SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYEING FIBERS

摘要

Systems, methods, and devices are described that dispense microdroplets of dye onto individual filaments or fibers and infuse them into the interior of such filaments and/or fibers in a highly controlled manner. Control of dye dispensing permits changing the dye applied to a fiber during a dyeing operation, and supports the generation of patterns in woven products via the dyeing process. The resulting systems and methods require much less water and generate much less waste than conventional dyeing processes.

主权项

1. A system for producing a colored filament comprising:
a source of a filament, the filament comprising a polymer; a colorant application unit configured to receive the filament from the source, comprising a print head, wherein the print head is in fluid communication with a primary colorant; a colorant infusion unit configured to received a coated filament from the colorant application unit, comprising a source of infrared radiation, wherein the colorant infusion unit is in communication with a first vacuum source; and a drive unit configured to impel the filament from the source and through the colorant infusion unit and the colorant infusion unit.