The STARFISH SOftware · 2011-12-13 · N Plain 2x2 Rib N Six-thread Crosstuck ... unnecessary yarns, or knit, dye and finish unnecessary fabrics, or needlessly occupy valuable production

The STARFISH Software

© 2002 Cotton Technology International 1

CONTENTS

1. The STARFISH Software: Introduction & Overview

2. The STARFISH Software: Getting Started

3. The STARFISH Software: Special Features

4. The STARFISH Software: Support & Training

5. How to Contact CTI

The STARFISH Software: Introduction & Overview



Introduction & Overview

The STARFISH SoftwareThe STARFISH Software

Introduction & OverviewIntroduction & Overview

1STARFISH is a SimulatorSTARFISH is a SimulatorSTARFISH is a Simulator

It models the production and processing of certaincotton circular knitted fabrics, and predicts theirexpected dimensional properties

Simulation models comprise:

Fabric Type

Working Environment

Manufacturing System

Quality Values

The Active Model - SchematicThe Active Model - SchematicThe Active Model - Schematic

STARFISH Predictions

Fabric Type

WorkingEnvironmentUnitsTargetsWeight mode

ManufacturingSystem

Yarn typeMachinesWet processShade

QualityValues

Yarn countStitch lengthRun-inNeedlesRoll weightShift timeTarget valuesetc...

Seek NewQuality

SeekCalibration

saveopen

printexport

2 3Fabric TypeFabric TypeFabric Type

Models begin with the Fabric Type

Plain Interlock Double Crosstuck

Plain 1x1 Rib Single Crosstuck

Plain 2x2 Rib Six-thread Crosstuck

Plain Single Jersey Two-thread Fleece

Crosstuck fabrics are often called Piqué or LacosteExact constructions are given in STARFISH Help

Manufacturing SystemManufacturing SystemManufacturing System

Materials, equipment and wet processing

Ring, OE rotorSingle, FoldedYarn Type

Knitting Machines Machine parkdatabase

Wet Processing Type Standard orUser-defined

Depth of ShadeHigh white to deep black

(process weight loss)

4 5Working EnvironmentWorking EnvironmentWorking Environment

Determines how calculated data are presented

Calculation priorities

Units of calculation

Performance targets (e.g. weight, shrinkages)

Weight mode (fixed or variable width)

Length: inch, yard - cm, mm, metre

Weight: oz, lb - g, kg

Count: cotton (Ne), metric (Nm), tex

Quality ValuesQuality ValuesQuality ValuesData Values that define the specification

Finishing Quality

Knitting Quality

Performance target values 5.0 % shrinkage

Trimming allowance 4.0 cm

Stitch / course length 2.80 mm

Yarn count 30.0 Ne

Machine characteristics 2256 needles

e.g.

6 7



Setting up the Active ModelSetting up the Active ModelSetting up the Active ModelCurrent Model for the Active Fabric Type

Manufacturing System

Working Environment

Quality Values

select one yarn type, process, shade

select working units (if necessary)

enter up to 9 yarn count values

select calculation priorities (if necessary)

enter required performance target values

select up to 9 knitting machines

Speedy WorkingSpeedy WorkingSpeedy Working

A database containing all of your machines (andothers if you like) is maintained for rapid easy access.

“Last Active” model is always saved, so you canre-start exactly where you left off.

Individual models can be saved to a file for laterrecall or modification.

“Default” model profiles, which you customise, aremaintained for a rapid start to brand new projects.

8 9Permitted Data RangesPermitted Data RangesPermitted Data Ranges

A very wide range is allowed in data entry, so as topermit experimentation.

Yarn count (number): 5 to 100s cotton count

Machine gauge: 5 to 40 npi

Machine diameter: 5 to 65 inches

Machine speed: 1 to 100 rpm

Knitted tightness factor: 8 to 20 (dep. on fabric type)

Knitted tightness factor is defined in STARFISH Help

Units of MeasurementUnits of MeasurementUnits of Measurement

For most data items, you can choose your preferredunits. For example ...

Yarn count cotton count, metric count, tex

Stitch length inch, cm, mm

Roll weight lb, kg

Fabric weight, yield oz/sq yd, gsm, yd/lb, m/kg, etc.

Fabric width inch, cm (tubular or open)

Courses & wales per inch, /cm, /3cm, /10cm, etc.

10 11Non-commercial Data EntryNon-commercial Data EntryNon-commercial Data Entry

STARFISH will issue a warning ...

For example, you will get a tightness factor warning ifyour knitting conditions will cause the tightness factorof a plain jersey fabric to exceed 18.0.

If your data entries lead to possibly non-commercialproduction conditions, or unacceptable performanceof the finished fabric.

And you will get a Shrinkage warning if your modelconditions result in a shrinkage prediction of morethan 15%.

Making PredictionsMaking PredictionsMaking Predictions

Every time you enter data or make a new selection,STARFISH immediately re-calculates the expectedproperties of the specified fabric qualities …(courses, wales, weight, width, shrinkage, etc) ...

