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The fabric inspection machine's main purpose is to point out all kinds of faults in the cloth before it is used for stitching. A fabric inspection machine helps create consistent quality control and saves time and resources. There are a few types of the machine, which helps to inspect the fabric in various ways, with the most common being the roll type and the cross read type.
Roll type fabric inspection machine
The roll type fabric inspection machine is set up in such a way that the fabric is pulled over a lightbox conveyor belt. The lightbox is a crucial part of the machine as it helps detect defects in the cloth by illuminating it from below. The illuminated piece of cloth is then viewed by the operators from above who can quickly point out the faults by marking them on a monitor or directly on the fabric. Once the inspection is done, the piece of cloth is rolled back on the fabric roll.
Cross-feed type fabric inspection machine
In the cross feed type fabric inspection machine, the fabric is pulled downwards through a set of rollers. The operators inspect the piece of cloth as it feeds out in a cross-direction. This type of inspection machine is more widely used as it requires fewer operators to view the fabric. In some cases, digital monitoring systems are used alongside cross-feed inspection machines to identify fabric faults better and keep a record of all the inspections that are done.
Relide type fabric inspection machine
The roll back type fabric inspection machine is more traditional as it consists of a lightbox and a set of viewing glasses or a magnifying device. The operator uses the device to inspect the fabric under the light and look for any prevalent faults.
Semi-automatic fabric inspection machine
This machine can be either a roll-type or cross-feed type. It incorporates automated cloth feeding and marking systems. A semi-automatic fabric inspection machine improves efficiency and provides better accuracy than fully manual machines.
Automatic fabric inspection machine
Similar to the semi-automatic model, the automatic machine can be in either roll-type or cross-feed type. It uses a camera or electronic sensor for automatic inspection of fabric defects, which are marked automatically on the fabric. The advantage of an automatic fabric inspection machine is it offers higher throughput and greater consistency than the semi-automatic model.
Fabric Width:
Machines generally deal with fabrics that have widths ranging from 36" to 120." It is good for users to get a standard width inspection machine that will work well for most of the fabric types they inspect.
Speed Control:
The speeds of these inspection machines can be controlled to move between 10 to 100 meters per minute. The ideal control speed allows inspectors enough time to quickly identify defects without causing excessive fabric waste or delay in marking and re-sewing faulty areas.
Light Source:
Except natural daylight, the most common type of lighting used in fabric inspection machines is fluorescent lighting. Others use LED lights, while some may allow inspectors to choose different types of lamps. The purpose of the light source is to help expose fabric flaws clearly for easy inspection.
Roller Size:
The diameter of the take-up roller is usually between 12 and 16 inches. The size is convenient enough to hold inspected fabric that has its length up to 300 yards.
Power Source:
Most inspection machines use 110V or 220V AC single-phase power. Some heavy-duty models may require 3-phase motor drivers for higher inspection conveyor belt speeds and loads.
Machine Weight:
A typical fabric inspection machine weighs about 200 kg. Heavier devices can be around 300 kg. Fabric inspection machines that are heavier than normal have bigger take-up rolls and more robust construction. They are designed to handle longer lengths of fabric.
Routine maintenance of fabric inspection machines helps to maximize their performance, reduce downtime, and prolong their service life. It is advisable to develop a periodic maintenance schedule for the machine based on usage and inspection frequency. Below are some fabric inspection machine maintenance tips:
Inspection machines can be used in various scenarios in the textile industry and quality control processes. Here are some of them.
Textile Quality Control:
In the textile industry, a fabric inspection machine is commonly used to carry out quality control. This includes detecting any defects in the cloth such as stains, holes, tears, weaver errors, and others. Early identification of these flaws enables prompt correction and further enhances the quality of the final product.
Pre-Production Fabric Inspection:
Before production begins, large quantities of fabrics are usually purchased by manufacturers. A fabric inspection machine can be used to inspect these materials to identify any potential issues that may affect production. This allows manufacturers to make informed decisions about the fabrics they choose to work with.
Post-Production Fabric Inspection:
Even after production, fabrics may still have defects that need to be addressed. A fabric inspection machine can be used to identify and rectify these issues to ensure the final product meets the required standards.
Fifth Screen Inspection:
Using a fabric inspection machine, only a small portion of the entire piece of fabric is inspected. This method is known as sampling, and it is cost-effective and efficient as several hours or even days of fabric can be reviewed in a short time span.
Documentation and Reporting:
Most fabric inspection machines have software that helps to create reports and documents. These inspection records are crucial for textile companies as they assist in tracking fabric defects over a period of time, identifying any existing trends, and streamlining the quality control process.
Compliance and Certification:
There are certain standards that the textile industry has to comply with. If these standards are to be met and certifications granted, then fabric inspection machines must be used to ensure that the fabrics are of the required quality.
When looking at fabric inspection machines, understand what type of optical machine they have and if it meets requirements. Different types will be priced differently.
Regarding the machine's physical structure, machines with a more complex structure, like a horizontal inspection platform, will cost more. Bigger inspection areas will also cost more, and the same goes for bigger roller diameters. Practicality affects fabric inspection machine prices.
Understand the light requirements. The more basic inspection machines will only use natural light/fabric, which will have a lower cost. Under the fixed brightness of fluorescent light, the fabric can show other defects like stains, and the fabric inspection machine price will be higher. Some advanced machines use LED lights, which can be adjusted in intensity and color and illuminate the fabric from different angles. Depending on the lighting technology used, the fabric inspection machine price will vary, and the same goes for another advanced feature where the color temperature of the light can be changed. It is also different when the machine has a dome-shaped device that shows the fabric under 360-degree isolation.
Optical systems will also affect fabric inspection machine prices. More advanced machines will use digital cameras with bigger pixels that will provide clearer images for scanning. Stand-alone cameras will count as one optical system, and the more basic ones are glass magnifiers with less visual clarity.
Fabric inspection machines with extra features like automatic defect detection, data management connectivity and digital zoom will have a higher fabric inspection machine price. In-depth analysis conducted under a comprehensive three-in-one model, for example, will also make the device cost more.
Understand the material of the machine and whether it is a manual or semi-manual/fully automatic machine, as this will also count toward the fabric inspection machine price. Automatic machines will be more expensive because they have electric motors and driving parts that work electrically.
Q1: What is the trend of the fabric inspection market dimension?
A1: The global fabric inspection machine market was valued at US$ 6.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 10.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.
Q2: What are the main types of fabric inspection machines?
Whether used in weaving, knitting, or accessory workshops, all fabric inspection machines carry some common features and functions, such as identifying the type of defects, counting the number of fabric rolls, etc. Therefore, knowing the common features and specifications of various fabric inspection machines is better than simply fabric types. In this case, it is easier to discern the distinctions between different inspection machines and choose one that meets particular requirements for inspection efficiency and accuracy.
Q3: What are the benefits of fabric inspection machines?
A3: Fabric inspection machines help find faults in textiles like loose threads, stains, and damage. They improve quality control, reduce manual inspection efforts, and speed up the inspection process.
Q4: What are the latest developments in the fabric inspection machine market?
A4: The fabric inspection machine market has seen advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning integration. Automated fabric inspection machines with AI capabilities offer increased accuracy, efficiency, and higher production rates.