The Efficiency of Automated Multipurpose Machines for the Dyeing of Nylon Hose

Abstract

Water is only one aspect of utilization of services: steam consumption, rate of processing, and effects on shade reproducibility are others. Extensive savings in water consumption, cycle time, and chemicals are claimed for automated machines in the dyeing of hose and garments. The efficiency for pantyhose dyeing of three such machines is compared with processing in rotary drums of appropriate capacity. The automated machines studied were a 25‐kg capacity Milnor 3621 DYA Dyeing‐Extracting machine experimentally installed in a dyehouse, a 50‐kg Sancowad machine at the machine makers, and a 100‐kg Dytex Model 54 machine operated in routine production in another dyehouse. Under these different circumstances, all three were more economical in operation than drums or paddles, but not to the extent claimed. Savings in water and dyes increased in the sequence Milnor‐Dytex‐Sancowad, but the Sancowad had some limitations for bagged goods. Savings in time and auxiliaries increased in the reverse sequence, but loading of the Milnor was a more critical operation. Other aspects are discussed.