Estimation of safe fabric length during automatic vertical feeding of fabrics into work stations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an estimation of safe fabric length during automatic vertical feeding of fabrics into work stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the application of the energy method and taking advantage of dimensionless groups.

Findings

Limits of the safe maximum force and length are obtained for a fabric of known properties and given friction coefficient between the fabric and supporting bed.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how to calculate the buckling force of a horizontally positioned fabric where the weight cannot be neglected and how to calculate the maximum length of such a fabric which can be pushed into a work station without buckling.

Citation

Amirbayat, J. (2011), "Estimation of safe fabric length during automatic vertical feeding of fabrics into work stations", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/09556221111166257