A-frame

A movable batching unit, in which a horizontal roller is supported by two A-shaped frames. The unit is used to wind fabric in beam form for either storage or wet processing.

Abaca

Fibre obtained from Musa textilis, also known as 'abaca'. (See also hemp, true.)

Abraded yarn

A continuous-filament yarn that has been subjected to abrading action, generally to provide it with the hairiness characteristic of a staple-fibre yarn.
Note.. Unintentional abrading of yam is a defect.

Abrasion mark

A localized area where a fabric has been damaged by friction.

Abrasion mark

See A localized area where a fabric has been damaged by friction.

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a fiber or fabric to withstand surface wear and rubbing.

Abrasion test

A test used to simulate and measure the wear performance of textile yarns, fabric or floorcovering in use.
Note: There is little agreement between results obtained on different machines when used to test the same product, and the results obtained do not necessarily simulate effects produced during wear. One such type of machine is the 'Martindale'.

Absolute humidity

The mass of water vapour present in unit volume of moist air. A typical unit is gram per cubic metre (g.m-3).

Absolute loom efficiency

The ratio of the number of picks inserted by a weaving machine (per unit of time, e.g., hour, shift, day or week) to the number of picks which would have been inserted if the machine had been running continuously (using actual machine speed for the calculation).

Absorbance

The ability of a substance to transform radiant energy into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature. Mathematically absorbance is the negative logarithm to the base 10 of transmittance.

Absorbency

The ability of one material to take up another material.

Absorption

The process of gases or liquids being taken up into the pores of a fiber yarn or fabric. (Also see ADSORPTION.)

Accelerant

A substance, often a swelling agent, which, added to a dyebath or printing paste, accelerates the diffusion of a dye into a substrate. Accelerants may also be used to increase the rate of reaction in chemical finishing.

Accessory

1. (Clothing) A subsidiary item of dress, such as a scarf, belt, gloves, umbrella.
2. (Sewing machine) A supplementary part or component of a sewing machine used to diversify its function.

Accordion fabric

A weft-knitted plain-based fabric, showing a figured design in two or more colours, that is produced by knitting and missing, and in which tuck loops are introduced to eliminate long lengths of floating thread at the back.