CA1037694A - Method of finishing knitted fabrics - Google Patents
Method of finishing knitted fabricsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1037694A CA1037694A CA219,229A CA219229A CA1037694A CA 1037694 A CA1037694 A CA 1037694A CA 219229 A CA219229 A CA 219229A CA 1037694 A CA1037694 A CA 1037694A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- finishing
- approximately
- set forth
- range
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Knitting Of Fabric (AREA)
Abstract
METHOD OF FINISHING KNITTED FABRICS
Abstract of the Disclosure A method of finishing a knitted fabric composed at least in part of synthetic fibers, wherein the fabric first is heated and pressed by the passage thereof through the nip formed by two juxtapositioned rollers, second is cooled by blow-ing a gas thereon, and finally is again heated to relieve internal stresses imparted thereto by the prior steps.
.
Abstract of the Disclosure A method of finishing a knitted fabric composed at least in part of synthetic fibers, wherein the fabric first is heated and pressed by the passage thereof through the nip formed by two juxtapositioned rollers, second is cooled by blow-ing a gas thereon, and finally is again heated to relieve internal stresses imparted thereto by the prior steps.
.
Description
:. `
~0376941 - - .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many methods are known for finishing fabrics of various types to improve their physical and aesthetic qualities. Exem-plary of such known methods are those disclosed in Bossard Patent No. 1,797,398, Nuernberg Patent No. 1,967,130 and Benger Patent No. 2,365,931. As suggested by the disclosures of these patents, the prior art methods characteristically employ various combinations of steps, including various combinations of heating, pressing and cooling. While such prior art methods undoubtedly are satisfactory for finishing various types of fabrics, none of such methods has proved to be particularly successful for finish-ing apparel denier knitted ~abric~ composed at least in part o~
synthetic fibers, i. e. polyester, acrylic and nylon fibers and blends of such fibers with natural fibers.
In contrast to the prior art fabric finishing methods, the method of the invention has been found to be-particularly efficacious for finishing apparel denier knitted fabrics com-posed at least in part of synthetic fibers. In particular, the method imparts increased density to the fabric, thereby improv-ing its dimensional stability, and a smoothe~ surface to thefabric, thereby decreasing its tendency to pill and improving its appearance and hand.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Basically described, the method of the invention com-prises simultaneously heating and pressing a knitted fabric composed at least in part of synthetic fibers by passing the fabric through a nip formed by two juxtapositioned rollers at least one of which is heated, the heated roller having a temperature in the range of approximately 105 - 185C and the pressure at the nip being in the range of approximately 135,000 - 175,000 ponds (135-175 kiloponds) per
~0376941 - - .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many methods are known for finishing fabrics of various types to improve their physical and aesthetic qualities. Exem-plary of such known methods are those disclosed in Bossard Patent No. 1,797,398, Nuernberg Patent No. 1,967,130 and Benger Patent No. 2,365,931. As suggested by the disclosures of these patents, the prior art methods characteristically employ various combinations of steps, including various combinations of heating, pressing and cooling. While such prior art methods undoubtedly are satisfactory for finishing various types of fabrics, none of such methods has proved to be particularly successful for finish-ing apparel denier knitted ~abric~ composed at least in part o~
synthetic fibers, i. e. polyester, acrylic and nylon fibers and blends of such fibers with natural fibers.
In contrast to the prior art fabric finishing methods, the method of the invention has been found to be-particularly efficacious for finishing apparel denier knitted fabrics com-posed at least in part of synthetic fibers. In particular, the method imparts increased density to the fabric, thereby improv-ing its dimensional stability, and a smoothe~ surface to thefabric, thereby decreasing its tendency to pill and improving its appearance and hand.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
Basically described, the method of the invention com-prises simultaneously heating and pressing a knitted fabric composed at least in part of synthetic fibers by passing the fabric through a nip formed by two juxtapositioned rollers at least one of which is heated, the heated roller having a temperature in the range of approximately 105 - 185C and the pressure at the nip being in the range of approximately 135,000 - 175,000 ponds (135-175 kiloponds) per
-2-~037~;94 s~are centimeter; cooling the fabric lmmediately after passage thereof through the nip by blowing a gas thereon having approx-imately ambient temperature; and again heating the fabric by passing it through a zone having a temperature in the range of approximately 100 - 180C, thereby relieving internal stresses imparted to the fabric by the simultaneous heating and pressing and the cooling steps.
