Temperature control in the heat-activated interlining fusion process

The heat-activated adhesive interlining is designed to benefit the fabric it is adhered to. The fusing process is carried out with a specific temperature, time and pressure. The heat melts the adhesive resin, thus fusing it with the fabric. Fusion through heat provides a stronger bond, making the final garment more resistant against solvents or other agents that may be harmful or detrimental.

This is why it is so important to effectively control the temperature, as well as pressure and time. Only a suitable temperature calibration can guarantee the perfect adhesion of the interlining to the fabric.

Textile strips for interlining fusion control

Temperature indicators for interlining are strips with 8 temperature dots. Contact us for prices and availability.

There are several temperature ranges for interlining indicators:

71 °C– 110 °C
93 °C – 132 °C
104 °C – 143 °C
121 °C – 160 °C
127 °C – 171 °C
132 °C – 182 °C
143 °C – 182 °C
160 °C – 199 °C
182 °C – 224 °C
210 °C – 260 °C

Main recommendations for the correct use of a heat-activated adhesive interlining

Before starting, it is very important to have a machine that is in good condition and properly calibrated. Only a balances combination of temperature, pressure and time can guarantee perfect adhesion of the fusible interlining. For this reason, the temperature must be checked daily on the entire area that is subjected to pressure, and every time the machine is stopped. Temperature readings are best taken when the machine is empty, before it is put into service for the day. Production should not start until this assessment has been made, and the pressure, time and temperature have been set.

Main causes of adhesion failure in fusible interlining

There are 2 reasons why a heat-activated thermal interlining can fail:

The interlining wholly or partly detaches from the fabric.
The main fabric is wrinkled where the interlining has adhered.

These mistakes can be seen right after the fabric comes out of the fusing machine or after the garment is washed for the first time. Sometimes, they could be caused by faulty fusible interlining. However, most of the time, it is the machine that has been given the wrong temperature, pressure and time parameters.

Advantages of controlling the temperature of interlining with heat-sensitive strips

“In situ” temperature measurement: the strips are usually placed between the fabric and the interlining. This way, they will measure the temperature right in the between the heat-activated adhesive interlining and the fabric.
The strips serve as certification, i.e. after the process has ended, they can be removed and attached to quality control documentation.
The textile strips are flexible; they adapt entirely to the structure of the piece without causing any deformities.
They do not require batteries and therefore do not interfere with the electronic or electrical components that are part of the machinery.
The heat-sensitive strips provide highly-accurate readings.