Question

Quality of the fabric finished in stenter basically depends on

• A. GSM of the fabric being finished
• B. Speed of the stenter
• C. Temperature profiles of chambers
• D. Over feed

Hint:

• Stenter processing (drying, heat-setting, finishing) significantly impacts final fabric quality.
• Key stenter parameters:
  • Temperature and Dwell Time (Speed) For drying, curing, heat-setting.
  • Width Setting Controls final fabric width.
  • \% Overfeed (Length-wise) Allows warp-way shrinkage/relaxation, crucial for dimensional stability, handle, and GSM control.
• Overfeed is a fundamental parameter for controlling the fabric's physical state and achieving desired quality attributes like low residual shrinkage and good hand-feel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of stenter finishing, overfeed refers to the practice of feeding the fabric into the stenter machine at a slightly longer length than its natural dimension. This stretching causes the fabric to be held under tension during the heat-setting process, which plays a significant role in ensuring proper dimension control and fabric smoothness.

Why Overfeed is Key:

Overfeed helps to improve the fabric's dimensional stability and contributes to the final uniformity and quality of the finish. It allows the fabric to expand to its correct size and shape as it is dried and heat-set.

The amount of overfeed affects the smoothness and finish of the fabric, ensuring that it does not shrink excessively after treatment.

Why Not the Others?

GSM of the fabric being finished: While GSM affects the weight and thickness of the fabric, the overfeed technique is more crucial for controlling how the fabric responds to tension and heat during finishing.

Speed of the stenter: Speed can influence the processing time, but overfeed plays a more direct role in achieving the desired finish and stability of the fabric.

Temperature profiles of chambers: While temperature is important, overfeed is a more direct factor in controlling the fabric's shape and finish during stentering.

Summary:

Overfeed is essential for achieving a high-quality fabric finish in a stenter, as it ensures the fabric is properly stretched and stabilized during the heat-setting process. This contributes significantly to its final appearance and dimensional stability.