Napping, shearing or sueding whatever you think of, they all are used to raise fibers from the fabric surface. These all are finishing types to improve the softness and comfort of the fabric.
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 napped sample.
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 lawnmowers. There is a spiral cutter 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 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 state.
Difference between Napping, Shearing & 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 |
