we calculate FOB for per pcs garments. But besides calculate per PCS FOB we can also calculate total cost for each component for approximate order qty.

Wastage/Loading: Wastage/loading is wastage percentage considered for each individual item. It also vary from factory to factory based on their policy. Many factory considered wastage in fabric but many factory considered no wastage in fabric. But trims wastage must need for each factory and in that case generally sewing trims wastage is more than finishing trims wastage. Sometimes wastage percentage depends on order qty. If quantity less, then obviously wastage will be higher.

Fabric & Trims Fabric Cost:  This is basically shell fabric and other trims fabric cost. Shell fabric means main body fabric and trims fabric means other supporting fabric, contrast fabric, pocketing, binding, piping etc. Fusing/interlining also consider in trims fabric category.

Trims Cost: This is all necessary trims cost for a garments. 

Embellishment:Sometimes we have got special requirement from buyer such as printing, embroidery, heat seal etc. This is called embellishment.  A garment manufacturer generally makes a garment but they may not have embroidery or print facility. In that case garments manufacturer do this part (embroidery/print) in other factory with an agreed unit price under permission from buyer. This is called sub contract production. And this total cost (including garments transportation cost to the third part factory) need to consider in embellishment cost sheet.

Wash: Sometimes buyer ask wash effect in garments. In that case if garments factory have not wash facility that case garments vendor do this part with other sub contract factory. 

Test cost/ Courier Cost:  This cost required based on buyer requirement and as per agreement with buyer. Every buyer have some testing requirement and this testing need to done in third party testing company like SGS, Intertek, UL, TUV etc. To make costing of a garments we need to consider some value for testing as testing charge.

Some buyer need some special sample like SMS (Sales Man Sample), Mock Shop Sample etc and buyer generally pay for this sampling cost and in that case we can considered this cost in costing sheet.

Commercial Cost /Transportation Cost:To ship a goods there is some cost involved which operation is done by commercial department. This is generally a fixed value or percentage value on total cost of a garments which value cover all shipment, transportation and commercial cost.

Miscellaneous:No expenditure is possible without budget and this budget need to consider in particular style costing. To avoid any uncertain budget short generally every factory keep some value in hand as miscellaneous cost.

CM: In costing it denotes Cost of Making that refers the total manufacturing cost involved in making a garment. CM includes the factory operation cost to make the garments. CM of a garment depends on styling of a garment and also depends on factory standard. For easy style CM is less and in such a way for critical style CM is higher. In fact it is related with SMV and overhead cost of the respective production unit.

Therefor, to calculate accurate CM of a garment we have to consider SMV of a garment. Also each factory has e fixed CPM (Cost per Minitue) / EPM (Earn per Minitue). If we multiply this standard CPM with SMV then we will get CM of that garments. Basically CM offer is the main output of experience of a merchandiser. By the basic rules fixed by a factory management (SMVXCPM=CM) we can calculate CM but to offer more logical CM a merchandiser should have proper market knowledge about product price. By this knowledge a merchandiser can bring the business for his company by offering logical, sharp but profitable CM.

FOB without buying commission: If we sum the fabric cost, trims cost, commercial cost, miscellaneous cost and CM then we will get the garments FOB. But this FOB is without any buying commission. Generally we take order through local buying house and there have an agreement with factory and buying house that factory will pay a certain percentage of FOB as commission for confirmed order.

Garments FOB: If we add this buying commission with total cost then we will get actual garments FOB which price we can sell the product to buyer.

Offered FOB & Profit:  Garments FOB is the total cost of a garment making including raw materials cost & CM. To keep some margin on each order factory need to offer final price with some additional invisible cost as there will be some negotiation to place an order finally. 

Need to input all the individual prices in excel sheet to that is already formulated for costing and then check with your seniors or department head to offer this to buyer.

See Cost Sheet Making Practically with Example

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Different Types of Enzymes That are Used in Denim Washing

Article is Written By
Bidhan Sarker
Wash Technician
Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.
Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Enzymes are one kind of protein that are obtained from fermentation method from naturally existing bacteria & fungi. The structure of Enzyme is a biological polymer and it can be found in every cell. Generally called as Cellulase & it works on cotton (Cellulosic fiber) only. Enzyme are living organisms which will attack a specific molecular group.

Enzyme are very sensitive with parameters in washing cycle i.e, pH, Temperature & time. If any of these parameters are not up to the mark, result will not be accurate.The reaction of enzyme can be easily controlled, its biodegradable products, so they are eco friendly

Enzyme Classifications:

In terms of performing media pH  Enzymes are 2 types-
•    Acid Enzyme-activate in acidic media. Bath PH should keep 4.5-5.5.
•    Neutral Enzyme- actives in almost neutral media6.5- 7.5
•    Hybrid enzymes- those are mixture of enzymes to get better results in any media.

In terms of work &use there are four kinds of Enzymes available in market
•    Amylase …. Desizing
•    Cellulase …. For Salt & pepper effect, Stone wash effect, bio polishing.
•    Laccase…. … bio bleaching.
•    Catalase …… Peroxide killer. Mostly used in Knit fabric dyeing Finishing.

