General Fabric Recommendations
PrimaLoft® insulation utilizes
microfiber technology to deliver superior thermal performance. The
fibers in PrimaLoft® insulation are extremely small and when not combined
with high quality fabrics, there is the potential of fiber migration.
In
general, fabrics that are considered “down proof” and have the following
minimum thread count specifications, tend to work well with PrimaLoft®
insulation.
|
Yarn Count
(denier) |
Thread Count
(picks/inch) |
Yarn Count
(decitex) |
Thread Count
(picks/cm) |
|
20 |
350 |
22 |
138 |
|
30 |
330 |
33 |
130 |
|
40 |
310 |
44 |
122 |
|
50 |
290 |
55 |
115 |
|
60 |
270 |
66 |
107 |
|
70 |
250 |
77 |
99 |
The number of
yarns in the warp count versus the fill count should be somewhat
equal. Significant differences in warp versus fill could lead to fiber
migration even if a fabric meets the above thread count specifications.
While thread count is an
indicator of the quality and “down proofness” it is not the only factor. Fiber quality, weave, and fabric finish also play an important part in
migration resistance. A fabric air permeability rating of < 1 CFM for
unlaundered fabric can also be used as a preliminary screening of
fabrics for use with PrimaLoft® insulation.
All fabrics to be used in conjunction
with PrimaLoft® insulation (both outer shells and liners) need to be
tested to determine the potential for fiber migration. Since fabric
migration resistance can also vary by color and by dye lot, it is highly
recommended that you test all fabric lot numbers prior to
production.
Our experience suggests that the
following testing guidelines will in most cases identify a potential
migration problem:
-
Fiber migration caused by static
mechanisms can be determined by sewing a 12”x12” (30cm x 30cm)
pillow with all components as will be used in the final garment
construction. It is recommended that the pillow be tumbled in a
residential clothes dryer on air setting or low heat for 35-45
minutes. Upon completion of the cycle, remove the pillow and
inspect the surface for migrating fiber ends. If fibers appear after
this initial test, the baric should not be used in combination with
PrimaLoft® insulation.
-
Fiber migration due to laundering
can be determined by sewing a 12”x12” (30cm x 30cm) pillow with all
components as will be used in the final garment construction. It is
recommended that the pillow be laundered at least 3 times in cold
water on gentle cycle and tumbled dry. After each wash and dry
cycle, the fabric surface should be inspected for migrating fiber
ends.
-
Albany International recommends that
when conducting fiber migration testing, approximately 1 pound
(0.5kgs) of rubber stoppers (1” x 1” [2.5cm x 2.5cm] dimension) be
used during the dry cycle to simulate an environment where friction
is apparent. This will more accurately depict “in use” fiber
migration.
-
If fiber migration proves to be a
problem for your fabric(s) of choice when using PrimaLoft®
insulation, a non-woven scrim material may be used to minimize the
migration of fibers through the fabric. PrimaLoft® insulation comes
with a scrim on one side to aid in handling. If additional scrim
material is needed, please contact your PrimaLoft® Customer Service
Representative.
WARNING: It CAN NOT be assumed
that fabrics identified as “down proof by construction” will be
satisfactory for use with PrimaLoft® insulation. Albany International
Corp. disclaims any responsibility for fiber migration problems,
including any that are not identified using the above testing
guidelines. All customers should test all proposed fabric and insulation
combinations using these or other methods in order to determine
suitability.
1/6/06 General Fabric
Recommendations.doc provided by Albany International Corp.
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