Dyeing Factory
A dyeing factory is a processing facility that dyes greige fabric and knitted fabric, and, as needed, performs finishing processes such as hand-feel enhancement and functional finishing to turn them into fabric.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Role in the Process
A dyeing factory is a business that receives fabric after weaving or knitting and carries out scouring, bleaching, dyeing, finishing, and other processes. Scouring is the process of removing oils and impurities adhering to the fibers, and it forms the basis for the final dyeing result and hand feel.
In fabric transactions, greige fabric from a weaving mill or knitting factory is sent to the dyeing factory, processed to the specified color and finishing conditions, and then shipped after inspection. A dyeing factory is not just a place that adds color; it handles processes that affect the final fabric quality.
Where It Is Used in Fabric Transactions
In business negotiations and production management, “which dyeing factory to use” affects delivery time, minimum lot size, color reproducibility, and the materials and processes that can be handled. Even with standard fabric, changing the dyeing factory may result in differences in shade, luster, firmness, and softness for the same color number.
When requesting custom colors or after-processing, provide the fabric specifications, blend ratio, color sample, application, desired hand feel, required quantity, and desired delivery date to the dyeing factory. Before mass production, it is important to confirm the color and processing feel with lab dips or trial rolls.
- Fabric material and structure, blend ratio
- Not only the color number, but also an actual color sample and the light source used for judgment
- Finished specifications such as fabric weight, fabric width, and shrinkage rate
- Test items and judgment criteria according to the application, such as color fastness
- Mass production quantity, whether partial deliveries are possible, and required delivery date
Numbers and Quality Items to Check
When placing an order, confirm finished width, fabric weight, roll length, shrinkage rate, acceptable color difference range, and color fastness as specifications. However, acceptable values and test standards vary depending on the material, color, application, and customer requirements, so prior agreement is necessary rather than judging by a uniform number.
Dark colors, vivid colors, brushed items, stretchy knits, and fabrics containing a high proportion of natural fibers may be more prone to color variation, dimensional change, and differences in hand feel. Select the necessary tests while also considering the washing method and sewing conditions after the product is made.
Points to Prevent Misunderstandings
Words such as “black,” “natural,” and “softer” alone may not lead to the same understanding of the finish. Using an approved sample as the standard for color and providing a hand-feel sample, application, and comparison target for hand feel instructions makes it easier to reduce misunderstandings.
Even for the same product number, differences in processing lot or dyeing factory can lead to differences in hue, depth, width, fabric weight, and shrinkage rate. If additional production or color matching is needed, keep the first production roll, approved sample, and processing history, and confirm as early as possible whether continued production under the same conditions is possible.
Differences from Similar Terms
A weaving mill is a business that weaves fabric, while a dyeing factory is a business that mainly dyes and processes woven fabric or knitted fabric after it has been made. In yarn dyed production, yarn is dyed before weaving or knitting, while in piece dyed production, fabric is dyed after weaving or knitting, so the processes handled by the dyeing factory differ depending on the request.
A converter refers to a business that plans, procures, arranges processing for, and sells fabric. It does not mean a dyeing factory itself, but a converter may coordinate multiple weaving mills or dyeing factories to supply fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fabric change when the dyeing factory changes?
Even if the material and processing conditions are the same, differences in equipment, dye formula, finishing method, and management standards may cause changes in shade, luster, firmness, width, and shrinkage rate. When switching, it is important to check the approved sample and test results before mass production and compare them with the previous product.
What should be provided to the dyeing factory when requesting a custom color?
In addition to the color sample, provide the material and blend ratio, fabric specifications, application, desired hand feel, required quantity, and desired delivery date. For the color sample, use an actual sample rather than only the color number, and share the light source used for judgment and the acceptable range. Before mass production, approve the lab dip or trial roll.
Is there a difference between a dyeing workshop and a dyeing factory?
Both are often used to refer to processing plants that handle dyeing and finishing, and in transactions they are treated as synonymous. However, company naming and the scope of work, such as whether only dyeing is done or finishing is included as well, may differ, so confirm the available processes individually.