Basically, in denim washing Amylase, Cellulase & catalase enzymes are used widely.

Amylase:

Mainly amylase are working as a catalyst which help to degrade starch materials from the fabric. During fabric production Starch type sizing materials are used on the fabric surface. So removing those is the 1st step. Other wise  maximum chemical will not affect the main fabric area and will sub react with the starch.

Cellulase: 

Cellulase enzymes acts as an indigo/fiber cutter tools in washing. Either it hits on the indigo surface and makes Stone washing effect or cutting projecting fibers on the fabric surface. So Basically, there are 2kinds of Cellulase using for Denim washing

1.    Stone Enzyme
2.    Bio polishing Enzyme.

Cellulase Stone Enzyme has some basic nature, like-

•    Neutral Cellulase Stone enzyme gives better salt & pepper effect with very less back staining & it’s generally come sin powder form & also retains better strength of fabric than Acidic Cellulase. 

•    Acidic cellulase Stone Enzyme gives faster results but with too heavy back staining & cuts down the indigo color, also affects the strength of fabrics.  

Now a day’s laundry people needs faster results in less time & money hence chemical suppliers combined Neutral & acid cellulase in such way that it works faster & with better results than acid cellulase with cost effectiveness & known as Hybrid enzyme.

Bio Polishing Cellulase are being used to have protruded fiber removal from denim & oven fabric. This is also widely known as Anti pilling enzyme.

Any Cellulase used in process must be cleaned/killed after the process completion by simply disturbing the parameters ie. By raising high temp. or raising pH to alkaline where no Cellulase withstand.

Laccase:  

Laccase is bio bleaching agent & alternative for conventional bleaching agents. This impart greyer cast to blue denim & enhances salt & pepper effect. But due to high cost & low self-life, laundries do not prefer it. Only in few cases it is using.

Basically, this enzyme decomposes indigo molecule in some extent which causes fading the indigo color. Also, it gives a grey tone on the shade.

Different Types of Enzymes That are Used in Denim Washing

No comments

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Article is Written By
Bidhan Sarker
Wash Technician
Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.
Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Enzymes are one kind of protein that are obtained from fermentation method from naturally existing bacteria & fungi. The structure of Enzyme is a biological polymer and it can be found in every cell. Generally called as Cellulase & it works on cotton (Cellulosic fiber) only. Enzyme are living organisms which will attack a specific molecular group.

Enzyme are very sensitive with parameters in washing cycle i.e, pH, Temperature & time. If any of these parameters are not up to the mark, result will not be accurate.The reaction of enzyme can be easily controlled, its biodegradable products, so they are eco friendly

Enzyme Classifications:

In terms of performing media pH  Enzymes are 2 types-
•    Acid Enzyme-activate in acidic media. Bath PH should keep 4.5-5.5.
•    Neutral Enzyme- actives in almost neutral media6.5- 7.5
•    Hybrid enzymes- those are mixture of enzymes to get better results in any media.

In terms of work &use there are four kinds of Enzymes available in market
•    Amylase …. Desizing
•    Cellulase …. For Salt & pepper effect, Stone wash effect, bio polishing.
•    Laccase…. … bio bleaching.
•    Catalase …… Peroxide killer. Mostly used in Knit fabric dyeing Finishing.

Basically, in denim washing Amylase, Cellulase & catalase enzymes are used widely.

Amylase:

Mainly amylase are working as a catalyst which help to degrade starch materials from the fabric. During fabric production Starch type sizing materials are used on the fabric surface. So removing those is the 1st step. Other wise  maximum chemical will not affect the main fabric area and will sub react with the starch.

Cellulase: 

Cellulase enzymes acts as an indigo/fiber cutter tools in washing. Either it hits on the indigo surface and makes Stone washing effect or cutting projecting fibers on the fabric surface. So Basically, there are 2kinds of Cellulase using for Denim washing

1.    Stone Enzyme
2.    Bio polishing Enzyme.

Cellulase Stone Enzyme has some basic nature, like-

•    Neutral Cellulase Stone enzyme gives better salt & pepper effect with very less back staining & it’s generally come sin powder form & also retains better strength of fabric than Acidic Cellulase. 

•    Acidic cellulase Stone Enzyme gives faster results but with too heavy back staining & cuts down the indigo color, also affects the strength of fabrics.  

Now a day’s laundry people needs faster results in less time & money hence chemical suppliers combined Neutral & acid cellulase in such way that it works faster & with better results than acid cellulase with cost effectiveness & known as Hybrid enzyme.

Bio Polishing Cellulase are being used to have protruded fiber removal from denim & oven fabric. This is also widely known as Anti pilling enzyme.

Any Cellulase used in process must be cleaned/killed after the process completion by simply disturbing the parameters ie. By raising high temp. or raising pH to alkaline where no Cellulase withstand.

Laccase:  

Laccase is bio bleaching agent & alternative for conventional bleaching agents. This impart greyer cast to blue denim & enhances salt & pepper effect. But due to high cost & low self-life, laundries do not prefer it. Only in few cases it is using.

