Warp tension distribution over the warp width and its effect on crimp distribution in woven fabrics

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate warp and weft crimp distribution over the fabric width and how it is influenced by warp tension distribution over the warp width.

Design/methodology/approach - An experimental design in this research includes air jet loom, tension sensor, inductive sensor and personal computer.

Findings - It is found that warp crimp in the fabric on the loom is higher in the edge zones than the middle of the fabric and warp crimp in the middle is higher than warp crimp in edge zones of the grey fabric. Weft crimp in the edge zones is higher than in the middle of the grey fabric. The reason behind warp tension and warp and weft crimp variations over fabric width is that weft yarn slips towards inside fabric at selvedges and gets relaxed during beat up.

Originality/value - It is proved that reducing weft yarn slip and therefore weft yarn relaxation during beat up will reduce warp tension and warp and weft crimp variations and improve the uniformity of fabric properties over the fabric width.