How To Measure Fabric — Textile Finishing Range

The SpectraProbe XE online color measurement system can be used to measure the color of fabric as it exits in a textile finishing range (typically after the drying cans or tenter oven). The product can be compared to an unlimited number of numerical or physical standards. For new products, an adhoc standard can be used, meaning that the first data point in the run is used as the standard, or some averaging of a defined number of data points. The sensor traverses over the surface of the fabric so side-center-side shading differences can be assessed and immediate adjustments made to the range based upon these values. The colorimetric results are displayed on screen and users are alarmed when the tolerances for these are exceeded.

The system has provision for analog/digital outputs, which serve to report color data to a plant DCS or PLC control system, allowing color measurement data to be used in the control of range process variables. Some parameters potentially controlled by this output data are range speed; chemical feeds to the range; dyebox/washbox levels and temperatures; nip roll pressures; drying can temperatures/pressures; and tenter oven and steamer temperatures. The SpectraProbe XE color management system is an essential component of a closed loop control system for piece dyeing.