Top 7 Quality Parameters in Textile Industry

India, with its 4.5 crore-strong workforce in the textile industry, stands at the brink of a significant milestone. The nation is poised to secure its place as the world's second-largest exporter of textiles and clothing, with exports expected to reach a staggering $44.4 billion in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The implications of this achievement are profound, as the textile industry is projected to achieve remarkable growth, with a forecasted value of $2.1 trillion by the year 2025.

This meteoric rise in the textile industry not only reflects India's economic prowess but also underscores its global influence in the fashion and textile sectors. With millions of livelihoods depending on this dynamic industry, India is rapidly becoming a textile powerhouse, showcasing its strength and resilience on the international stage.

The most striking aspect of this phenomenon is the insatiable demand for textile and clothing products from India. The global market is eager to embrace the quality and craftsmanship that Indian textiles offer, and this surge in demand places an ever-increasing responsibility on the shoulders of Indian textile companies. As the world clamors for Indian textiles, it is imperative that the industry meets these high expectations with consistent and uncompromising quality.

While many large organizations are actively modernizing and upgrading their testing techniques to keep pace with global quality standards, it's worth noting that numerous small-scale enterprises still adhere to outdated methods. This dichotomy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive quality control standards and processes across the entire spectrum of the textile industry, irrespective of a company's size or scale.

In a competitive environment characterized by fast-paced consumerism and rapidly evolving global fashion trends, the textile industry is at the forefront of economic transformation. The world of textiles is one where style, quality, and durability are paramount. This environment leaves no room for complacency; instead, it demands a relentless commitment to quality and stringent control over production processes.

At the heart of this paradigm shift is the concept of textile inspection – an essential component of the modern textile industry. Textile manufacturers must prioritize inspection processes to ensure product quality, minimize rejections, and improve production efficiency. In the context of the textile industry, the term "rejection" strikes fear into the hearts of manufacturers, as it signifies not only financial losses but also reputational damage.

To overcome this looming threat, manufacturers and producers must be equipped with basic yet essential quality control testing instruments designed specifically for textile inspection. These instruments are indispensable in safeguarding product quality and ensuring that textiles meet the highest industry standards. Let's delve into the seven pivotal quality parameters that every textile manufacturer should ardently adhere to:

1. Color Matching: In the world of textiles, color is king. The art of color matching is a critical process that relies on the interplay of the object, human vision, and lighting. Maintaining consistent color quality in the final product is not just about aesthetics; it has the power to influence consumers and drive purchasing decisions. Achieving this consistency is facilitated by a color matching box, a fundamental tool for ensuring uniformity across different lighting conditions.

2. Color Fastness to Rubbing: This test evaluates the fabric's resistance to fading and staining when subjected to rubbing. The importance of color fastness cannot be overstated, as color issues often manifest post-purchase, leading to detrimental effects on a business. Therefore, it is essential for manufacturers to adhere to color fastness testing standards to assess the durability of their colored fabrics.

3. Color Fastness to Washing: The color fastness to washing test determines whether a material undergoes color changes after being washed with household detergent. This examination is vital in ensuring the fabric's color remains fast and resilient. To execute this test effectively, a specialized instrument like the Digi Wash i9, designed for color fastness to washing, is indispensable.

4. GSM (Grams per Square Meter): The textile industry relies on GSM measurement to gauge the weight of fabric. Several testing equipment are employed to determine the GSM of a textile material. The process involves cutting a circular fabric sample with a GSM cutter and then weighing it on an electronic balance to obtain the fabric's weight reading.

5. Shrinkage Testing: Fabric shrinkage refers to changes in length and width that occur after washing and usage, potentially jeopardizing the quality of garments. The last thing any manufacturer wants is to grapple with shrinkage issues. Consequently, it is essential to subject the fabric to shrinkage testing instruments to identify and mitigate this problem.

6. Yarn Count: Yarn count represents a method for determining the thickness or fineness of yarn by either weight or length. A yarn count tester is a critical instrument for assessing the durability, strength, and comfort of yarn.

7. Pick Glass with Light & Scales: Pick glass is an indispensable tool for inspecting fabric and identifying defects related to reed/pick depth, weaving, dyeing, and printing. It is particularly useful for manual thread counting, as it is placed directly on the fabric surface.