Weight Reduction Finishing

Definition and Overview

Weight reduction finishing is a finishing process that treats polyester with an alkaline agent to hydrolyze and remove part of the fiber surface. It is called this because the treatment reduces the fabric's weight.

The degree of finishing varies depending on the material composition, yarn thickness, weave structure, and fabric design. It is a finishing process used for polyester, not a term for simply making natural fibers lighter.

Texture and Visual Characteristics

As the fibers become finer and appropriate spaces are created between the yarns and weave structure, thinness, softness, and a supple drape are easier to achieve. Depending on the fabric, a fuller appearance or a smooth hand like high-twist yarn may be expressed.

A key feature is that it softens the characteristic stiffness of polyester and creates a light, flowing appearance. On the other hand, the more extensive the finishing, the more the fabric's strength, density, sheerness, and surface texture change, so even with the same weave name, properties differ before and after finishing.

• It is easy to achieve a thin, soft texture.
• It is suitable for applications that require drape and less cling to the skin.
• Sheerness is likely to appear, and lining or layering design may be necessary.
• Gloss changes depending on the fabric design and finishing conditions.

Main Applications

It is used for thin fabrics in blouses, dresses, skirts, and other garments where drape is emphasized. Taking advantage of its lightness and softness, it is also sometimes used for lining, piping, and other accessory materials.

Because it makes it easier to design a cool appearance and less cling to the skin, it is often adopted for spring and summer items. However, heat retention and durability should be judged not only by the presence or absence of weight reduction finishing, but also by fabric thickness, density, weave structure, and blend ratio.

Selection and Handling Notes

When selecting, confirm the finished fabric weight, fabric width, thickness, sheerness, tensile strength, and tear strength. Especially when using it as an outer fabric, it is important to test seam strength and resistance to seam slippage with the actual sewing specifications.

Because weight reduction finished materials are thin and soft, care should be taken during cutting and sewing regarding stretching from feed, seam shifting, and puckering. Select a fine needle and thread suitable for the fabric, and check needle marks, seam shrinkage, and seam waviness in advance.

Dimensional change due to washing is affected by the fabric structure, heat setting, after-finishing, and sewing specifications. Do not assume a uniform shrinkage just because it is weight reduction finished; conduct washing tests before productization, and determine care label instructions based on information from the fabric supplier and the test results.

Differences from Similar Terms

Mercerizing is a finishing process that mainly treats cotton with alkali to improve gloss and dyeability. It differs in the target fiber and purpose from weight reduction finishing, which dissolves the polyester fiber surface to reduce weight and change the texture.

Salt shrink finish generally refers to a finishing process that creates surface changes such as shrinkage and unevenness through alkali treatment. It may be related to weight reduction finishing, but weight reduction finishing is treated separately because it is mainly intended to reduce polyester weight and create a soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions