A new technology for rapid dimensional change testing

Dimensional change performance is a critical attribute of textile fabrics a nd the items made from them. It is a major concern for manufacturers, texti le processors, apparel manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. AATCC Test Method 135, Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering of Woven and K nit Fabrics, is the reference method used by the global textile industry. A study was undertaken to investigate whether a new, programmable machine, Q uickwash Plus, could predict dimensional change after laundering. Dimension al change measurements were taken using each method on five com modity fabr ics: fleece, twill, jersey, oxford, and pique. An analysis of data from one to five home launderings and one to five Quickwash program cycles are pres ented.