Improved Ikat Dyeing And Weaving

Description And Advantages

Researchers of the Textile Processing and Engineering Division of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) have developed a new method that simplifies and speeds up Ikat dyeing and weaving.

Ikat is a tie-dyeing-weaving process thai consists of tying or wrapping the yarns with waxed thread or any water-repellant material in a pre-determined pattern to repel the dye.

The yarns are then dyed, dried and rewrapped before weaving. The process is repeated for each color.

The new method eliminates the tying, dyeing and drying by using the silk screen process. It is claimed to double the output for a given time and facilitate the use of more colors.

Warps are woven in small portions of about 2.5 cm. Dowells are inserted in between the woven portions to maintain control and tension These are then removed from the loom, laid on a long table and design-printed by silk screen or hand printing. The printed warps undergo the usual loom dressing.

The standard product, measuring 45.7 cm or 300 cm and in three colors, takes 17 hours to be processed as compared to the 42 hours of the traditional method. Pre-weaving processes take only 15 minutes and the printing to drying, 4 hours.

Raw materials used are cellulosic fibers and textile paints. An upright weaving loom and silk screen are the main equipment used.

An investment of USD2,500 is needed to produce about 915 meters of woven material per month. This covers the costs of raw materials, equipment, labor and operational expenses. The technology, widely used in the Philippines, is available.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Carlos C. Tomboc, Director 
Philippine Textile Research Institute
PTRI Bldg., Gen. Santos Avenue
Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines
Tel: (632) 837-2071 to 82 X-2360 to 2369
Telefax: (632) 837-1325

Source: Global Business Oppertunities, May-June 2002