Making Fancy Denim- Amsler Slub, Multicount and Multitwist Yarn

Most of the Cross-Hatch Denim is produced on Amsler Slub or multi-count yarn.

Here are some examples:

Amsler is a swiss fancy-yarn machine manufacturing company. The fabrics produced of the yarn are becoming synonymous with the name of the company

What is Amsler Slub

Amsler yarn can be made on open end or on a ring spinning. 

Mostly amsler slub effect in denim is produced on open end. Thus this is an attachment to open end spinning that allows slub and multi-twist effects at less cost than true ring spun yarn.

The basic problems in producing slub yarn can be enumerated as follows (source):

1. Weak Places in the Yarn: The thick place in the yarn is followed immediately by a thin place, rather than by a simple return to the basic yarn count being spun. This, in turn, creates a weak place in the yarn.  

2. Increase in Basic Yarn twist:

Increased length of the slub leads to the increased twists of the basic yarn. It is necessary to adjust the slub length to avoid basic yarn twist exceeding critical twist.  Twists in every section of the slub yarn are in inversely proportion to the square of the linear density of the corresponding section.

The Principle of Amsler effect goes like this: The Normal yarn is formed from the basic machine speed. There is a microprocessor controlled servomotor that overfeeds with a pre-programmed textile ramp.

In case of ring frame, the servo drive system is connected to the back and middle roller via a special gear box. Only at the time of slub formation the servo motor starts and additional speed is given to the drafting system. Thus the normal yarn formation is not disturbed which results in making a yarn without weak spots. 

In case of open end yarn the principle is the same, ie. excess feed which can be explained with this figure:

Multi-Count Effect

Multi-count yarn, becoming so popular in denim fabrics is produced by a special device. This effect is characterized by having controlled count changes in length ( as short as 2 meters) while maintaining a constant twist level.

Multi-Twist Effect

Multi-twist yarns are those that feature a constant count but have different levels inside yarns. These twist levels create variations in the yarn's dye intake thus creating a special fabric appearance. 

Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going do? You should go join the Forum.

How to Stonewash Better

How to Stonewash Better

Traditionally Natural pumice stone is used in denim washing process. It has the following disadvantages:

1. Residual pumice is difficult to remove from washed fabric/garment.

2. There is always a danger of damage to the equipment by overload of tumbling stones and material.This can also clog the drains and sewer lines.

Thus enzymes like cellulase are used to achieve the desirable appearance and soft handle for the fabric.

The problem with using enzymatic treatment is that the removed indigo dye can be redposited on the white yarn of the denim fabric. this process is called back staining and it can mar the look of garment.

Industrially cellulase is used along with Pumice stone for stone washing.

The cellulase can be at ph=7, when it is called the neutrual cellulase or at a pH of 5.5, when it is called the acidic cellulase.

In general the cellulase added is for 60min at 55 deg C as a percentage of the weight of the garment. It can be 3%, 6%, 9% or 12% depending upon the appearance required.

Pumice stone is generally taken as equal in weight that of the garment.

According to a study , the best stone washing ( as measured by the lightness of the sample is achieved for treatment with Neutral cellulases with pumice stone, acid cellulases with pumice stone, neutral cellulases, acid cellulases and pumice stone, in that order.

In the same order tensile strength of the sample decreases.

However, degree of back staining increases in the order of treatment with pumice stone, acid cellulases, neutral cellulases, acid cellulases with pumice stone and neutral cellulases with pumice.

which means a balance needs to be achieved- and where the effort to increase one desirable leads to increase in another undesirable one.


Now that you've finished reading this post, what are you going do? You should go join the Forum.

Finished Properties of some Common Denim Fabrics

New Page 1

Ideal Weight	14.5 Oz/Sq yd	13.75 oz/sq yard	12.5 oz/sq yard
Warp Count (Washed)	6.9 +-0.6	6.9+-0.5	6.9+-0.5
Weft Count (Washed)	6.0+-0.4	6.9+-0.5	9.0+-0.5
EPI ( Unwashed)	70+-2	70+-2	70+-2
PPI ( Unwashed)	43+-2	43+-2	43+-2
Wt ( Oz./ sq.Yd)	14.2	13.4	12.2
Rubbing Fastness ( Dry)	2-3	2-3	2-3
Fastness to Laundering	2	2	2

Denim of Polyester Cotton Blend

In such denims, the polyester used in warp is kept low about 20-25%, because the blend is harder to dye than cotton . Polyester can be used in much higher percentage in filling. It has the advantage of being strong, durable and even in appearance.

