Abstract: The invention generally relates to fabric dyeing, such as fabric dyeing using indigo or sulphur dyes. A process is provided which provides a dyed yarn having reduced dye penetration and a white core. The process involves modification of existing sulfur dye ranges to more efficiently and in an environmentally improved method produce dyed fabrics. The modification involves one or more of i) using of a barrier compound to subsequent dye applications; ii) performing a scouring stage without a caustic agent; iii) bypassing scouring and/or scour rising; iv) using sodium bicarbonate to control the pH of dye tanks; v) reducing the dye concentration and increasing the number of dye vats; and vi) adding a sizing stage to the dye range. The invention also is directed to yarns dyed on dye ranges through use of the process, and fabrics formed from the dyed yarns.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sulfur dyeing of fabrics. In particular, a process is provided which provides a sulfur dyed yarn having reduced dye penetration and a white core. The process involves modification of existing sulfur dye ranges in order to more efficiently and in an environmentally improved method produce dyed fabrics. The process involves modifying the immersion time, temperature, pH, and/or dye oxidation of existing sulfur dye ranges. The resulting yarns may then be woven into fabrics used to produce garments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yarn dyeing, such as denim dyeing. A process provides a dyed yarn having reduced dye penetration and a white core at lower cost. The improved process for yarn dyeing is referred to herein as the CleanKore technology. The CleanKore technology improves one or more steps in dye ranges to achieve dyeing of the yarn while retaining a white core at the center of the yarn. When viewing a cross-section of a yarn, the peripheral portion is dyed while the center remains white (not dyed). The CleanKore technology modifies the scouring stage (or phase), the scour rinsing stage, the dyeing stage, and/or the dye rinsing phase of existing dye ranges. The modifications may be applied individually or any combinations thereof to the existing dye range.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a pattern image used to form a pattern on a surface of a fabric using laser irradiation. A plurality of parameters associated with laser irradiation units are input into a user interface. The parameters include an area parameter, a laser irradiation unit density parameter, optionally a discontinuity parameter, and a dye removal parameter. A plurality of laser irradiation units arranged in a pattern area of a user interface based on computer processing of the inputted plurality of parameters is received for viewing at the user interface. The laser irradiation units collectively establish the pattern image for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Ring dyeing of yarn with indigo dye to produce an improved white core, An outer surface of the yarn is scoured prior to applying the indigo dye, and then applying the indigo dye is applied. Scouring parameters of the dyeing are used to limit a penetration of the indigo into the white core, so that the white core has mostly sections of white yarn, and the yarn has indigo dye on the outer surface, said parameters comprising limiting scouring parameters to at least 10% below current parameters used to scour the yarn.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a pattern image used to form a pattern on a surface of a fabric using laser irradiation. A plurality of parameters associated with laser irradiation units are input into a user interface. The parameters include an area parameter, a laser irradiation unit density parameter, optionally a discontinuity parameter, and a dye removal parameter. A plurality of laser irradiation units arranged in a pattern area of a user interface based on computer processing of the inputted plurality of parameters is received for viewing at the user interface. The laser irradiation units collectively establish the pattern image for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Dyeing of yarn to create indigo colored outer ring surrounding a white core. The techniques describe ways to keep the white core.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a pattern image used to form a pattern on a surface of a fabric using laser irradiation. A plurality of parameters associated with laser irradiation units are input into a user interface. The parameters include an area parameter, a laser irradiation unit density parameter, optionally a discontinuity parameter, and a dye removal parameter. A plurality of laser irradiation units arranged in a pattern area of a user interface based on computer processing of the inputted plurality of parameters is received for viewing at the user interface. The laser irradiation units collectively establish the pattern image for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Laser files are modified to create light version files by adjusting the levels of the files.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating a pattern image used to form a pattern on a surface of a fabric using laser irradiation. A plurality of parameters associated with laser irradiation units are input into a user interface. The parameters include an area parameter, a laser irradiation unit density parameter, optionally a discontinuity parameter, and a dye removal parameter. A plurality of laser irradiation units arranged in a pattern area of a user interface based on computer processing of the inputted plurality of parameters is received for viewing at the user interface. The laser irradiation units collectively establish the pattern image for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Pretreatment of a fabric using a material that binds to the fabric and changes some characteristic of the fabric. In an embodiment, the characteristic that is changed can be at least one of stain and flash for wrinkle resistance. The material can be Permafresh material. The material can bind to the fabric, and intends to be maintained within the fabric for the life of the fabric. After pretreatment, the pretreated material is processed by a laser which intends to change the look of the material without undesirably damaging the material. The treatment may make the treatment by lasers more consistent and allow the lazed graphic to maintain its quality after repeated washings and wearing.

Abstract: Pretreatment of a fabric using a material that binds to the fabric and changes some characteristic of the fabric. In an embodiment, the characteristic that is changed can be at least one of stain and flash for wrinkle resistance. The material can be Permafresh material. The material can bind to the fabric, and intends to be maintained within the fabric for the life of the fabric. After pretreatment, the pretreated material is processed by a laser which intends to change the look of the material without undesirably damaging the material. The treatment may make the treatment by lasers more consistent and allow the lazed graphic to maintain its quality after repeated washings and wearing.

Abstract: A system of forming simulated seam abrasion on denim materials. The simulated seam abrasion is formed by using a laser beam to form a seam abrasion type pattern on the material. The pattem is like a ladder with uneven rungs. After the pattern is formed, the material is washed to better simulate real seam abrasion.

Abstract: A laser method scribes graphics on materials. The method relates to the identification and understanding of a new energy measurement called energy density per unit time, and the identification and simultaneous control of the laser operating parameters which influence this energy measurement. Once a range of energy density per unit time is determined for scribing a desired graphic on a given material, the energy density per unit time can be controlled to stay within that range to achieve desired results in a repeatable fashion. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method of scribing graphics on fabric, leather and vinyl materials. In this embodiment, the energy density per unit time can be controlled to substantially avoid complete carbonization, melting and/or burnthrough of the material.