Fabric shrinkage is a common concern in the textile industry that can significantly impact product quality and customer satisfaction. Understanding the causes and methods of measuring shrinkage is vital for manufacturers to produce high-quality textiles that maintain their intended dimensions.
What is Fabric Shrinkage?
Image: Neustar Magazine The _________ shrinkage is when a piece of fabric changes width or length when exposed to heat and/or moisture. This can result in considerable size reduction, which might vary a lot with the type of fibre you are dealing with. Synthetic fibres shrink less or not at all compared to natural fibres (cotton, linen). Hence, proper measurement and control of shrinkage are paramount in textile manufacturing.
Measuring Fabric Shrinkage
To measure fabric shrinkage properly, a Fabric Shrinkage Tester is commonly used by manufacturers. With this specialised equipment, the wash shrinkage resistance of a fabric can be determined by comparing its original size to that after washing and/or drying. We used a shrinkage template scale with the tester to give us an accurate reading.
Fabric Shrinkage Calculation
Shrinkage percentage is a key indicator for all manufacturers when estimating fabric contraction. The shrinkage formula which is usually consumed in textiles:
Shrinkage % = (Actual Length — Calculated One) / Actual length x 100
Using that formula, you can then determine the percentage shrinkage a fabric undergoes, which is important data for modifying production techniques to reach your target garment sizes after washing.
The Importance of Shrinkage Testing
Including the fabric shrinkage test in your production process assists with reducing risks related to defects due to shrinkage. Standard testing guarantees that materials are kept within shrinkage tolerances, which is significant for item life span. An accurate calculation of fabric shrinkage allows manufacturers to make the right choices when choosing a fabric, building garments or providing customers with care instructions.
A Fabric Shrinkage Tester not only makes the testing process itself more efficient and accurate but also improves quality control measures along your production line, enabling you to produce trustworthy products that fit well.
