When manufacturing High Performance Polyester T400 Stretch Fabric, fabric dyeing process requirements

1. Dye selection
Dye is the core factor affecting the dyeing effect and quality of T400 stretch fabric. Since T400 fabric is mainly composed of polyester fiber, it is very important to choose the right type of dye.

Disperse dye: Polyester fiber is an oleophilic fiber, and disperse dye is the most commonly used dye type for polyester fabric. Disperse dye can penetrate into the structure of polyester fiber through thermal action to form a stable color. Disperse dye has high dyeing power and color fastness, and is particularly suitable for high temperature dyeing process.
Acid dye: For some T400 fabrics with special requirements, acid dye can also be used as an option, especially when dyeing fabrics with certain special functions, such as fibers with enhanced antistatic or antibacterial functions.
When selecting disperse dyes, it is necessary to ensure the chemical stability of the dye and its affinity with T400 polyester fiber in order to obtain uniform color and excellent color fastness.

2. Dyeing process requirements
2.1 Dyeing method
When dyeing T400 fabrics, high temperature and high pressure dyeing process is usually used. The dyeing temperature of polyester fiber is generally between 130-140°C, so dyeing equipment that can withstand high temperatures, such as high-pressure dyeing machines, continuous dyeing machines, etc., is required during the dyeing process.
High-temperature and high-pressure dyeing machine: This dyeing machine is suitable for large-scale production and can accurately control the dyeing temperature, pressure and time to ensure the uniformity and color fastness of the dyeing effect.
Thermal transfer dyeing: In some special designs, thermal transfer dyeing can also be used for T400 fabrics. This method can effectively improve the vividness of colors and the clarity of textures.
2.2 Dyeing temperature and time
During the dyeing process, the control of temperature and time is very important. Excessive temperature or excessive dyeing time may cause damage to the fabric fibers, reduce elasticity, and may even affect the color and durability of the fabric. Therefore, the optimal dyeing temperature and time must be set strictly in accordance with the requirements of the dye and fabric.
Generally speaking, the dyeing temperature of T400 fabric should be controlled between 130°C and 140°C. The dyeing time is usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of dye, the density of the fabric and the yarn structure. Under high temperature conditions, dyes can more easily penetrate the fibers, thus achieving a darker color and better color fastness.
2.3 Dyeing uniformity control
In order to ensure the uniformity of the color of T400 fabrics after dyeing, stirring and fluid dynamics control during the dyeing process are essential. The fabrics in the dyeing machine need to be constantly turned and stirred to prevent uneven deposition of dyes on the fabric surface. Any uneven dyeing will cause color difference and affect the quality of the product.
The use of dyeing auxiliaries (such as dispersants and lubricants) can improve the affinity of dyes with fibers, help dyes penetrate evenly into the interior of the fibers, and reduce the risk of dyes settling on the surface. The ratio of dyes and auxiliaries and the optimization of formulas also need to be adjusted according to different T400 fabric types.

3. Color fastness requirements
For High Performance Polyester T400 Stretch Fabric, color fastness after dyeing is crucial, especially for clothing used in high-intensity sports or outdoor environments. High color fastness not only affects the aesthetics of the fabric, but is also directly related to the durability of the fabric.
Color fastness to washing: T400 fabrics need to ensure high color fastness to washing after dyeing, especially for sportswear and outdoor clothing that are frequently washed, the color fastness to washing should reach level 4 or above (according to ISO standards). If the color fastness to washing is insufficient, the fabric will fade after multiple washings, affecting the appearance.
Color fastness to light: T400 fabrics are usually exposed to sunlight, so color fastness to light is also a key requirement. The light fastness of the fabric needs to meet a high standard to avoid color fading caused by ultraviolet rays in the sun. Ideally, the color fastness to light of T400 fabrics should reach level 5.
Color fastness to friction: When high-performance polyester stretch fabrics are used for sports or outdoor activities, the fabrics may face a lot of friction, so their color fastness to friction also needs special attention. The friction resistance is usually required to reach level 3 or above to ensure that it is not easy to fade or damage after long-term wear.

4. Environmental protection requirements
With the improvement of environmental awareness, the dyeing process of T400 fabrics needs to meet environmental protection requirements to reduce the impact on the environment. The discharge of wastewater, waste gas and chemicals during the dyeing process needs to be strictly controlled.
Use of environmentally friendly dyes: The selection of low-pollution, harmless dyes and auxiliaries is an important part of the environmentally friendly dyeing process. For example, the use of lead-free, benzene-free, and harmless chemical dyes and auxiliaries can effectively reduce pollution to the environment.
Water conservation: A large amount of water resources are required in the dyeing process, so the use of water-saving dyeing technology is crucial. Modern dyeing equipment can use recycled water circulation systems and low water consumption technologies to reduce the amount of water used in the dyeing process.
Energy efficiency: The use of high-efficiency dyeing equipment can effectively reduce energy consumption in the dyeing process, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve higher sustainability requirements.

5. Finishing process
After dyeing, T400 fabrics usually need to go through a series of finishing processes to enhance their functionality, comfort and appearance. Common finishing processes include:
Softening treatment: Through the application of softeners, the fabrics are made softer and more comfortable to meet the needs of high-intensity exercise or long-term wear.
Antistatic treatment: For functional fabrics such as sportswear, antistatic treatment can prevent the fabrics from absorbing dust or static electricity when worn.
Waterproof and stain-resistant treatment: For outdoor clothing and sports equipment, water-proof and stain-resistant treatment is a necessary finishing process to improve the durability of fabrics in humid environments.