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Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Textile Technology

Textile Technology

The complexity and breadth of textile terminology simply couldn’t be put into a single blog post. This sequel continues to explain some of the most popular terms you’re likely to run into if you spend time working with fabric. 


Double Rubs

Double Rubs is a term to describe a unit of measure for the standard abrasion test used in home textiles manufacturing. This test conforms to a strict procedure so that all results can be accurately evaluated and compared. The test is performed with an apparatus called a Wyzenbeek Abrasion Tester, in which 4 standard-sized swatches of fabrics are placed over an oscillating drum with an abrasive surface. The fabrics are placed against the drum with a standard weight to ensure the sample makes complete contact with the apparatus. The term “double rub” comes from the fact that a single measurement is equal to one back and forth movement of the device. Typically, heavy-duty fabrics are anything greater than 15,000 double rubs. Most upholstery fabrics are in the range of 50,000 double rubs and most vinyls are around 100,000 double rubs. It’s important to understand double rubs and to correctly match them to the project.

Finish

Finish is a term used to describe any treatment that alters either the performance or aesthetics of a fabric after manufactured. Finishes can include chemical treatments to increase a fabric’s flame resistance, mildew resistance, UV resistance, abrasion durability, antimicrobial properties, etc. Crypton® Home and Revolution® are well-known examples of fabrics with a performance finish. Finishes that alter the appearance of fabric include processes such as embossing or calendaring, which involve passing a fabric through weighted rollers, either with a smooth heated surface or with a raised pattern. The calendaring process increases the smoothness and luster of fabric, while the embossing process is used to press prints and designs into the surface of the fabric. Finishes are one of the most popular ways to add functionality and usefulness to a fabric.

written by Will Reiber, B.S. in Textile Technology


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