Dimensional Stability Test

When consider about knitted fabrics they are more subjected to stretch forces. Therefore knitted
fabrics must be resistance to shrink. When fabric subject to washing, laundering, dry cleaning,
steaming and hot pressing after that there is little shrinkage on the knitted fabric. Shrinkage is cause to
dimensional changes in the fabric. Dimensional stability of a fabric depends on factors such as fiber
type, fabric structure, crimp of the fabric and the finishes applied on it.
When we consider our end use nightwear it wants to have moderate dimensional stability. We
dont want to consider that property much. But if garments have poor dimensional stability after some
time washing it width and height can be vary. Therefore that garments cant wear after that. And also it
may cause to seam problems.

Merits
It is easy to perform the test because all the steps are given under a particular (AATCC)
washing standard.
Depending on the person result cant be varying because test done by machine.
The machine driven automatically therefore repeatability of this test.
We can do the test for several specimens at the same time because we add weight 1.8 kg for the
machine.
It is very easy to measure the dimensional change using the ruler.

Demerits
While washing fabric subject to various forces therefore fabric can stretch and create defects.
Creases can be occurred during washing.
High waste of energy and water because one fabric specimen weight is small. But we add make
up weight and increase the weight. Therefore wastage occur.
When get final reading fabric must be evenly spread but the ruler removal of wrinkles is
depend to final reading.

Errors and Precautions
Before washing should be marked using a marker but our sample is black therefore we marked
with tipex.
When washing ink or tipex must be not wash out.
We have to mark the coarse or wale direction of fabric.
There can be human errors measuring the detergents, water level.
After washing fabric needs to be dried. So fabric must be lay properly to prevent crease marks
stretch the fabric.
After drying the fabric it must be kept in a conditioned atmosphere at least for 2 hours to let it
get conditioned.
AATCC reference detergent may cause irritation. Should be care prevent exposure to skin and
eye.