Basically, this enzyme decomposes indigo molecule in some extent which causes fading the indigo color. Also, it gives a grey tone on the shade.

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Classification of Denim Fabric | Different Types of Denim Fabric

 Article is Written By
Bidhan Sarker
Wash Technician
Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.
Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Denim is one of the widely used and durable fabric in textile industry. Typically, Denim is a twill fabric where warp yarns are dyed with Indigo/Sulphur and weft yarns are undyed which creates Blue top & white back appearance. This is the general specification of denim. Due to the expansion of denim industry in recent years and demand of denims for fashion which are made in different combinations and it obviously appears with different innovations.

So, considering that point of view denims can be classified in different categories which illustrates the versatility and wide range of denim developments. There are some basic type of denims are described briefly as below-

According to the fabric weight: 

 Fabric weight per unit area expresses the thickness and the compactness of the fabric which defines the end use. It can be classified into 3 groups.

1)    Light weight- weight around 4.5Oz-6Oz. Using for denim shirts/top items
2)    Medium weight- Weight range around 7Oz-10Oz. Using for kids bottom items
3)    Heavy weight- weight range around 11Oz-More. Using for ladies/men bottom items.

According to the weave Construction & mechanism:

Mostly denims are twill weave. But now there are some variations in terms of weave that are given as below.

2/1twill: it seems more like plane in appearance. Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production. 

 

Sateen: for smooth surface and silky appearance.Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production 

 

3/1twill: it seems more prominent diagonal lines.Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production.

 

Fake knit: basically, its sateen-based twill which gives like Fleece appearance on the back side. Dobby shedding mechanism are used in the production.

 

Broken: Broken twill construction is applied on this and after wash appearance seems flatter. Tapered & Dobby both shedding mechanism can be used in this production.

 

Fancy: different types of dobby/jacquard mechanisms are applied in the production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the dyeing process: 

Indigo is the main Dye for denim. But to make more variations Indigo & Sulpher dyes are combined in different ways. So based on that it can be classified as following-

1.    Indigo Blue denim (Only Indigo)
2.    Blue-Black denim (Sulphur top + Indigo Bottom or Indigo top + Sulphur bottom)
3.    Grey denim (low Sulphur concentration + Vat dye)
4.    Black Denim (only Sulphur)

According to the Finishing processes & end uses:

Considering the end use or special criteria it can be classified as following-

1.    Regular denim- regular 100% cotton, cotton poly denim with basic Finishing which ensure the dimensional stability of the fabric during washing.

2.    Selvedge denim- To Keep fabric Selvedge untwisted and used the area as styling during weaving width wise selvedge is made in different way but strong. This is basically done in weaving stage.

3.    Stretch denim- Considering comfort in wearing elastane are using in weaving. Those denims are known as stretch/comfort denim. Those types of denim Stentering& Compacting is very important to keep the Stretch & fabric width consistent

4.    Coated denim: Normally special types of coating consisting chemical mixtures are applied on the surface of the fabric to give a coated look. Those types of denims are used in Raw look garments manufacturing. /styling. 

5.    Water repellent Denim: To make the Fabric water repellent wax type coating are given on the fabric during finishing. This type of fabric is used for Jacket/some special biker jeans.

There are some other varieties like Slab Denim, Cross slab Denim, etc. But those are the variations coming because of the yarn count variations. Those can be achieved in any types. So, its not major classifications.

Classification of Denim Fabric | Different Types of Denim Fabric

No comments

Advertisements

 Article is Written By
Bidhan Sarker
Wash Technician
Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.
Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Denim is one of the widely used and durable fabric in textile industry. Typically, Denim is a twill fabric where warp yarns are dyed with Indigo/Sulphur and weft yarns are undyed which creates Blue top & white back appearance. This is the general specification of denim. Due to the expansion of denim industry in recent years and demand of denims for fashion which are made in different combinations and it obviously appears with different innovations.

So, considering that point of view denims can be classified in different categories which illustrates the versatility and wide range of denim developments. There are some basic type of denims are described briefly as below-

According to the fabric weight: 

 Fabric weight per unit area expresses the thickness and the compactness of the fabric which defines the end use. It can be classified into 3 groups.

1)    Light weight- weight around 4.5Oz-6Oz. Using for denim shirts/top items
2)    Medium weight- Weight range around 7Oz-10Oz. Using for kids bottom items
3)    Heavy weight- weight range around 11Oz-More. Using for ladies/men bottom items.

According to the weave Construction & mechanism:

Mostly denims are twill weave. But now there are some variations in terms of weave that are given as below.

2/1twill: it seems more like plane in appearance. Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production. 

 

Sateen: for smooth surface and silky appearance.Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production 

 

3/1twill: it seems more prominent diagonal lines.Tapered shedding mechanism is used in this production.

 

Fake knit: basically, its sateen-based twill which gives like Fleece appearance on the back side. Dobby shedding mechanism are used in the production.

 

Broken: Broken twill construction is applied on this and after wash appearance seems flatter. Tapered & Dobby both shedding mechanism can be used in this production.

