Impact of Machine Parameters on Knit Fabric GSM and Shrinkage

Abstract

Knitted fabrics have a tendency to undergo some dimensional changes and GSM variation due to different knitting parameters. The investigation was carried out to relate the effect of different yarn counts, stitch lengths, machine gauge on fabric thickness variation and shrinkage behavior of the fabric. In this study the experimental results showed that fabric GSM varies as machine gauge changes by using same yarn count. On the contrary, when machine gauge and yarn count was fixed, the changes of fabric GSM was very negligible. For finer yarn count with different machine gauge GSM variation is more compared to coarser yarn count. But with same machine gauge GSM was very closer for both of finer and coarser yarn count. Fabric shrinkage both in lengthwise and widthwise is more fore finer yarn count than coarser yarn count. This study supports that, selection yarn count and calculation of stitch length was not only the way to meet buyer requirements regarding fabric thickness and shrinkage properties. The results found from this work will guide the determination to pick up right machine gauge, management of correct yarn diameter along with meticulous stitch length estimation.