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Introduction
The Stenter machine consists of seven drying chambers, padded rollers, and a weft straightening section which enables the machine to control spiraling, shrinkage, and GSM while the fabric is passed through the padding section or squeezer for properly squeezing the fabric and processing softening treatment of the fabric through feed roller and guide roller. It then goes through the weft, straightening section where, by bowing roller, fabric spiraling is controlled and then passed through a chain rail for shrinkage control.
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| Stenter Machine |
Function
- To adjust the length and width of the fabric
- To dry the fabric
- To give dimensional stability to the fabric
- Used for heat setting
- Used for straightening the weft or coarse yarn.
Hot Air Circulation System
In stenter and dryer machines, the air is recirculated, which passes from the exhaust stubs and air controller flaps. Then the air is passed over the nozzles through which fabric is passed and routes it over to the heat exchanger, which lets the air be heated by the burner. The circulating air fan allows the hot air to pass uniformly through the nozzles to the fabric where the air controller flaps control the upper and lower nozzle air and thus the fabric is heated. Finally, the used hot air is passed on to the exhaust air duct.
Finishing Effect of Stenter Machine
Process Description
The selvages are held by two endless chains typically 40 to 60 meters in length and the fabric is conveyed through a series of heated compartments or bays. Hot air is directed onto the fabric equally from above and below. The selvages are held either on pins about 5 mm long mounted in baseplates or by clips that grip the selvages between smooth surfaces. Lubrication of the chain is important and this takes place automatically during running. The lubricant must be completely stable during continuous high-temperature operation.
Main Parts
- Free roller
- Guide roller
- Horizontal clip
- Fan
- Motor
Maintenance
Motor RPM: Motor RPM should be checked to maintain the proper revolution as we need.
Proper movement of roller: Every free roller should move freely as required. We need to ensure the free movement of these rollers.
Proper grip: Without the proper grip, the fabric will snag in the middle and may lose or snarl in the machine. Without proper grip, fabric dimension may hamper.
Proper gearing and fabric path: Proper gearing should be maintained to maintain proper speed and proper fabric path should be maintained to ensure uniform tension throughout the machine.
Temperature: Proper temperature through the machine should be maintained constantly and should rise and lower evenly with the gradient as required.
Proper fan speed: The fan of the machine is the most important part. So we have to maintain its proper speed and other defectives.
Guide roller movement: We have to maintain proper movement of the guide roller; otherwise the speed of the fabric through the process will be hampered.
Proper width adjustment: Control of the fabric width should be adjusted considering the shrinkage of the fabric.
FAQs about Stenter
A stenter machine (also called a tenter frame) is a textile finishing machine that dries and heat-sets fabric while maintaining its width and straightness. It consists of a series of chains with clips or pins that hold the fabric edges as it moves through heated chambers.
Most textile materials can be processed, including woven and knitted fabrics made from natural fibers (cotton, wool), synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon), and blended materials. The machine settings are adjusted according to the fabric type.
- Drying wet fabric after dyeing or washing
- Heat-setting synthetic fibers
- Controlling fabric width
- Straightening weft threads
- Applying finishing chemicals
- Improving fabric dimensional stability
Operating temperatures typically range from 130 °C to 200 °C, depending on the fabric type and desired finish. Synthetic fibers usually require higher temperatures for heat-setting (180-200 °C), while natural fibers are processed at lower temperatures.
The fabric edges are held by clips or pins attached to two parallel chains. These chains can be adjusted to the desired width, and the fabric is stretched or relaxed accordingly as it moves through the machine. Width adjustment is typically possible from 1 meter to 3.4 meters.
- Uneven drying or heat-setting
- Fabric edge damage from clips
- Inconsistent width control
- Temperature fluctuations
- Chain synchronization issues
- Chemical application irregularities
- Chamber temperatures
- Machine speed
- Fabric tension
- Chain width settings
- Exhaust air humidity
- Chemical application rates
- Fabric temperature
- Dimensional stability
- Surface appearance
- Hand feel
- Shrinkage resistance
- Color fastness
- Overall quality consistency
- Cleaning chambers and exhaust systems
- Lubricating chains and mechanical parts
- Checking clip condition and replacing damaged ones
- Calibrating temperature sensors
- Inspecting belt alignments
- Cleaning chemical application systems
- Heat protection measures for operators
- Proper ventilation for chemical fumes
- Emergency stop systems
- Fire prevention systems
- Regular safety training for operators
- Protective equipment requirements
- Safe chemical handling procedures