 

Fancy: different types of dobby/jacquard mechanisms are applied in the production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the dyeing process: 

Indigo is the main Dye for denim. But to make more variations Indigo & Sulpher dyes are combined in different ways. So based on that it can be classified as following-

1.    Indigo Blue denim (Only Indigo)
2.    Blue-Black denim (Sulphur top + Indigo Bottom or Indigo top + Sulphur bottom)
3.    Grey denim (low Sulphur concentration + Vat dye)
4.    Black Denim (only Sulphur)

According to the Finishing processes & end uses:

Considering the end use or special criteria it can be classified as following-

1.    Regular denim- regular 100% cotton, cotton poly denim with basic Finishing which ensure the dimensional stability of the fabric during washing.

2.    Selvedge denim- To Keep fabric Selvedge untwisted and used the area as styling during weaving width wise selvedge is made in different way but strong. This is basically done in weaving stage.

3.    Stretch denim- Considering comfort in wearing elastane are using in weaving. Those denims are known as stretch/comfort denim. Those types of denim Stentering& Compacting is very important to keep the Stretch & fabric width consistent

4.    Coated denim: Normally special types of coating consisting chemical mixtures are applied on the surface of the fabric to give a coated look. Those types of denims are used in Raw look garments manufacturing. /styling. 

5.    Water repellent Denim: To make the Fabric water repellent wax type coating are given on the fabric during finishing. This type of fabric is used for Jacket/some special biker jeans.

There are some other varieties like Slab Denim, Cross slab Denim, etc. But those are the variations coming because of the yarn count variations. Those can be achieved in any types. So, its not major classifications.

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Basic Procedures of Denim Fabric Srinkage and Shade Checking

Article is Written By

Bidhan Sarker

Wash Technician

Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.

Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Denim Fabrics are weaved & Finished batch wise and finally delivered in rolls. Moreover, color fading variation during washing is very common in Denim production. So, it’s very important that same category or same range denims are cut, sew and wash together to keep the consistency along with the whole production. As well as Similar shrinkage group maintenance is also important to keep the garments measurements are in acceptable range.

To check and maintain all those issues Shrinkage & Blanket shade grouping is very important steps in Denim industry.Let’s see those basic procedure and checking points.

All Together Blanket: 

This is the primary checking and segregation stage.

•   Swatch size should be 12” in length and 8” in width
•   Need to attaché back side supporting fabric
•   Same as the wash target, 1 recipe. No segregation.
•   Should apply dry process if Standard have and have to achieve the color from washing.
•   2sets need to wash. 1 for segregation and another for the reference copy.
•   After washing shade segregation are done by marking shade number to keep same family shades

Group Blanket:

 This is the Second checking and segregation stage where shade wise recipe variation is set off.

• Swatch size should be 8”X8”
• According to the shade segregation, 4 sets of same (same cut piece arrangement) blankets where 2 sets are washed, and 2 sets are kept unwashed
• If the unwashed shade variations are too high, then closer shades are sewing together and wash separately to get maximum required shades.
• Cross check with the standard for the maximum shade consistency in a same group
• After checking and marking, proceed for the color continuity card 

Color Continuity Card:  

This is the final documentation and representation stage to check the whole consignment shades at a glance

• After washing all together blanket swatches they should be segregated for shade and used to make color continuity card
• Washed swatch size should be 6” in length and 7” in width. Before wash swatch size should be 6” in length and 3.5” in width. [Buyer requirement wise size might be changed]
• Swatches should be arranged in the color continuity card according to the shade family and lighter-darker.
• Shade wise fabric details are mentioned in the card so that it can be easily track.

Shrinkage Test Process: -

•  Every roll must be tested for shrinkage.
•  Shrinkage recorded in shrinkage test report
•  Need to check result against with supplier FDS (Fabric Data Sheet)
• One shrinkage group must not exceed 3% variations lengthwise/width wise. In case of warp or weft shrinkage exceedes 3%, sub grouping is necessary as illustrated below.
• For each shrinkage group need to make a size set and if required need to revise patterns.

Example: - Warp range %- 1,2,3,4,5,6

                   Weft range % :3, 4, 5

Shrinkage group	Warp range	Weft range
1	1, 2, 3,	3, 4, 5
2	4, 5, 6	3, 4, 5

Basic Procedures of Denim Fabric Srinkage and Shade Checking

No comments

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Article is Written By

Bidhan Sarker

Wash Technician

Kiabi International Supply Services Ltd, BD liaison office.

Contact:bdn.srkr@gmail.com

Denim Fabrics are weaved & Finished batch wise and finally delivered in rolls. Moreover, color fading variation during washing is very common in Denim production. So, it’s very important that same category or same range denims are cut, sew and wash together to keep the consistency along with the whole production. As well as Similar shrinkage group maintenance is also important to keep the garments measurements are in acceptable range.

To check and maintain all those issues Shrinkage & Blanket shade grouping is very important steps in Denim industry.Let’s see those basic procedure and checking points.

All Together Blanket: 

This is the primary checking and segregation stage.