Receipes for different shades of Denim

Receipes For Different Shades on Denim


A) Black-on-Black
Black-on-Blue

Recipe

Liquid Sulphast Black= 200 gpl
Sodium Sulphide= 20 gpl
Sandozol HSI = 10 gpl
Soda Ash= 10 gpl

B) Blue-on- Blue

Receipe

Liquid Sulphar Navy Blue = 100 gpl
Liquid Sulphast Black= 50 gpl
Sodium Sulphide= 20 gpl
Sandozol HSI= 10 gpl
Soda Ash= 10 gpl

C) Reactive Series

Receipe

01) Ramazol Turquoise Blue G = 110 gpl
Urea= 100 gpl
Swanic 6L= 10 gpl

02) Sodium Silicate= 250 gpl
Caustic Soda = 10 gpl

Ratio of 01) and 02) = 3:1

D) Ramazol Coffee Brown G

Receipe
01) Coffee Brown G = 100gpl
Urea = 100 gpl
Swanic 6L= 10 gpl

02) Sodium Silicate = 250 gpl
Caustic Soda= 10 gpl

Ratio of 01) and 02) = 3:1

E) Ramazol Parrot Green

Receipe
01) Ramazol Turquoise Blue G = 90 gpl
Ramazol Yellow FG = 40 gpl
Urea= 100 gpl
Swanic 6L= 10 gpl

02) Sodium Silicate = 250 gpl
Caustic Soda = 10 gpl

Ratio of 01) and 02) = 3:1

F) Ramazol Blue

Receipe
01) Ramazol Black B = 70 gpl
Urea = 100 gpl
Swanic 6L = 10 gpl

02) Sodium Silicate = 250 gpl
Caustic Soda = 10 gpl

Ratio of 01) and 02) = 3:1

Denim Finishes

I came across these two websites while searching for images and description about denim finishes:

1. The website of cotton incorporated
2. The web site of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri

I would like to hear more about such websites giving Images and description about denim finishes.

BI-STRETCH DENIM MANUFACTURING

I have received a query from one of my blog readers who wants to know more about bi-stretch denim manufacturing. I feel there are some specific issues that need to be delt with while dealing with bi-stretch fabric at the manufacturing stage:

1. How to control yarns at the ball warping, rope dyeing and the rebeaming stage.
2. Changes in looms to be done to handle stretch warp and stretch weft. It includes issues such as width control and others.
3. Sanforisation and skew control at the finishing stage.

If someone can contribute to this blog regarding these questions, she/he is most welcome.

Indigo Dyeing on a 20 rope range

The softner used is cationic in nature and works best in acidic conditions.

Modification on plain loom for Denim

The following is the proposed modification on plain loom for weaving denim. The main problem of running denim on plain loom is the presence of width wide faults, problems of a strong beatup and prevention of starting marks among others.

Notes on Yarn for Rope Dyeing in Denim

Notes on Yarn for Rope Dyeing

* Yarn faces stress and stretch at ball warping, rope dyeing, rebeaming, sizing and loom shed so elongation of yarn should be more than stretch at (ball warping + Robe Dyeing+ Rebeaming + Sizing )= (2-3%) + Loom shed (about 5%)

* Tension at Ball warping should be less by 7-8% of single yarn strength.

* Strength CV should be within limits as it may give rise to weak points

* The tendency of yarn to migrate at rope dyeing can be countered by less micronaire of yarn ( should be around 3.8-4.2)

* More dropping of short fibers at long chain beaming is good

*The sensitivity settings for neps is set at +280 for rotor spun yarn and not +200 as in case of ring spun yarn. The reason for this is that the structure of rotor spun yarn is intrinsically different from that of conventional ring spun yarn. Neps in rotor yarn tend to be spun into the solid yarn body rather than remaining on the yarn surface, which is typical of ring spun yarns. Although embedded in the yarn core, these neps still represent a short mass defect and will therefore trigger the imperfection counter upon exceeding the preset value. However, compared to neps that are attached to the yarn surface, fully embedded neps are barely perceptible for the human eye. Thus, in order to balance the typical visual appearance of rotor spun yarn with the imperfection counts, +280 sensitivity setting is a common convention for rotor spun yarns.

Comparison of Ring Yarn with OE yarn at Ne 7

Denim Manufacturing Process- the presentation

Please refer to the following presentation for the denim manufacturing process

Proposed Inspection Process for Indigo Dyed Denim

* A four point system can be adopted, with 9 qualities ( from 9 to 1).

