Napping, shearing or sueding whatever you think of, all are used to raise fibers from the fabric surface. These all are finishing types to improve the softness and comfort of the fabric. There are some basic differences between napping, sueding and shearing.
Napping
Napping is done to get a deep hairy surface. This process involves passing the fabric over revolving cylinders covered with fine wires with small hooks on the ends. Flannelette, wool flannel, velours, fleeces etc are the example of the napped sample.
Shearing
Shearing is a process by which protrude fibers from the surface of a fabric, are cut the raised nap to a uniform height. The fun fact is the machine is operated like a lawnmower. There is a spiral cutter that rotates against a stationary blade and cuts off any material protruding from the fabric surface. The main purpose of shearing is to smoothen the fabric surface by cutting raised fibers to a uniform height. And the napped fabrics are sheared to give an even pile height.
Sueding
Sueding is done to cut surface fibers and produce a fuzz, a suede-like surface on the fabric. Sueding can be carried out in both the dry and wet states.
4 Difference Between Napping vs Shearing vs Sueding
Napping | Shearing | Sueding |
Fibers are raised from the fabric surface by using wire-covered rolls to “dig out” individual fiber ends to the surface. | The raise fibers are cut to smooth out the fabric. | Fabric is abraded with sandpaper covered rolls (emery cloth) |
Speed, tension of rollers play an important role. | Shear revolver, blade, cloth rest design and raising brush equipment should be considered. | Grit of sandpaper, speed of roll, speed of fabric plays an important role. |
Produce warmth and soft hand. | Improved pilling resistance & smooth surface or patterns. | Improves softness and hand |
Pile height greater than that obtained from sueding. | Uniform pile height | Produces low pile on fabric |
Final Words
The above three processes is done as a finishing to pluck up fibers from the top of the surface. But they don’t provide the same effect.
Also Read Difference Between Soluble and Insoluble Vat dyes.