•   Swatch size should be 12” in length and 8” in width
•   Need to attaché back side supporting fabric
•   Same as the wash target, 1 recipe. No segregation.
•   Should apply dry process if Standard have and have to achieve the color from washing.
•   2sets need to wash. 1 for segregation and another for the reference copy.
•   After washing shade segregation are done by marking shade number to keep same family shades

Group Blanket:

 This is the Second checking and segregation stage where shade wise recipe variation is set off.

• Swatch size should be 8”X8”
• According to the shade segregation, 4 sets of same (same cut piece arrangement) blankets where 2 sets are washed, and 2 sets are kept unwashed
• If the unwashed shade variations are too high, then closer shades are sewing together and wash separately to get maximum required shades.
• Cross check with the standard for the maximum shade consistency in a same group
• After checking and marking, proceed for the color continuity card 

Color Continuity Card:  

This is the final documentation and representation stage to check the whole consignment shades at a glance

• After washing all together blanket swatches they should be segregated for shade and used to make color continuity card
• Washed swatch size should be 6” in length and 7” in width. Before wash swatch size should be 6” in length and 3.5” in width. [Buyer requirement wise size might be changed]
• Swatches should be arranged in the color continuity card according to the shade family and lighter-darker.
• Shade wise fabric details are mentioned in the card so that it can be easily track.

Shrinkage Test Process: -

•  Every roll must be tested for shrinkage.
•  Shrinkage recorded in shrinkage test report
•  Need to check result against with supplier FDS (Fabric Data Sheet)
• One shrinkage group must not exceed 3% variations lengthwise/width wise. In case of warp or weft shrinkage exceedes 3%, sub grouping is necessary as illustrated below.
• For each shrinkage group need to make a size set and if required need to revise patterns.

Example: - Warp range %- 1,2,3,4,5,6

                   Weft range % :3, 4, 5

Shrinkage group	Warp range	Weft range
1	1, 2, 3,	3, 4, 5
2	4, 5, 6	3, 4, 5

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Classification of Textile Fiber

Based on source Textile Fibers are classified into two groups.

Vegetable or Cellulosic fibers:

The fibers that are derived from plants are called vegetable fibers. The basic material of all plant life is cellulose. Cellulose is made up of elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These cellulose fibers have certain common properties like low resilience, high density, and good conductor of heat. They are highly absorbent and are resistant to high temperature. Cotton, flax, jute, ramie, coir and sisal are some of the examples of vegetable fibers.

Animal fibers:

The fibers which are obtained from animals are called animal fibers. Wool and silk are common examples of animal fibers. They are made up of protein molecules. The basic elements in the protein molecules are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Animal fibers have high resiliency but weak when wet because they are bad conductors of heat. Alpaca, Llama, rabbit, horse and kesin are also some of the animal fibers.

Mineral fibers:

They are the inorganic materials shaped into fibers and are mainly used in the fire proof fabrics. Asbestos is the example of mineral fiber. Mineral fibers are fire proof, resistant to acids and are used for industrial purposes. Carbon and graphite are also mineral fibers.

Man made or Synthetic fibers:

These refer to those fibers that are not naturally present in nature and are made artificially by man. Man made fibres have high strength and strong, when wet low moisture absorption characteristics. Examples of man made fibers are nylon, polyester etc.

Regenerated cellulosic fibers are called semi-synthetic as raw materials are of natural source but made in laboratory. Some regenerated fibers are Viscose rayon, acetate rayon and cupramonium rayon.

Classification of Textile Fiber

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Based on source Textile Fibers are classified into two groups.

Vegetable or Cellulosic fibers:

The fibers that are derived from plants are called vegetable fibers. The basic material of all plant life is cellulose. Cellulose is made up of elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These cellulose fibers have certain common properties like low resilience, high density, and good conductor of heat. They are highly absorbent and are resistant to high temperature. Cotton, flax, jute, ramie, coir and sisal are some of the examples of vegetable fibers.

Animal fibers:

The fibers which are obtained from animals are called animal fibers. Wool and silk are common examples of animal fibers. They are made up of protein molecules. The basic elements in the protein molecules are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Animal fibers have high resiliency but weak when wet because they are bad conductors of heat. Alpaca, Llama, rabbit, horse and kesin are also some of the animal fibers.

Mineral fibers:

They are the inorganic materials shaped into fibers and are mainly used in the fire proof fabrics. Asbestos is the example of mineral fiber. Mineral fibers are fire proof, resistant to acids and are used for industrial purposes. Carbon and graphite are also mineral fibers.

Man made or Synthetic fibers:

These refer to those fibers that are not naturally present in nature and are made artificially by man. Man made fibres have high strength and strong, when wet low moisture absorption characteristics. Examples of man made fibers are nylon, polyester etc.

Regenerated cellulosic fibers are called semi-synthetic as raw materials are of natural source but made in laboratory. Some regenerated fibers are Viscose rayon, acetate rayon and cupramonium rayon.

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General Properties of Textile Fiber | Physical and Thermal Properties of Fiber

Fibers are the primary raw material of textile processing. There are many kinds of textile fibers whose general properties are similar but not exactly same to each other. Some common properties must contain by the fibers to spin into yarn. All the fibers are not textile fibers so the basic properties are very important to be a textile fiber. 