This invention will be more apparent from the foliowing description of a preferred embodiment thereof given in connection with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the initial portion of the method of the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the remaining portion of the method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
The method of the invention is particularly adapted for finishing apparel denier, i.e. 40 - 150 denier, knitted fabrics composed a~ least in part of synthetic fibers, including fabrics compos4d entirely of synthetic fibers and of blends of synthetic and natural fibers. The method has been found to be particuarly efficacious for finishing fabrics composed of blends of poly-ester and cotton fibers.
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a roll 10 of a fabric to be finished conveniently is rotatably mounted adjacent a nip 12 formed by two juxtapositioned rotatably mounted rollers 14 and 16. Preferably, roller 14 is a metallic-surfaced roller which is heated by any conventional means, such as by heated fluid passage or electrical resistance means positioned internally of ~ LQ376991 t.~ roller. For finishing knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, ~oller 14 is heated to a temperature in the range of approximately 105 - 185C. Also, preferablyl the peripheral surface of roller 16 is formed by a cushioning material, such as compressed cotton. If desired, roller 16 also may be heated but generally only one of the rollers need be heated.
Rollers 14 and 16 are mounted in adjustable journals which permit the pressure at nip 12 to be regulated. For finish-; ing knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, the journals for rollers 14 and 16 are adjusted so that the pressure at nip12 is in the range of approximately 135,000 - 175,000 ponds per square centimeter (135-175 kiloponds per square centimeter).
Rollers 14 and 16 are rotated by conventional driving means (not shown), with the peripheral velocity of roller 14 being slightly greater than that of roller 16. The coefficient of friction of the peripheral surface of roller 16 is greater than that of roller 14 so that as the fabric passes through nip 12 the fabric is wiped slightly by the peripheral surface of roller 14. Stated somewhat differently, there is a slight amount of frictional slippage between the fabric and the peri-pheral surface of roller 14 at nip 12.
Immediately after passage through nip 12, the fabric is cooled by blowing a gas thereon having approximately ambient temperature, i.e. a temperature in the range of approximately 20 -25C. Preferably, the cooling gas is air which is blown onto the fabric through appropriate ducting 18. Thereafter, the fabric conveniently is wound up onto a rotatably mounted take-up roll 20.
Take-up roll 20 is then repositioned and rotatably mounted adjacent the entrance to a heating zone, which conven-Cii,,~, , ~ .,, 1/~37694 iently may comprise a heating chamber ~2. The fabric is passedfrom roll 20, through chamber 22 and onto a rotatably mounted finished fabric roll 24. During the passage of the fabric from roll 20 onto roll ~4, it is subjected to a tensional pulling force only great enough to move it along the desired path through chamber 22. For knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, the temperature within chamber 22 is slightly higher than the temperature of the fabric just prior to entering such chamber.
Generally, as the fabric leaves roll 20, it will have a tempera-ture in the range of approximately 75 - 155C. The temperature within chamber 22 is maintained slightly higher than this tempera-ture in the range of approximately 100 - 180C.
Knitted fabrics finished by the method of the invention have a density which is 20 - 25 percent greater than the density of untreated fabrics. Such higher density significantly improves the dimensional stability of the fabric. Also, fabrics finished by the method of the invention have a much smoother surface than untreated fabrics, resulting in decreased pilling tendencies and improved appearance and hand.
As is apparent, the method is relatively simple and ine~pensive and does not significantly increase the cost of the finished fabric.
Although the physical phenomena which occur during the method of the invention may not be completely understood at this time, it is believed that the following is an accurate descrip-tion of such phenomena. It is doubtful that the method has any structural effect on any natural fibers that may be contained in the fabric. With respect to synthetic fibers, however, it is believed that the intial heating and pressing step plastically flattens such fibers and further plastically deforms such fibers ~0~76~99L
in the direction in which they are elastically deformed during knitting.
The cooling step is believed to set the synthetic fibers in the plastically flattened and deformed orientation achieved during the prior heating and pressing step. Finally, the final heating step is believed to relieve intern~l stresses which may be imparted to the synthetic fibers during the previous two steps of the method.
