Silicone Print How It Changes with Construction and Elastane Content
Silicone Print does not stay constant when construction changes. Understanding the direction of change helps during development.
Effect of knit structure
Loop length and density move results first, usually before any yarn change is made. Working figures for Silicone Print normally sit around shore hardness selected by use in mainstream production. Note screen printing plus curing on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Effect of elastane content
More elastane raises recovery but changes the value measured by screen printing plus curing, so retest after any blending change. Record elastane content alongside Silicone Print, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside shore hardness selected by use usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Effect of finishing
Heat setting and softeners shift results, which explains differences between a hand sample and bulk. Keeping reference values for Silicone Print lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with screen printing plus curing, since both affect the reading.
Typical range
Working values stay around shore hardness selected by use for mainstream activewear. Working figures for Silicone Print normally sit around shore hardness selected by use in mainstream production. Note screen printing plus curing on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Development advice
Change one variable at a time, then verify against screen printing plus curing before moving to the next sample round. Record elastane content alongside Silicone Print, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside shore hardness selected by use usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