The point distribution is as follows:

upto 3"= 1 point
3-6"= 2 point
6-9"= 3 points
9" and above= 4 points

Any defect across full width = 4 point
All the above defects may be length or width wise.
Length wise one course or fine ends/ up to one meter=4
Starting mark (across the width)=4
Cuttable Defects
-moire
- continuous slub or slubbing weft
- thinck end more than one meter
- major shade variation
-burnt selvedge
- blanket impression
-width variation
-Jala-jerky-chira-wrong drawn- float-snarls-missing ends- more warp breaks- patti-holes-cuts-sever temple mark- more pick findings in short length, double pick
-Slack and tight ends >1m


* From qualities 3-9, only 2 pieces in a single roll are allowed and no piece should be less than 30 meters.

The qualities Criterian can be defineds as follows:

9--> 2 shades allowed, allow 20 points per linear meter which no greater than 2 to 3 4 points defects
8--> 3 shades are allowed, allow 36 points per linear meter no greater than 4, 4 point defects
7--> same as 8 but here we allow upto 5 shades
6--> Allow 72 points per linear meter, upto 3 shades -no greater than 5 to 6 , 4 point defects
5--> same as 6, but 5 shades are allowed.
4--> points should not be greater than 72, any number of shades, any number of 4 point defects. We do not allow patta ( width wide strips)
3--> Same as 4, we can allow patta
2--> same as 3, 5 pieces are allowed ( every piece 10-30 meters each)
1--> any continuous defect is allowed ( pack the piece less than 1 meter)

Shade gradation can be
Dark Shade--> D+
Normal Shade --> D
Light Shade --> D-

Relation between Manual and "l a b" grading system
l, a, b values
D- = 554,654,655
D= 454,555,656
D+= 455,456,556

Tolerance for l a b values--> L = +-0.5, a = +/- 0.5, b= +/- 0.5

Manufacturing Process of Denim

Manufacturing of Denim
For manufacturing Denim and Grey Fabric, the process is same up to the level of weaving, but in case of Denim Fabric, dyeing is done at the stage of sizing where as for Grey Fabric it depends upon the finished product. The details of each process are given below:
1. Fabric Weaving
a. Grey Yarn on ConesNormally yarns received for weaving in cone forms are either from ring spinning or from open end spinning in single or double fold as required. For weaving, yarn used is categorised into:
o Warp yarn
o Weft yarn
Normally for Weaving, yarn used as warp should be sufficiently strong to withstand stress and strains exerted during weaving operations. Hence they are having Count Strength Product(CSP) and further sized to increase its strength. The weft yarn is directly used on weaving machines and in some cases, if required, is rewound also so as to enhance its performance in weaving.
b. Warping on Sectional/ Direct Warping
The warp yarn is required to be fed into a sheet form to the weaving machines. At warping, the individual cones are put into the creel (the number of cones depends upon fabric construction) and yarn from individual cones is pulled together in sheet form, wound on a barrel called warping beams (for Direct warping) or on weaving beams (for Sectional Warping). Normally if warp sheet is with patterns of different coloured yarns it is processed on sectional warping machine.
c. Sizing of yarn in Set/ Beam to Beam Position
The object of Sizing is to improve the strength of yarn by chemically binding the fibres with each other and also improve upon its friction resistance capacity by chemically coating the surface of yarn/fibres. Further, number of threads in warpers beam sheet is very less against number of threads required in whole width of fabric. Hence multiplication of sheets by drawing yarns together from many warp beams and again making one sheet is also performed on sizing machine. On sizing, normally, 8-12 % size material on warp thread is applied. This improvement in strength and frictional resistance characteristic of warp yarn is essential because during weaving, yarn has to undergo severe strain & stress as well as frictional operations.
d. Drawing–in
Weaving is basically interlacement of two sets i.e. warp and weft threads in desired sequence and pattern. To obtain this interlacement, warp yarn sheet is bifurcated & opened in the form of two layers/ sheet and weft thread is inserted between so opened two warp sheets. This operation is called shedding. to perform shedding the warp yarn needs to be passed through heald eyes of the heald shafts, this operation is called as drawing-in.
e. Beam Gaiting or Knotting on Loom
The drawn weavers beams are fixed on weaving machines, threads are tied and heald shafts are coupled. This operation is called Beam Gaiting. If undrawn warp threads are directly knotted to the threads of finished beams, it is called Knotting. These operations are essential because normally weavers beam can carry only certain length of warp sheet on it and when so woven, whole length is converted to the fabric by weaving machine. Further warp length is required to be fed which can be done by knotting or gaiting other beams on weaving machine.
f. Weaving
As stated earlier, weaving is interlacing two sets of yarn and making fabric. One set is called warp thread which is in sheet form, the other one is called weft thread which is inserted between two layers of warp sheet by means of a suitable carrier i.e. Shuttle, Projectile, Rapier, Air current, Water current, etc. Depending upon the type of the weaving machines. The different types of technologies available for weaving machines are briefly explained as below:
o Conventional Shuttle Weaving System by Ordinary Looms or Automatic Looms.
o Shuttle less Weaving System by Airjet /Waterjet/Rapier/Projectile
Shuttle loom is a conventional Technology with much less production on account of slow speed and excessive wear and tear of machinery. This shuttle loom technology has now become obsolete. Denim is woven through Shuttle less Weaving System by using 96 ZAX-e Type Tsodakoma Corporation’s Airjet looms or rapier looms or projectile looms. These looms are distinguished by weft insertion method, which is briefly discussed hereunder.
Airjet Looms
These types of looms adopt the latest development in Weaving Technology where weft insertion is done with the help of compressed air. A very high weft insertion rate up to 1800 metre per minute is achieved. Compared to rapier and projectile looms, these looms are less versatile but are economical and are used in mass textile production unit like denim.
Finishing
a. Grey Fabric
The finally woven fabric or Grey Fabric, as it is popularly called, wound on a cloth roll is taken out from weaving machines at certain intervals and checked on inspection machines for possibilities of any weaving fault. If such faults are seen anywhere in fabric during inspection, certain corrective steps are taken at weaving, warping, sizing, etc so that they can be minimised in subsequent product. This is a quality control exercise.
b. Denim Fabric
Denim Fabrics woven of 100% cotton would be very strong and durable.
Traditionally Blue Denim is warp faced cotton fabric with 3 x 1 twill construction with warp being dyed in a solid colour and weft left un-dyed. The look and quality of the Denim Fabric shall improve after dyeing, the process of which differs from plant to plant. Normally the process of dyeing dictates the technology of Denim manufacturing.
The dyeing for Denim Fabric happens at the sizing stage. Generally there are two most popular methods of dyeing Denim Fabric. They are:
o Rope Dyeing
o Sheet Dyeing
A company can adopt any of the methods. In countries like India Sheet Dyeing Method is commonly used for manufacture of its Denim Fabrics, which has following advantages over Rope Dyeing Method:
o The technology is less capital intensive.
o The technology is a proven one.
o The cost of production is lower.
o The process time is lower.
o The Sheet Dyeing machines are very easy to operate.

