Textile Term: Heat Setting
Heat setting is a process in which a fabric is treated with heat to ensure that it retains its shape and size after washing or ironing. Heat setting is usually done after the fabric has been dyed or printed, and it involves heating the fabric to a specific temperature for a certain amount of time.
Heat setting is particularly important for fabrics that are composed of synthetic fibers such as spandex, polyester, and nylon, which have a tendency to deform or shrink when exposed to high temperatures. This can lead to the fabric losing its shape and size, but with heat setting, the fibers are locked in place, thus preventing any deformity or shrinkage.
The heat-setting process can be carried out using either dry heat or steam, and the temperature and duration of the process vary depending on the type of fiber used in the fabric and the desired final properties of the fabric.
Heat setting is used in a variety of textile applications, including in the production of clothing, upholstery, and home textiles. By ensuring that the fabric retains its shape and size after washing or ironing, heat setting helps to increase the durability and longevity of the fabric.