General properties of Textile Fibers are of three categories:

• Physical Properties
• Chemical Properties
• Thermal Properties

Physical Properties:

Length to width ratio:  For the processing of fibers into yarns and then fabrics length must bigger than width. The minimum length to breadth ratio is 100:1.  Length of fibers is also classified into two groups as staple and filament. Staple fibers are of relatively short length fibers; and filament fibers are long length fibers. 

Fiber Fineness: This is the properties of fiber coarseness. Fineness of a natural fiber is a major factor in ascertaining quality and is measured in microns(1 microns= 1/1000millimeter). In general, finer fibers are softer, more pliable and have better drape ability. It is expressed with micronaire value and measured in denier. In case of synthetic fibers, fineness is controlled by the size of holes of the spinneret.

Tenacity (Strength): Strength of textile fibers is referred to as their tenacity. It is determined by measuring the force required to rupture or break the fiber. Sufficient tenacity is required to withstand the mechanical and chemical processing as well as make textile products which are durable. Tenacity is directly related to the length of the polymers, degree of polymerization, strength in dry and wet conditions, and types of inter- polymer forces of attraction formed between the polymers.

Flexibility:  Fibers should be flexible or pliable in order to be made into yarns and thereafter into fabrics that permit freedom of movement. Certain end uses require greater flexibility, e.g., automobile seat belts. 

Uniformity:  Uniformity of fibers towards its length, ensure production of even yarns which can then form fabrics of uniform appearance and consistent performance.  

Cohesiveness or spinning quality: It is the ability of the fiber to stick together properly during yarn manufacturing processes. Natural fibers have inherent irregularities in their longitudinal or cross sections which permit them to adhere to each other during fiber arranging. In case of synthetics, filament lengths aid in yarn formation. Texturing introduces coils, crimps, curls or loops in the structure of an otherwise smooth filament.

Morphology:  It is the study of physical shape and form of a fiber. It includes microscopic structure like longitudinal and cross sections. These also include fiber length, fineness, crimp, color and luster. 

Physical shape: Shape of a fiber include, its longitudinal sections, cross section, surface contour, irregularities and average length.

Luster: It refers to the sheen or gloss that a fiber possesses. It is directly proportional to the amount of light reflected by a fiber. This in turn is affected by their cross section shape. It is seen when light reflected from a surface. It is more subdued than shine. Silk and synthetics have luster than cellulosic fibers. In fact synthetics have high luster which is purposefully removed during spinning.

Crimp: Wool fiber is more or less wavy and has twists. This waviness is termed as crimp. Finer the wool more will be the crimps in it. Marino wool will have 30 crimps per inch while coarse wool has only one or two. This property of havingcrimps gives elasticity to the fiber..

Elongation and Elasticity: The amount of extension or stretch that a fiber accepts is referred to as elongation. Elongation at break is the amount of stretch a fiber can take before it breaks. Elasticity is the ability of stretched material to return immediately to its original size.

Resiliency: It refers to the ability of a fiber to come back to its original position after being creased or folded. Resilient fibers recover quickly from wrinkling or creasing. Good elastic recovery usually indicates good resiliency. This property is described qualitatively and ranges from excellent to poor. Excellent resiliency is exhibited by polyester, wool and nylon fibers. Flax, rayon and cotton, on the other hand, have a low resiliency.

Moisture regain: The ability of a dry fiber to absorb moisture from atmosphere is generally termed as moisture regain. Measurements are done under standard testing conditions (70°± 2F and 65% ±2% relative humidity). 

Chemical Properties:

Water Absorbency: Fibers are of two categories inherently as hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Hydrophobic fibers have no affinity towards water and hydrophilic fibers are of opposite character. Natural fibers are good in terms of absorbency than any kind of synthetics.

Resistance Power to Acid:  Cellulosic fibers are not resistant to Acid solution whereas synthetics have good resistance power.

Resistance Power to Alkali: Cellulosic fibers have fairly resistance power to alkali, especially in mild alkaline medium it does not get harmed but in strong alkaline medium fibers become affected. Synthetics have good resistance power in both mild and strong alkali.

Thermal Properties:

 Flammability: Burning characteristics of fiber groups vary from each other and can, thus be used as an authentic identification method. Reaction to flame can be further broken down into; behavior when approaching flame, when in flame and after being removed from flame.

Electrical conductivity(Static Electricity):  It is the ability of a fiber to transfer or carry electrical charges. Poor or low conductivity results in building up of static charges. This leads to the clinging of clothing and in extreme cases can produce electrical shocks, which produce crackling sound or even a tiny spark. Acrylic is a poor conductor of electricity.  Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and fibers with high moisture regains will never face the problem of static build-up.

Abrasion: The wearing away of a material by rubbing against another surface is called abrasion. 

Other thermal characteristics of fibers are important in their use and care like washing, drying and ironing are selected on the basis of a fiber’s ability to withstand heat.

General Properties of Textile Fiber | Physical and Thermal Properties of Fiber

No comments

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Fibers are the primary raw material of textile processing. There are many kinds of textile fibers whose general properties are similar but not exactly same to each other. Some common properties must contain by the fibers to spin into yarn. All the fibers are not textile fibers so the basic properties are very important to be a textile fiber. 