The slight wiping of the fabric which occurs at nip 12 is analogous to conventional ironing and insures that the fabric is smooth and flat.
While it is believed that the foregoing is an accurate description of the relevant physical phenomena, it is to be understood that applicant is not bound by such description. Irre-spective of the particular phenomena which occur during the method, it has been found that the readily observable improved properties of the finished fabric, as described hereinabove, will be achieved as a result of practicing the method.
The following is an example of the method of the invention:
EXAMPLE
A fabric knitted from 100 denier yarn composed of 60 percent cotton fibers and 40 percent polyester fibers is finished by the method of the invention. The oerating parameters are as follows:
Temperature at nip 12 - 175 C;
Pressure at nip 12 - 170,000 ponds (170 kiloponds) per square centimeters; and Temperature within chamber 22 - 170C.
After finishing, the density of the fabric is increased ~' 1(~3769~
by twenty-three percent and the surface of the fabric is markedly smoother than before finishing.
While the foregoing constitutes a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is recognized that modi-fications thereof within the scope of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
'
This invention will be more apparent from the foliowing description of a preferred embodiment thereof given in connection with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the initial portion of the method of the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the remaining portion of the method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
The method of the invention is particularly adapted for finishing apparel denier, i.e. 40 - 150 denier, knitted fabrics composed a~ least in part of synthetic fibers, including fabrics compos4d entirely of synthetic fibers and of blends of synthetic and natural fibers. The method has been found to be particuarly efficacious for finishing fabrics composed of blends of poly-ester and cotton fibers.
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a roll 10 of a fabric to be finished conveniently is rotatably mounted adjacent a nip 12 formed by two juxtapositioned rotatably mounted rollers 14 and 16. Preferably, roller 14 is a metallic-surfaced roller which is heated by any conventional means, such as by heated fluid passage or electrical resistance means positioned internally of ~ LQ376991 t.~ roller. For finishing knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, ~oller 14 is heated to a temperature in the range of approximately 105 - 185C. Also, preferablyl the peripheral surface of roller 16 is formed by a cushioning material, such as compressed cotton. If desired, roller 16 also may be heated but generally only one of the rollers need be heated.
Rollers 14 and 16 are mounted in adjustable journals which permit the pressure at nip 12 to be regulated. For finish-; ing knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, the journals for rollers 14 and 16 are adjusted so that the pressure at nip12 is in the range of approximately 135,000 - 175,000 ponds per square centimeter (135-175 kiloponds per square centimeter).
Rollers 14 and 16 are rotated by conventional driving means (not shown), with the peripheral velocity of roller 14 being slightly greater than that of roller 16. The coefficient of friction of the peripheral surface of roller 16 is greater than that of roller 14 so that as the fabric passes through nip 12 the fabric is wiped slightly by the peripheral surface of roller 14. Stated somewhat differently, there is a slight amount of frictional slippage between the fabric and the peri-pheral surface of roller 14 at nip 12.
Immediately after passage through nip 12, the fabric is cooled by blowing a gas thereon having approximately ambient temperature, i.e. a temperature in the range of approximately 20 -25C. Preferably, the cooling gas is air which is blown onto the fabric through appropriate ducting 18. Thereafter, the fabric conveniently is wound up onto a rotatably mounted take-up roll 20.
Take-up roll 20 is then repositioned and rotatably mounted adjacent the entrance to a heating zone, which conven-Cii,,~, , ~ .,, 1/~37694 iently may comprise a heating chamber ~2. The fabric is passedfrom roll 20, through chamber 22 and onto a rotatably mounted finished fabric roll 24. During the passage of the fabric from roll 20 onto roll ~4, it is subjected to a tensional pulling force only great enough to move it along the desired path through chamber 22. For knitted fabrics of the type described hereinabove, the temperature within chamber 22 is slightly higher than the temperature of the fabric just prior to entering such chamber.
Generally, as the fabric leaves roll 20, it will have a tempera-ture in the range of approximately 75 - 155C. The temperature within chamber 22 is maintained slightly higher than this tempera-ture in the range of approximately 100 - 180C.
Knitted fabrics finished by the method of the invention have a density which is 20 - 25 percent greater than the density of untreated fabrics. Such higher density significantly improves the dimensional stability of the fabric. Also, fabrics finished by the method of the invention have a much smoother surface than untreated fabrics, resulting in decreased pilling tendencies and improved appearance and hand.
