The textile industry is vitally important. Without it, we wouldn’t have the specialist fabrics we need to keep ourselves safe and warm both inside and outside of our homes. A number of other industries also rely on its production, such as healthcare and the automotive industry, for example.
In this post, we’re taking a look at wear resistant coatings and the textile industry to understand how the application of such coatings can benefit the textile industry, as well as all those who rely on it.
What Is the Textile Industry?
The textile industry is responsible for the design, production, manufacture and distribution of fabric and textiles.
In the textile industry, raw fibres are spun into yarns, which are then turned into fabrics. The raw fibres may be natural, such as cotton or wool, or synthetic (i.e. man-made) such as nylon or polyester.
What Does the Textile Industry Produce?
When people think of the textile industry and the production of fabric, they will most often think about clothing, and while it’s true, the textile industry encompasses much more than just the clothes we wear.
Commercial Textiles
Also known as consumer textiles or sometimes domestic textiles, these are the things that probably first spring to mind when discussing textiles. Consumer textiles include items such as clothing, sportswear and accessories. It also covers furnishings like upholstery, curtains and bedding.
Industrial Textiles
Textiles created for use in an industrial context will often have a highly specific purpose and so are made with specialist qualities to help them fulfil that purpose.
An example of this might be the textiles used in agriculture for crop protection, such as shade protection that filters the sun’s rays.
Industrial textiles also encompass those used in civil engineering, and the automotive industry, for example, seatbelts and upholstery, as well as medical textiles like face masks, dressings and sutures.
Why Are Wear Resistant Coatings Used in the Textile Industry?
The textile industry relies on specialist machinery, which needs to operate on top form at all times in order to create, dye and print fabrics that are fit for purpose, whether that’s comfortable and attractive clothing or highly specialist textiles for use in an industrial setting.
Unfortunately, the machinery used to create textiles is highly susceptible to wear and tear because of the very nature of the industry. The constant friction and abrasion caused by the raw fibres and the fabric they create can lead to damage over time.
If the machines aren’t properly maintained or cleaned between use, problems can quickly occur, such as textile defects, uneven dyes, misprints or fabric roll wraparounds, affecting the overall quality and suitability of the end product.
Ongoing maintenance, regular cleaning and unexpected repairs can be costly and inconvenient, putting machinery out of action for long periods and affecting production and profits.
The textile industry, like all manufacturing industries, relies on consistent production to be profitable, so preventing downtime is critical. Not only that but as we’ve seen, there are many other industries, such as agriculture, healthcare and the automotive industry, which rely on the swift manufacture and distribution of the textiles they require to provide a service to society..
Wear-resistant coatings, therefore, are an essential aspect of keeping the textile industry moving.
How Do Wear Resistant Coatings Work?
Specialist metal coatings are used to lubricate machinery, reducing friction and wear on machine parts. Coatings can also reduce abrasion and lessen the impact of the fabrics on the machinery.
Wear-resistant coatings can also be used to help prevent an unwanted build-up of adhesives, dyes or coatings that are often used in the production of textiles. This is good news as leftover adhesives, dyes or specialist coatings that build up on machine parts can not only damage the machinery but can also contaminate other products that are being manufactured, leading to imperfections and poor-quality goods. This can lead to delays when machinery needs to be thoroughly cleaned in between uses.
Wear-resistant coatings can also imbue machine parts with qualities to help them withstand constant use and high temperatures, without affecting the textiles themselves.
Another benefit of using wear-resistant coatings on industrial machinery in the textile industry is that it can help to extend the lifespan of the equipment, meaning it won’t need to be repaired or replaced so frequently, saving both time and money and allowing the textile industry to meet the demands placed on it.
Wear Resistant Coatings From Alphatek
Here at Alphatek, we have over 100 years of cumulative coating expertise and we work closely with our customers to find the right solutions for their needs no matter the industry.
We have extensive experience working across a wide range of industries, from automotive to textiles. For example, we have a long and successful history of providing both off and on-site thermal spraying solutions for the print and paper industry.
To find out more about Alphatek and our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also contact us by calling 01706 821021 or emailing postbox@alphatek.co.uk.
If you’d prefer to visit us in person, you can find us 20 miles north of Manchester. Please check our opening times when planning your visit to Alphatek.
