In garment production, fabric relaxing and shrinking machines are essential for pre-treating fabric. They help keep fabric dimensions stable, reduce errors from shrinkage and tension, and increase production efficiency while cutting down on material waste. These machines are especially valuable for knits and stretch fabrics, where they help avoid issues like inaccurate cutting and wasted resources due to fabric size variations.
How Fabric Relaxing Machines Help: Reducing Tension and Stabilizing Fabric
Fabric used in garment factories often arrives in large rolls from textile manufacturers. During transport and storage, tension builds up in the fabric, especially in knits and high-stretch materials, creating potential issues with size stability. Traditionally, fabric is laid flat for 12 to 48 hours before cutting to release tension. However, using a fabric relaxing machine can significantly reduce this time.
Fabric relaxing machines use vibration technology to quickly release tension, returning fabric to its natural state and ensuring stable dimensions before cutting. This is particularly helpful for large orders, as relaxing machines can remove tension within a few hours, which is ideal for fabrics like denim or other high-tension materials. By stabilizing fabric and reducing errors and waste, relaxing machines can improve production efficiency and lower costs.
How Shrinking Machines Work: Controlling Shrinkage for Accurate Finished Products
Fabric shrinkage is a common issue in garment quality and usually stems from two main factors: the type of fabric and production methods.
1. Effect of Fabric Type: Different fabrics have different shrinkage rates. Generally, synthetic and blended fabrics shrink less, while linen has a moderate shrinkage rate. Cotton is more prone to shrinking, and care should be taken with washing and drying. Viscose has the highest shrinkage rate and needs particular attention, while fabrics with spandex tend to shrink more than those without. Wool fabrics are also highly prone to shrinking and should ideally be dry cleaned.
2. Production Methods: Shrinkage rates also vary with production processes. Woven fabrics generally shrink less than knits, while factors like fabric tension, density, and yarn thickness can all impact shrinkage. Shrinking machines are valuable here, as they help stabilize fabric shrinkage before production, preventing size variations due to tension.
Shrinking machines use controlled steam and temperature to precisely adjust fabric shrinkage, making sure dimensions are stable before the fabric even enters production. Different types, including open-steam, enclosed, and three-stage models, are available to suit various fabric types and processing needs, helping manufacturers handle different fabrics with confidence.
Calculating Fabric Shrinkage Rate
To measure fabric shrinkage, use the following formulas:
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Weft Shrinkage Rate = (Post-wash weft length - Pre-wash weft length) ÷ Pre-wash weft length × 100%
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Warp Shrinkage Rate = (Post-wash warp length - Pre-wash warp length) ÷ Pre-wash warp length × 100%
A negative result shows shrinkage, while a positive result means the fabric has stretched. Online calculators are also available for easy and accurate shrinkage rate measurements, helping assess fabric stability after treatment.
Why Should Every Garment Factory Consider Fabric Relaxing and Shrinking Machines?
Whether a factory is large or small, using fabric relaxing and shrinking machines can make a big difference in fabric stability and production efficiency. As sustainability and waste reduction become priorities, these machines not only reduce fabric waste but also cut down on production losses due to size variations, supporting sustainable production while improving product quality and brand reputation.
Conclusion
Fabric relaxing and shrinking machines together enhance efficiency and quality in garment factories by tackling issues from fabric tension and shrinkage. These machines allow factories to maintain consistent fabric dimensions across large orders, ensuring a smooth production process. By helping minimize fabric waste and boost brand competitiveness, these machines ultimately lead to better production results and higher customer satisfaction. OSHIMA offers a range of shrinking machines, including open-steam, enclosed, and three-stage models, allowing you to find the ideal solution for different fabric types and production environments.
