Yarn Finishing: Infrared Testing Method for Measuring Needle Temperature

In order to develop highly efficient yarn finishing for sewing yarns, you need modern testing methods which allow a reliable evaluation of the thread properties. An important quality parameter is, apart from good and even friction values, sufficient heat protection especially for technical yarns. The heat-protective properties of a yarn lubricant can be checked by means of a contact-free infrared measurement of the needle temperature.
Sewing Foot measuring Needle Temperature on Fabric by IR
Measurement of Needle Temperature of Sewing Needles to Optimize Lubricants for Sewing Threads.

Testing the Heat Resistance of Sewing Threads

When sewing leather, jeans or other heavy fabrics, high friction forces between needle and sewn material occur. The needle becomes very hot to such an extent that synthetic sewing threads – especially for technical applications – would melt or even damage the sewing material. A high-performance yarn lubricant with good heat-protective properties improves the heat resistance of the threads. It works by dissipating the arising heat away from the hot needle and thus cooling it so that the sewing process can run smoothly.

Before the infrared (IR) needle temperature measurement was developed, the heat protection efficiency of the yarn lubricant was tested with so-called failure tests. With this testing method, the thread was sewn on an increasing number of fabric layers until it ruptured. A detailed conclusion regarding the temperature of the sewing needle and the effectiveness of the thread finishing was quite limited with this testing method.

Contact-Free IR Needle Temperature Measurement

We have developed a modern contact-free measuring method in an industrial research project together with ITV Denkendorf (today DITF). The resulting infrared (IR) testing procedure enables us to measure the needle temperature without contact, using a high-speed infrared camera. This way the actual temperature increase of the sewing needle can be recorded precisely and evaluated in real time during the sewing procedure. The gained data forms the basis for the tailor-made optimization of recipes and for the successful enhancement of our modern, highly efficient yarn lubricants.

The IR testing method allows the determination of the efficiency of sewing thread lubricants during the sewing process. This way, different yarns, add-on quantities and products can be objectively compared to each other.

IR Method Allows Objective Comparison of Threads and Lubricants

By means of the contact-free needle temperature measurement which we co-developed, we can objectively compare sewing threads and lubricants in order to control the efficiency of existing finishing processes. By evaluating the test results, we can review the products and quantities used, and work with you to develop your saving potential. We are pleased to offer our laboratory services for the optimization of your processes.

PERIFIL and PERIXEN Lubricants: Heat Protection for Sewing Threads

Some of our highly effective yarn lubricants from our range for sewing and embroidery threads which offer excellent heat protection during the sewing process are:

  • PERIXEN CML/R

    Cold melt for the application by lick roll or precision pump, anhydrous product for cold application, exceptional heat protection and gliding properties, adhesion of PERIXEN CML/R is very good, so there is almost no abrasion during sewing

  • PERIXEN LRH

    Hot melt for sewing threads and embroidery yarns made of polyester and polyamide, suitable for application by lick roll or precision pump, anhydrous product for coating via heated machines, excellent heat protection and gliding properties for high-quality sewing

  • PERIXEN SLH/R

    Non-aqueous hot melt for lubrication of PES and PA sewing threads, application by Single Lub Hot technique, PERIXEN SLH/R allows proper sewability of lubricated yarns even under severe conditions

  • PERIFIL PA 45

    Lubricant for sewing threads made of polyester, polyamide and cellulosic fibers, application by lick roll technique, PERIFIL PA 45 improves friction values and frictional properties of treated threads, allows perfect sewability

  • PERIFIL PA 60

    Lubricant for sewing and embroidery threads made of PES and PA, emulsion for application by lick roll or precision pump, product for highest demands in terms of heat protection and gliding properties, stick-slip effect is avoided, lubricated threads have increased abrasion resistance
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Sylvia Palikowski, Application technology

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