Complete Fabric Relaxation Procedure [SOP]

Fabric Relaxation procedure ensures that knit fabrics or the fabric where required relaxation is relaxed. Relaxation is one of the vital things before fabric cutting. It can directly affect cutting quality control.

Purpose of Fabric Relaxation

Relaxation is very important to get the shape of the fabric, and the measurement of the fabric depends on its correct behavior. Fabric relaxation helps to keep the fabric shape and measure the same after cutting.

The fabric relaxation process aims to do the fabric relaxation before spreading to have proper measurement control in the final cutting.

Responsibility:

The Cutting Executive of the respective production unit is responsible for ensuring and Implementing the procedure.

The fabric Quality Assurance QA and Cutting Team performs fabric relaxation procedures. Especially for single jersey fabric, relaxing is strictly done. The fabric QA Team will study the composition of fabrics and do the required things to identify whether the fabric roll needs to be relaxed or not.

The quality assurance Executive of the respective production unit is responsible for monitoring the process. 

Fabric Relaxation Procedure

The fabric rolls should be unrolled after receiving the fabric from the garments store department. Then, clothes should be placed on the Relaxation table or rack within a certain period.

All the fabric, depending on the packing method and the structure, needs to be relaxed before spreading as per the below criterion:

Types of Relaxation Time (Minimum)

1. All Types of Spandex Fabric: 48 hrs
2. Cotton Fabric 24 hrs
3. All Electrometric Fabric 24 hrs

In the case of a particular fabric, the relaxation time is determined by internal analysis. After receiving the fabric, the inspector will periodically keep the 6-yard fabric and relax it for 12,24 & 48 hours. Shrinkage percentage is recorded according to the hour. Thus, after analyzing the shrinkage percentage, the fabric relaxation period is determined before cutting. 

Knit Fabric Relaxation Time Chart (Construction Basis)

Precaution

1. The height of the relaxed roll should not exceed 18″
2. The fabric should be stored in the fabric relaxation racks and relaxed for the specified time.
3. Also, if we have any buyer requirements outside of our process, then we follow buyer requirements. 

The fabric can be sent for spreading only after the specified relaxation time is completed.

Fabric Relaxation SOP

1. Receive fabric rolls from the store or inventory.
2. Check the quality of fabric rolls for any visible defects or damages.
3. Record the details of each fabric roll received, including roll number, fabric type, width, length, and any defects found.
4. Transport the fabric rolls to the designated relaxation area.
5. Ensure the relaxation area is clean, dry, and free from any contaminants.
6. Lay out the fabric rolls on flat, clean surfaces, ensuring they are not stretched or wrinkled.
7. Allow the fabric rolls to relax for the specified time period, as determined by fabric type and manufacturing specifications.
8. Monitor the relaxation process regularly to ensure proper relaxation without overexposure.
9. Maintain proper documentation of the relaxation process, including start and end times, ambient conditions, and any observations made during the process.
10. Once the relaxation period is complete, conduct a final inspection of the fabric rolls to ensure they meet quality standards.
11. If any defects are found after relaxation, document them and take appropriate action, such as re-inspection, reconditioning, or rejection.
12. Prepare the relaxed fabric rolls for cutting, ensuring proper handling and storage to prevent re-tensioning or damage.

Fabric Relaxation Report

The fabric relaxation time depends on the fabric’s composition, the buyer’s requirements, or their fabric relaxation process. Each fabric roll is tagged with the relaxation card as below:

1. Buyer 
2. P/O (Purchase Order) No.
3. Style NO
4. Item
5. Fabrication
6. Roll No
7. Color
8. Dye Lot
9. Relax Start Time & Date
10. Relax End Time & Date
11. Cut Date & Time
12. Cut No

The marker writes the relaxation date and time. Fabric relaxation is 12-48 hours and two hours after laying.