As is apparent, the method is relatively simple and ine~pensive and does not significantly increase the cost of the finished fabric.
Although the physical phenomena which occur during the method of the invention may not be completely understood at this time, it is believed that the following is an accurate descrip-tion of such phenomena. It is doubtful that the method has any structural effect on any natural fibers that may be contained in the fabric. With respect to synthetic fibers, however, it is believed that the intial heating and pressing step plastically flattens such fibers and further plastically deforms such fibers ~0~76~99L
in the direction in which they are elastically deformed during knitting.
The cooling step is believed to set the synthetic fibers in the plastically flattened and deformed orientation achieved during the prior heating and pressing step. Finally, the final heating step is believed to relieve intern~l stresses which may be imparted to the synthetic fibers during the previous two steps of the method.
The slight wiping of the fabric which occurs at nip 12 is analogous to conventional ironing and insures that the fabric is smooth and flat.
While it is believed that the foregoing is an accurate description of the relevant physical phenomena, it is to be understood that applicant is not bound by such description. Irre-spective of the particular phenomena which occur during the method, it has been found that the readily observable improved properties of the finished fabric, as described hereinabove, will be achieved as a result of practicing the method.
The following is an example of the method of the invention:
EXAMPLE
A fabric knitted from 100 denier yarn composed of 60 percent cotton fibers and 40 percent polyester fibers is finished by the method of the invention. The oerating parameters are as follows:
Temperature at nip 12 - 175 C;
Pressure at nip 12 - 170,000 ponds (170 kiloponds) per square centimeters; and Temperature within chamber 22 - 170C.
After finishing, the density of the fabric is increased ~' 1(~3769~
by twenty-three percent and the surface of the fabric is markedly smoother than before finishing.
While the foregoing constitutes a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is recognized that modi-fications thereof within the scope of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
'
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of finishing a knitted fabric composed at least in part of synthetic fibers, said method comprising the steps of: simultaneously heating and pressing said fabric by passing the fabric through a nip formed by two juxtapositioned rollers at least one of which is heated, said heated roller having a temperature in the range of approximately 105° - 185°C and the pressure at said nip being in the range of approximately 135 to 175 kiloponds per square centimeter; cooling said fabric immed-iately after passage thereof through said nip by blowing a gas thereon having approximately ambient temperature; and again heat-ing said fabric by passing the fabric through a zone having a temperature in the range of approximately 100° - 180°C, thereby relieving internal stresses imparted to the fabric by said simul-taneous heating and pressing and said cooling steps.
2. A method of finishing a knitted fabric as set forth in claim 1, wherein just prior to said second heating steps said fabric has a temperature in the range of approximately 75° -155°C.
3. A method of finishing a knitted fabric as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fabric is composed of a blend of synthetic and natural fibers.
4. A method of finishing a knitted fabric as set forth in claim 2, wherein said fabric is composed of a blend of synthetic and natural fibers.
5. A method of finishing a knitted fabric as set forth in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said fabric is composed of a blend of polyester and cotton fibers.
6. A method of finishing a knitted fabric as set forth in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein during said simultaneous heating and pressing step, the peripheral surface of said heated roller frictionally slips relative to said fabric.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US54096175A | 1975-01-14 | 1975-01-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1037694A true CA1037694A (en) | 1978-09-05 |
Family
ID=24157625
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA219,229A Expired CA1037694A (en) | 1975-01-14 | 1975-02-03 | Method of finishing knitted fabrics |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5182094A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7503283A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1037694A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3433230A1 (en) * | 1984-09-11 | 1986-03-20 | MTM Obermaier GmbH & Co KG, 6733 Haßloch | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ELIMINATING THE LENGTH DISTANCE OF HOSE KNITTED GOODS |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5527022B2 (en) * | 1972-09-04 | 1980-07-17 |
-
1975
- 1975-02-03 CA CA219,229A patent/CA1037694A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-04-17 JP JP4695175A patent/JPS5182094A/en active Pending
- 1975-05-23 BR BR7504196A patent/BR7503283A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR7503283A (en) | 1976-08-17 |
| JPS5182094A (en) | 1976-07-19 |
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