Edge Defect
The color variation between the left and right edges of a dyed fabric roll is a common continuous dyeing defect. In the textile trade, listing refers specifically to this side-to-side shaded effect, which occurs across the width of the material. This defect makes it difficult to use the entire width of the fabric for pattern cutting.
Mechanical Causes
Continuous open-width processing, such as pad-dyeing or stenter drying, is where the defect typically arises. If the pressure on the left side of the padding mangle is higher than on the right side, the left side will absorb less dye and appear lighter. Uneven heating across the width of the stenter can also cause listing, as the dye molecules migrate at different rates towards the hot air nozzles.
To detect this, technicians measure three samples taken from the left edge, the center, and the right edge of the roll.
Apparel Assembly
Garment factories cannot mix panels cut from the left and right edges of the roll in the same garment. Doing so results in finished clothes with sleeves that do not match the body panels.
Production Correction
Frequent calibration of mangle pressure and cleaning of the air nozzles in the stenter can prevent this defect from arising. However, once the fabric is cured, the only solution is to dye it a much darker color.
