Subcontracted Finishing Steps Appearing after the Audit Scope Closes
Subcontracted finishing steps executed outside audited mill boundaries alter fabric fastness, strength, and chemical safety without triggering primary quality controls.
Rotary Shearing Cylinder
Machinery Component
Industrial shearing machines utilize a precision cylinder equipped with multiple spiral blades to trim protruding fibers from the surface of a fabric. This central component, known as a rotary shearing cylinder, rotates at high speed against a fixed ledger blade to cut the fibers to a uniform height. It is essential for creating smooth, even surfaces on pile fabrics like fleece, velvet, and corduroy.
The alignment must be perfect to avoid damaging the base fabric.
Mechanical Action
The fabric passes over a table where the pile is raised and presented to the blades. As the cylinder rotates, the spiral blades sweep across the fabric surface and shear off any uneven yarn ends. This process works like a cylindrical lawnmower, ensuring a flat pile.
Finished Quality
Correct operation of the cylinder results in a highly uniform surface texture and a soft feel. If the cylinder is misaligned, it can create horizontal lines or cut too deep, ruining the fabric. Brands inspect the pile height across the entire width.
Maintenance Requirement
The blades on the cylinder require regular sharpening and cleaning to prevent fiber buildup and dullness. Hard particles in the fabric can chip the blades, which requires immediate repair. Regular lubrication ensures smooth rotation and long service life.