The only defect in Sheet dyeing is that their is a problem of center to selvedge shade variation.
c. Sheet Dyeing Process
This process eliminates a few intermediate processes of the rope dyeing. The yarn sheet is washed with chemicals such as caustic and washing soda and after squeezing the excess water; the yarn sheet is allowed to pass through Dyeing Troughs one time for oxidation and development of dye on yarn. After dyeing, the dyed yarn is washed again with fresh water for two-three times and finalIy squeezed before allowing it to pass through six drying cylinders. The dyed yarn enters the starching device and sizing is done. After sizing, the sized warp beam goes for weaving. After weaving, the woven Denim Fabrics goes for various finishing processes consisting of brushing, singeing, washing, impregnation for dressing and drying. Brushing and singeing should eliminate impurities and help to even the surface of the fabric. Dressing regulates the hand and rigidity of the fabric while compressive shrinking regulates its dimensional stability.
Even today Denim Fabric without Indigo Dyeing is not called authentic Denim. Initially when Denim Fabric entered the fashion market, Denim manufacturers were using Natural Indigo Dye, which was costly and giving a natural finish. Though Synthetic Indigo Dye has gradually replaced Natural Indigo Dye, some unorganised manufacturers still prefer the latter and attract premium after branding them “Natural Dye Used”.
d. Making-Up
Weaving of fabrics on such multi sizes is not economical, hence a standard width fabrics is then sent to making up. Fabrics are cut into the desired width as per size required on this machine. Denim Fabric and Grey Fabric are thoroughly checked for various types of defects such as:
o Weaving Defects
· Uneven Dyeing
o Bleaching and Dyeing Defect
o Oil Stain
o Patches
Here the final product is categorised quality-wise. The products then found okay are segregated and sent to packaging department whereas defective ones are sent for correction. After inspection, the sets are wrapped with polythene covers and sent for despatch as per buyer’s specifications.
Despatch
Rolls and sets so formed and packed as per buyers’ requirements are then sent for final despatches.