Flash spinning

A modification of the dry-spinning method in which a solution of a polymer is extruded at a temperature well above its boiling point, such that, on its emergence from the spinneret, evaporation occurs so rapidly that the individual filaments are disrupted into fine fibrils.

Flash-spun fabric

A nonwoven formed by the bonding of a web made by the fibrillation of an extruded film by the rapid evaporation of solvent.

Flat

A place where warp ends are not leased in the correct order. For instance, two adjacent ends that pass together on the same side of the two lease rods in an otherwise end-and-end lease form a flat.

Flat Abrasion Tester

See STOLL-QUARTERMASTER UNIVERSAL WEAR TESTER.

Flat card

A card which has flats, revolving and/or stationary, and which disentangles short-staple or cotton-length fibres to produce thin webs or slivers for further processing. (See also carding.)

Flat Duck

See DUCK.

Flat fabric

A two-dimensional woven or knitted fabric that has no pile loops.

Flat knitting machine

A weft-knitting machine having straight needle beds carrying independently operated, usually latch needles. (See also knitting machine.)
Note 1.. Rib machines (V-type), usually, have two needle beds, which are opposed to each other in inverted-V formation.
Note 2: Purl machines, usually, have two needle beds horizontally opposed in the same plane.
Note 3: Reciprocating carriage flat knitting machines are flat knitting machines, usually, provided with one or two carriages containing 1,2,3 or 4 cam systems that traverse to and for across the needle beds.
Note 4: Circulating carriage flat knitting machines are flat knitting machines in which several carriages each with its own cam system move continuously across the needle beds in the same direction.

Flat metal yarn

A yarn consisting of one or more continuous lengths of metal strip or incorporating one or more continuous length(s) as a major component.
Note 1: A notable example is a single metal yarn in banknotes.
Note 2: Twist inserted in flat metal yarns may form irregular facets which reflect light accordingly to give decorative effects in fabrics. (See also metailized yarn.)

Flat seam

usually a lockstitch seam, formed by a line or lines of stitches joining two pieces of material together face to face.(sub category of seam type)

Flat setting

The setting of fabric at open-width. The term is particularly used in the finishing of woven wool fabrics, where setting is usually effected by steaming under pressure.

Flat yarn

1. A yam consisting of fully drawn continuous-filaments substantially without twist and untextured. (See also twistiess yarn.)
2. See straw yarn.

Flat-Knit Fabric

1. A fabric made on a flat-knitting machine as distinguished from tubular fabrics made on a circular-knitting machine. While tricot and milanese warp-knit fabrics (non-run) are knit in flat form the trade uses the term flat-knit fabric to refer to weft-knits fabrics made on a flat machine rather than warp-knit fabrics. 2. A term used in the underwear trade for plain stitch fabrics made on a circular-knitting machine. These fabrics have a flat surface and are often called flat-knit fabrics to differentiate them from ribbed-knit or Swiss rib fabrics. In this case the term refers to the texture not the type of machine on which the fabric was knit. © 2001 Celanese Acetate LLC

Flat-Knitting Machine

A weft-knitting machine with needles arranged in a straight line in a flat plate called the bed. The yarn travels alternately back and forth and the fabric may be shaped or varied in width as desired during the knitting process. Lengthwise edges are selvages. Flat-knitting machines may be divided into two types latch-needle machines for sweaters scarves and similar articles and fine spring-needle machines for full-fashioned hosiery.

Flat-Top Card

See FLAT CARD.