Effect of Sewing Speed on the Physical Properties of Firefighter Sewing Threads

Authors: Adnan Mazari, Engin Akcagun, Antonin Havelka, Funda Buyuk Mazari, Pavel Kejzlar

Abstract:

This article experimentally investigates various physical properties of special fire retardant sewing threads under different sewing speeds. The aramid threads are common for sewing the fire-fighter clothing due to high strength and high melting temperature. 3 types of aramid threads with different linear densities are used for sewing at different speed of 2000 to 4000 r/min. The needle temperature is measured at different speeds of sewing and tensile properties of threads are measured before and after the sewing process respectively. The results shows that the friction and abrasion during the sewing process causes a significant loss to the tensile properties of the threads and needle temperature rises to nearly 300^oC at 4000 r/min of machine speed. The Scanning electron microscope images are taken before and after the sewing process and shows no melting spots but significant damage to the yarn. It is also found that machine speed of 2000r/min is ideal for sewing firefighter clothing for higher tensile properties and production.

Keywords: Kevlar, needle temperature, Nomex, sewing.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1111903

References:

[1] Seidt J. D., Matrka T. A., Gilat A., et al. Tensile behavior of Kevlar 49 woven fabrics over a wide range of strain rates. Conf Proc Soc Exp Mech Ser 2011; 99: 187–193.
[2] Aidani R. E., Dolez P. I. and Vu-Khanh T. Effect of thermal aging on the mechanical and barrier properties of an e-PTFE/NomexVR moisture membrane used in firefighters’ protective suits. J Appl Polym Sci 2011; 121:pp 3101–3110
[3] DuPont. Technical guide for NOMEX brand fiber, July 2001 (accessed: March 2014).
[4] Nomex fabric characteristics, http://www.coverallsale.com /nomex-fabric-characteristics.htm (accessed March, 2014).
[5] Winkler, G. Modern sewing threads. In: 4th International Seminar on Developments in Production and Application. Shirley Institute, Manchester, 1971,pp 1–21.
[6] Mazari, A., Havelka, A., Kus, Z. The effects of Lubricant amount on sewing needle temperature and tensile properties of Polyester-polyester core-spun thread. Industria Textila, 2015, 66(2), pp 97-102.
[7] Mazari, A., Havelka, A., Wiener, J. and Zbigniew, R. A study on DLC-coated industrial lockstitch sewing needle. Industria Textila, 2015, 66(1),pp 43-47.
[8] Sundaresan, G., Hari, P. K., and Salhotra, K. R. Strength reduction in sewing Threads during High Speed Sewing in an Indus- trial Lockstitch machine: Part I: Mechanism of Thread Strength Reduction. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 1997, 9(5),pp 334–335.
[9] Gersak, J., Rheological properties of threads: their influence on dynamic loads in the sewing process. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 1995, 7(2/3), 71–80.
[10] Midha, V. K., et al. Effect of high speed sewing on the tensile properties of sewing threads at different stages of sewing. International Journal of Clothing Science & Technology, 2009, 21(4),pp 217 – 238.
[11] Mazari, A., Bal, K., Havelka, A., Temperature distribution on sewing needle at high speed industrial sewing lockstitch machine,Vlakna a Textil, 2015 (1), pp. 37-39.
[12] Ferriera, F. B. N. Harlock, S. C., and Grosberg, P. A Study of Thread Tensions on Lockstitch Sewing Machine, Part-I. International Journal of Clothing Science & Technology, 1994, 6(1), pp 14–19.
[13] Ajiki, I., and Postle, R. Viscoelastic properties of threads before and After Sewing International Journal of clothing Science & Technology, 2003, 15(1), pp 16– 27.
[14] Mazari, A. and Havelka, A. Sewing needle temperature of an Industrial lockstitch machine. Industria Textila, 2014, 65(6),pp 335-339.
[15] Mazari, A., Bal, K. and Havelka A. Prediction of needle heating in an industrial sewing machine. Textile Research Journal, DOI:10.1177/0040517515586160, 2015.
[16] Stylios, G. K. The mechanics of stitching. A volume in Woodhead publication series in textiles, Heriot-Watt University, UK 2013, pp 47-61.
[17] Mazari A., Havelka A. and Hes L. Experimental techniques for measuring sewing needle temperature, Tekstil ve Konfesiyon, 2014,1, pp 111-118.