General properties of Textile Fibers are of three categories:

• Physical Properties
• Chemical Properties
• Thermal Properties

Physical Properties:

Length to width ratio:  For the processing of fibers into yarns and then fabrics length must bigger than width. The minimum length to breadth ratio is 100:1.  Length of fibers is also classified into two groups as staple and filament. Staple fibers are of relatively short length fibers; and filament fibers are long length fibers. 

Fiber Fineness: This is the properties of fiber coarseness. Fineness of a natural fiber is a major factor in ascertaining quality and is measured in microns(1 microns= 1/1000millimeter). In general, finer fibers are softer, more pliable and have better drape ability. It is expressed with micronaire value and measured in denier. In case of synthetic fibers, fineness is controlled by the size of holes of the spinneret.

Tenacity (Strength): Strength of textile fibers is referred to as their tenacity. It is determined by measuring the force required to rupture or break the fiber. Sufficient tenacity is required to withstand the mechanical and chemical processing as well as make textile products which are durable. Tenacity is directly related to the length of the polymers, degree of polymerization, strength in dry and wet conditions, and types of inter- polymer forces of attraction formed between the polymers.

Flexibility:  Fibers should be flexible or pliable in order to be made into yarns and thereafter into fabrics that permit freedom of movement. Certain end uses require greater flexibility, e.g., automobile seat belts. 

Uniformity:  Uniformity of fibers towards its length, ensure production of even yarns which can then form fabrics of uniform appearance and consistent performance.  

Cohesiveness or spinning quality: It is the ability of the fiber to stick together properly during yarn manufacturing processes. Natural fibers have inherent irregularities in their longitudinal or cross sections which permit them to adhere to each other during fiber arranging. In case of synthetics, filament lengths aid in yarn formation. Texturing introduces coils, crimps, curls or loops in the structure of an otherwise smooth filament.

Morphology:  It is the study of physical shape and form of a fiber. It includes microscopic structure like longitudinal and cross sections. These also include fiber length, fineness, crimp, color and luster. 

Physical shape: Shape of a fiber include, its longitudinal sections, cross section, surface contour, irregularities and average length.

Luster: It refers to the sheen or gloss that a fiber possesses. It is directly proportional to the amount of light reflected by a fiber. This in turn is affected by their cross section shape. It is seen when light reflected from a surface. It is more subdued than shine. Silk and synthetics have luster than cellulosic fibers. In fact synthetics have high luster which is purposefully removed during spinning.

Crimp: Wool fiber is more or less wavy and has twists. This waviness is termed as crimp. Finer the wool more will be the crimps in it. Marino wool will have 30 crimps per inch while coarse wool has only one or two. This property of havingcrimps gives elasticity to the fiber..

Elongation and Elasticity: The amount of extension or stretch that a fiber accepts is referred to as elongation. Elongation at break is the amount of stretch a fiber can take before it breaks. Elasticity is the ability of stretched material to return immediately to its original size.

Resiliency: It refers to the ability of a fiber to come back to its original position after being creased or folded. Resilient fibers recover quickly from wrinkling or creasing. Good elastic recovery usually indicates good resiliency. This property is described qualitatively and ranges from excellent to poor. Excellent resiliency is exhibited by polyester, wool and nylon fibers. Flax, rayon and cotton, on the other hand, have a low resiliency.

Moisture regain: The ability of a dry fiber to absorb moisture from atmosphere is generally termed as moisture regain. Measurements are done under standard testing conditions (70°± 2F and 65% ±2% relative humidity). 

Chemical Properties:

Water Absorbency: Fibers are of two categories inherently as hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Hydrophobic fibers have no affinity towards water and hydrophilic fibers are of opposite character. Natural fibers are good in terms of absorbency than any kind of synthetics.

Resistance Power to Acid:  Cellulosic fibers are not resistant to Acid solution whereas synthetics have good resistance power.

Resistance Power to Alkali: Cellulosic fibers have fairly resistance power to alkali, especially in mild alkaline medium it does not get harmed but in strong alkaline medium fibers become affected. Synthetics have good resistance power in both mild and strong alkali.

Thermal Properties:

 Flammability: Burning characteristics of fiber groups vary from each other and can, thus be used as an authentic identification method. Reaction to flame can be further broken down into; behavior when approaching flame, when in flame and after being removed from flame.

Electrical conductivity(Static Electricity):  It is the ability of a fiber to transfer or carry electrical charges. Poor or low conductivity results in building up of static charges. This leads to the clinging of clothing and in extreme cases can produce electrical shocks, which produce crackling sound or even a tiny spark. Acrylic is a poor conductor of electricity.  Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and fibers with high moisture regains will never face the problem of static build-up.

Abrasion: The wearing away of a material by rubbing against another surface is called abrasion. 

Other thermal characteristics of fibers are important in their use and care like washing, drying and ironing are selected on the basis of a fiber’s ability to withstand heat.

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Spandex Fiber | Elastan Fiber | Properties and Uses of Lycra

The fiber Spandex, also known as Lycra and Elastane is a man made fiber carries the property of extended elasticity. It was first invented in 1958 at Dupont chemical company which is a polyether and polyeurea copolymer. To make it 85% polyurethane and 15% natural latex are used. The generic name of this fiber is mainly spandex where different location prefers to use different trade name such as Elastane in Europe and Lycra is in UK and Latin America. Lycra is the trade name of Dupont which is being used mostly among all the names. This fiber has increased the diversity of fabric making with great comfort for men, women and kids product. Blend with multiple fiber is now popular where spandex are mostly used for elasticity. Dimensional stability depends on the percentage of this fiber is used in making of fabric. 

Physical Properties of Spandex Fiber:

Cross sectional area: Though this fiber is produced and extruded through circular orifices it may appear as non circular cross sectional shapes with wide range of forms.. To make multi-filament yarns individual filaments are usually fused together where 12 to 50 filaments can use to make a yarn. The linear density of filaments ranges from 0.1 to 3 tex (g/km).

Density: It depends on the requirement and orifices but it ranges from 1.15 to 1.32 g/cc.

Moisture regain:  This is ranges from 0.8 to 1.2%.

Length: Since it is filament fiber so it can be of any size as required.

Colour: Closely white or transparent.

Luster : Looks a bit dull and less bright.

Strength: It is weaker than any other filament fiber.

Elasticity: It carries excellent elasticity.

Heat: The heat resistance varies considerably amongst the different degrades over 300 degree F.

Flammability: It burns slowly.

Electrical conductivity: It has Low electrical conductivity.

Breaking tenacity: 0.6 to 0.9grams/denier.

Chemical Properties of Spandex Fiber:

Acid: It shows quite good resistance power to most of acids unless long exposure in atmosphere.

Alkalies: Resistance power against alkali is also good.

Organic solvents: It has resistance to dry cleaning solvent.

Bleaches: It is affected by bleaching agent and lost the elastic recovery.

Dyeing: Affinity to dyestuffs is good.

Uses of Spandex Fiber:

• Active wear
• Athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
• Belts
• Bra straps and side panels
• Competitive swimwear
• Cycling jerseys and shorts ski pants
• Skinny jeans
• Socks and tights
• Swimsuits/bathing suits
• Underwear
• Wetsuits
• Triathlon suits
• Compression garments such as:
• Foundation garments
• Bra cups
• Support hose
• Gloves
• Hosiery
• Leggings
• Orthopedic braces
  
  

Spandex Fiber | Elastan Fiber | Properties and Uses of Lycra

No comments

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The fiber Spandex, also known as Lycra and Elastane is a man made fiber carries the property of extended elasticity. It was first invented in 1958 at Dupont chemical company which is a polyether and polyeurea copolymer. To make it 85% polyurethane and 15% natural latex are used. The generic name of this fiber is mainly spandex where different location prefers to use different trade name such as Elastane in Europe and Lycra is in UK and Latin America. Lycra is the trade name of Dupont which is being used mostly among all the names. This fiber has increased the diversity of fabric making with great comfort for men, women and kids product. Blend with multiple fiber is now popular where spandex are mostly used for elasticity. Dimensional stability depends on the percentage of this fiber is used in making of fabric. 

Physical Properties of Spandex Fiber:

Cross sectional area: Though this fiber is produced and extruded through circular orifices it may appear as non circular cross sectional shapes with wide range of forms.. To make multi-filament yarns individual filaments are usually fused together where 12 to 50 filaments can use to make a yarn. The linear density of filaments ranges from 0.1 to 3 tex (g/km).

Density: It depends on the requirement and orifices but it ranges from 1.15 to 1.32 g/cc.

Moisture regain:  This is ranges from 0.8 to 1.2%.

Length: Since it is filament fiber so it can be of any size as required.

Colour: Closely white or transparent.

Luster : Looks a bit dull and less bright.

Strength: It is weaker than any other filament fiber.

Elasticity: It carries excellent elasticity.

Heat: The heat resistance varies considerably amongst the different degrades over 300 degree F.

Flammability: It burns slowly.

Electrical conductivity: It has Low electrical conductivity.

Breaking tenacity: 0.6 to 0.9grams/denier.

Chemical Properties of Spandex Fiber:

Acid: It shows quite good resistance power to most of acids unless long exposure in atmosphere.

Alkalies: Resistance power against alkali is also good.

Organic solvents: It has resistance to dry cleaning solvent.

Bleaches: It is affected by bleaching agent and lost the elastic recovery.

Dyeing: Affinity to dyestuffs is good.

Uses of Spandex Fiber:

• Active wear
• Athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
• Belts
• Bra straps and side panels
• Competitive swimwear
• Cycling jerseys and shorts ski pants
• Skinny jeans
• Socks and tights
• Swimsuits/bathing suits
• Underwear
• Wetsuits
• Triathlon suits
• Compression garments such as:
• Foundation garments
• Bra cups
• Support hose
• Gloves
• Hosiery
• Leggings
• Orthopedic braces
  
  

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