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Open Width Shrink Proofing | ||||||||||
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ABSTRACT: Customer requires open width knit goods to be compacted to a degree where shrinkage would be reduced or eliminated. This had to be done to a wide range of knit fabrics on all colors. Hand improvement is also desired.
The Micrex®/Open Width Compactor (OWC) is the product of nearly ten years of research and development by the team responsible for the invention of the original industry standard tubular compactor.
Traditional open width shrink proofing systems have been based upon tubular technology. Compactor like machines have been introduced to treat open width knits, but these devices have been unable to achieve a high degree of compaction necessary to shrink proof a wide variety of styles without producing "shine" on dark colors, or variations across the machine web. An alternative approach has been rubber (or felt) belt machines. While these machines can induce a limited amount of compaction, they are unable to reliably deliver more than 8% compaction. Furthermore, operating costs are high.
A Micrex®/OWC, will compact cotton and poly/cotton knits up to 18%. All colors, (black, dark blue, etc.) can be processed. Popular styles such as jersey, pique, fleece, thermal, French terry, interlock and pigment prints all can be compacted with ease. Many styles can be processed at speeds up to fifty meters per minute.
In a typical set-up, the untreated knit, supported by the main roll, is introduced into a converging passage, firmly gripped and conveyed into the treatment cavity, where compaction takes place. At the core of the Micrex development are the uniquely engineered components of the treatment cavity.
- The Retarder
Tungsten-carbide coated for maximum durability, the retarder is photo-etched into microgrooves. When the knit is presented to the treatment cavity, the retarder processes the fabric with hundreds of individual treatment zones. The force thus delivered provides high levels of compaction with little or no shine.
- The Walton Curve
The curve provides a resilient yet forgiving support for the retarding mechanism. The combination of its spring-like action and the individual treatment zones in the retarder assures the compensating or "averaging" effect, characteristic to Micrex technology, resulting in uniform and even compaction.
Pre-assembled and engineered by Micrex, component "packages" assure process repeatability, efficiency and flexibility. Changeover time is drastically cut, allowing, for example, to accomplish the switch from fleece to jersey in one minute.
The Micrex/OWC is offered in two configurations:
- A standard Micrex/OWC equipped with a flat roll, oil heat system and knit set-up is offered.
- Micrex also offers a standard Micrex/OWC equipped with a flat roll, oil heat system and knit set-up with a "Flat Blade" configuration. This machine is also capable of processing decorative wovens and knits giving dual use to the machine.
Both configurations require standard industry hardware (guides, decurlers, unwind, winder etc.) fore and aft of the OWC to process knits. A steam moistening unit is also highly recommended.
SUMMARY: To evaluate the benefits of the Micrex/OWC on your knits, contact Micrex directly. Micrex will arrange a trial (without cost to you) using your material at our lab.
1. Micrex is a registered trademark.
2. The Micrex/OWC is protected by U.S. and foreign patents.