What is yarn conditioning?
Yarn conditioning is a process by which yarn is conditioned for better performance (e.g., high strength, good serviceability, good luster, and easy of handling).
Table of Contents
Yarn Conditioning Process for various yarns:
1. 100% Polyester yarn:
i) Load the yarn in the form of cones wound on plastic cones into a beam dyeing machine.
ii) Introduce steam and raise the temperature to 100ºC at 3ºC per minute.
iii) Stem for 15 minutes at 100ºC, followed by 15 minutes cooling.
iv) Repeat the 3rd step four times.
2. 100% nylon yarn:
i) Load the yarn in the form cones on plastic cones into a beam dyeing machine.
ii) Introduce steam & raise the temperature to 100 oC at 3 oC per minute.
iii) Steam for 15 minutes at 100º followed by 15 minutes cooling at 50º.
iv) Repeat the 3rd step four times.
3. Silk Yarn:
i) Load the yarn in the form of cones wound on plastic cones into a beam dyeing machine.
ii) Introduce steam and raise the temperature to 70 oC at 3 oC per minute.
iii) Steam for 15 minutes at 70º followed by 15 minutes cooling at 30ºC.
iv) Repeat the 3rd step four times.
4. Cotton/lycra (40’s) or viscose/lycra (60’s):
Same as silk yarn.
Importance of Yarn Conditioning:
1) Setting twist.
2) Preventing snarling (Yarn loops)
3) Increasing dye affinity.
4) Eliminating static electricity.
5) Influencing the cloth handle.
6) Preventing crease-proneness.
7) Humidifying.
8) High bulking.
9) Dye–fixing.
Why is yarn conditioning required?
1) To supply necessary moisture in a short time.
2) To help the yarn attain the standard MR% (moisture regain) of the fibre.
3) To improve the physical properties of yarn.
4) To achieve a long-lasting improvement in quality.
5) To increase the strength & elasticity of yarn.
Benefits achieved out of Yarn Conditioning:
For knitting:
1. Wax sets well and doesn’t melt from waxed yarn used in knitting.
2. The efficiency of the knitting machine is increased by 20 %
3. Uniform moisture content and friction values.
4. Fewer needle breaks.
5. Regular stitch formation.
6. Free from electrostatic charges.
7. No change in the size of the finished fabric.
8. No extra dampening is required.
9. Less fly.
For Weaving:
1. Increased strength
2. Increased efficiency
3. Soften fabrics
4. Less fly
5. Better weaving quality
6. Up to 15% fewer yarn breaks
7. Greater elongation
