Basics of Textile testing

TEXTILE TESTING

To those engaged in the production, distribution, and consumption of textiles, testing can be a valuable aid provided that the instruments and techniques are used effectively. When tests are mad the results must be studied carefully so that the right course of action may be taken. Testing instrument cannot make decisions, and in the end some person has to interpret the data and issue the necessary instructions for future action. Testing is, therefore a means to an end and not an end in itself. The fact that a material has been tested, no matter how accurately, does not enhance its technical quality.

It has been said that the subject of textile testing can be covered by answering the “W” questions.

·        Why do we test?

·        What do we test?

·        When do we test?

·        Who does the test?

OBJECTIVE OF TESTING

RESEARCH:

The road along which the research worker travels is characterised by cross roads, fork roads, and bridges. At each stages there is a choice of directions. The results of testing in research will help the scientist to decide which route to follow next.

SELECTION OF RAW MATERIALS:

“Raw material” is a relative term; the raw material of spinner is the fibre, the raw material of weaver is yarn, and that of the finisher is cloth. One attribute common to most textile raw materials is there variation in quality. Fibres vary in length, colour and fineness; yarns vary in count, strength, and twist; fabrics vary in threads per inch, freedom from faults, and shrinkages.

Since the prevention is better than cure it is sound policy to test the available raw materials to ensure the smooth running of production process. Unsuitable materials can be rejected or perhaps put to another use. The standards by which materials accepted or rejected must be realistic, otherwise much will be rejected which in fact is good enough, or else large amounts of inferior material will find its way into the flow of production and cause trouble.

The testing of fibres is generally so important when dealing with man-made fibres and man-made continuous filament yarns, because they are supplied to customers’ requirements and there properties, including length, colour, and fineness are determined and controlled during their manufacture.

PROCESS CONTROL:

When goes out of control the amount of waste and the number of seconds increase, costs go up, and very often tempers too. Higher end-breakages in spinning and winding departments and excessive loom stops due to warp or weft breaks affects the operatives as well as production. A plan of production requires certain standard levels to which materials in process must conform.

For maximum effectiveness the “process control” test should be close to the processing machinery. Quick answers are required to prevent excessive amounts of faulty material from getting through before detection.

PROCESS DEVELOPMENT:

Process development may be considered as a form of applied research. The experimental work involved may be carried out in research institutes, in pilot plants within the boundaries of the mill, or perhaps on the actual processing machinery. In each case investigations into better, cheaper, and quicker methods of manipulating fibres and yarn are made.

PRODUCT TESTING:

If we could be absolutely certain that our choice of raw materials was right and that our system of process control had maintained the stipulated standard levels, and then we could pack the end-products into case with confidence, knowing that they would fulfill their intended purposes satisfactorily. Our knowledge of the effect of many variables possible in the structures of yarns and fabrics, including the effects of physical and chemical treatments, is limited.