How Yards of Polyester Are Made Into Fabric
-
Basics
-
Polyester is a type of polymer that is often used to make fabric that contains both synthetic and natural materials. There are a few types of polyester which are biodegradable, but the majority of them are not, due to the amount of synthetic material used in their construction. It can be made into many different shapes, patterns and colors. Common fabric items that polyester is used in include sheets, carpets, beds, curtains, drapes and various types of clothing. Polyester does not absorb water as well as other materials used for fabrics and is therefore more resistant to staining and discoloration. When used in clothing, polyester shrinks less than many other materials.
How Polyester Is Prepared For Fabric Making
-
In its original form, polyester is a solid. For the polyester to be split into fibers it first needs to be processed into a liquid. This process is achieved by running the polyester through a solvent or by melting it using heat.
Once the polyester is converted into a liquid state, it is then run through a spinneret. A spinneret is a device used to form chemicals into a fiber. It is shaped somewhat like a shower head. The size of the holes in the spinneret will determine how many strands of fabric are produced. The size and number of the holes in the spinneret will vary depending on what the polyester will be used for. Once the polyester is run through the spinneret it is allowed to cool and form into strands of filament fiber. The thickness of the strands in fabric production is referred to as denier. Denier is the fineness of the fiber. The lower the denier rating, the thinner the fiber.
Before the polyester can be used in fabric production it must be cut into shorter lengths. When the polyester fiber exits the spinneret it comes out in long strands. Once the polyester strands are cut, the polyester fiber can be wound onto spools. The polyester yarn may then be used to create various items. -
Polyester Blending and the Weaving Process
-
Polyester is the most commonly blended fabric. This is because of its durability, stain resistance and ability to repel water better than most types of fabric. Fibers are blended so that the strong properties of each fiber in an item can each be used. Polyester is most commonly blended with cotton, acrylic or wool.
Polyester is woven by taking to sets of threads at opposite right angles and interlacing them. These are referred to in weaving as the warp and the weft respectively. The side that you designate as the warp should be held parallel to the weft. This is generally done by using a device called a loom which is a machine made specifically to weave fabrics and yarns into various textile styles.
The warp threads are passed through the heddles on at least two harnesses. After this is done the harnesses are used to move the warp threads up and down. The space created by this process is referred to as the shed. The weft side of the thread is wound onto spools. These spools are called bobbins. Once the weft side of the thread is wound onto the bobbins it is situated in the shuttle portion of the loom. This takes the weft thread back through the shed space created previously. The structure of the weave is determined by the order in which the warp threads are lowered and raised.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://images.asia.ru
