The process is similar to that used in embossing paper and leatheroid goods. The machine must be heavy and made to stand considerable pressure. It should be run slowly so as to allow the goods to get sufficient heat while in contact with the embossing roll. The webs should pass through a steam softening process just ahead of the embossing. This steaming is done by having a perforated steam pipe confined in a covered box, the web passing through slots at either side. It puts the goods in condition to receive and retain the impress of the figure.
Embossing Machine
Figs. 1 and 2 show a machine used for embossing elastic fabrics. It consists chiefly of a heavy frame A, a case hardened steel roll B on which the design has previously been engraved, and a hard paper roll C. The engraved steel roll B is heated with steam and may be subjected to heavy pressure by turning the hand wheels D.
When putting in a new design and accompanying paper roll, it is necessary to run the machine empty for a few hours, gradually applying the pressure at the hand wheels in order to mesh the design into the paper roll so as to get a strong impress on the goods. When moire-antique or water effects are desired, the embossing rolls are engraved with straight lines of the desired distance apart, and the goods are fed into the machine after passing over irregularly formed rollers, which prevent them from going through the machine straight. Fig. 3 is an example of this effect, with the gros grain in the middle water-marked, and bordered with a fancy effect not embossed.
Braiding Elastic Fabrics
The braiding of elastic fabrics is a simple process when compared with weaving. It does not lend itself to any great variety of fancy effects, but a great variety of elastic goods are braided, which serve many purposes. Round cords are made in sizes from a single strand of rubber thread, such as is used for the protection of eye glasses, to the covering of multiple rubber threads for making a cord which may be one inch or more in diameter. Some of these cords are used by professional athletes in acrobatic work. Large quantities of heavy cord are now used for shock absorbers in the manufacture of airplanes, and they are much used for corset laces and doll cords.
Fig. 1.—Embossing Machine
Fig. 2.—End View