Elastic and non-elastic narrow fabrics / and a chapter on narrow fabrics made on knitting machines

by Samuel Brown

Acid in Goods

The requirements of the trade are so varied, and the types of web so numerous, that no formula for size is suitable for general use. Care must be taken, however, to avoid any sizes containing acids. Results from the use of such preparations may seem excellent at the machine but later on, when the goods are made up and come in contact with metal parts, the metal is quickly tarnished, and the result may be heavy claims for damage.

It may be well to note here that the sulphur used in the process of vulcanizing the rubber has the effect of blackening the copper cans and the rolls over which the goods must pass. This can be effectively prevented by having the cans nickel plated, thus doing away with much risk of dirty goods, and of constant scourings and washing of the different parts.

Fig. 4.—Narrow Fabric Singer

Provision should be made for sufficient depth in the sizing pans so that they will hold a liberal supply of size. Replenishment should be made at regular intervals and the heat maintained at a uniform temperature to get satisfactory results. It is advisable to make provisions to travel the web over the top of the machine for a distance after immersion in the size bath, and before it strikes the hot cans, so as to allow for proper absorption of the size.

All these details are best worked out by experience. Webs are generally fed into the machine from racks after being properly wound up, and great care must be taken to avoid any variable tension on the webs when entering the machine.

On lisle webs, a process of gassing or singeing takes place prior to finishing for the purpose of removing any fuzz or fibre from the goods. Fig. 4 shows a gassing machine used for this purpose. It is run at a high rate of speed and several strips are gassed at once. When the machine is running the flames are close to the web, but upon the stopping of the machine the flames are carried away out of contact. In gassing white and colors, great care must be exercised to have the gas mixture correct and free from any carbonizing effect on the goods.