Using the STARFISH Reference Equations

Based on the selected Manufacturing System,Working Environment, and Quality Values ...

(see STARFISH Technology page)

12 13Viewing the ResultsViewing the ResultsViewing the Results

Four ways to look at the model output

all qualities, one machine at a timeView Predictions by Qualities

all machines, one quality at a timeView Predictions by Machines

kg/hr, kg/shift, hr/roll, revs/roll, etc. - all machinesView Production Data

knitting spec, finishing spec, etc. - per qualityView Specification

Seek New QualitySeek New QualitySeek New Quality

If you are not sure what yarn or machine to choose ...

STARFISH will suggest a yarn count and stitch lengthand a number of machine needles that will deliver thespecified weight and width.

You enter the required weight and width, then clickon the “Test” button ...

You can force STARFISH to use a particular yarn ormachine. You can specify maximum shrinkage levels

and a maximum range of tightness factor.

14 15



Seek CalibrationSeek CalibrationSeek Calibration

Standard STARFISH predictions are based on averageconditions, as represented by the STARFISH database.

You do this simply by entering your own test datafor a representative yarn type, fabric quality, andwet processing route.

You can train STARFISH to take account of your own,specific local conditions.

The resulting “User Defined Process” can be namedand saved to a special file. It then becomes a Standard

STARFISH processing option.

On-line Help SystemOn-line Help SystemOn-line Help System

A comprehensive Help system is provided.

There is also a comprehensive technical reference,including detailed background know-how on circularknitted fabric technology.

This is not just the normal type of Help - explaininghow the program works and how to operate the variousfeatures (though these are included of course).

A lot of this stuff is unpublished material that youcan not find in text books.

16 17Outputs are DynamicOutputs are DynamicOutputs are Dynamic

One important difference between a STARFISHsimulation and a real-life fabric development is thatthe STARFISH predictions are “alive”.

You can alter any Input (e.g. course length) and seeat once the effect on the Outputs (e.g. fabric weightand width) as STARFISH re-calculates instantly.

You can do more fabric development simulations inan hour with STARFISH than you could do real-lifedevelopments in a year.

….. even supposing you could afford the time,materials, and production resources.

Trial and Error DevelopmentTrial and Error DevelopmentTrial and Error Development

Using the STARFISH software is a lot faster, cheaperand more reliable than making real fabrics with realyarns, machines, people, and company resources.

You can nudge the stitch length upor down in small increments, whilstholding the shrinkage constant.

STARFISH immediately updates the weight and width,so you can quickly find out whether the required

performance targets can be achieved with the chosenyarns and machines.

mm2.830

For example:

18 19Faster, Cheaper, More ReliableFaster, Cheaper, More ReliableFaster, Cheaper, More Reliable

Faster - because each simulation takes only afew minutes of your time.

Cheaper - because you don’t have to buyunnecessary yarns, or knit, dye and finishunnecessary fabrics, or needlessly occupyvaluable production resources.

More Reliable - because STARFISH is notaffected by day to day variations in materials,production and laboratory testing.

STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5

The faster, cheaper, more reliableway of doing product development.

20 21

The STARFISH Software: Getting Started


STARFISH Version 6.5

Getting Started

STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5

Getting StartedGetting Started

1Setting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active Model

STARFISH works by building a model of yourmanufacturing environment.

You specify the manufacturing environment by:

Entering your machines into a database.

Making selections from option lists.

Entering values for certain parameters.

Setting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active Model

Menu BarAll program features are accessible from here.

Main ToolbarActions that are not specific to the Active Model.

Active Model ToolbarActions that change the Active Model.

2 3Setting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active Model

You can specifyup to nine different (or the same) fabric qualities

You can also specifyup to nine different (or the same) knitting machines

Setting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active ModelSetting Up The Active Model

The knittingspecifications aresummarised here

The finished fabricproperties aredisplayed here

4 5Entering Your MachinesEntering Your MachinesEntering Your Machines

To access your knittingmachines database,

select Edit > MachineFiles from the Menu bar.

Or click on the Machines iconin the Main Toolbar.

Before you can select a knitting machine for use in a STARFISHmodel, it has to be entered into your machines database.

Knitting Machines DatabaseKnitting Machines DatabaseKnitting Machines Database

To enter a machine into thedatabase, you simply click on

“New” then enter your machinedetails in the Edit Boxes.

To save time, STARFISH will suggest some of the values,which you can accept or modify.

6 7



Knitting Machine PropertiesKnitting Machine PropertiesKnitting Machine Properties

Default values minimise the labour of data entry.Unreasonable combinations of data are prevented.

STARFISH maintains strict compatibility betweengauge, diameter and needles.

Feeders up to 4.5 per inch

Speed from 1 to 100 rpm

Diameter from 5 to 65 inches

Gauge (cut) from 5 to 40 npi

Select From Option ListsSelect From Option ListsSelect From Option Lists

Option Lists are accessible from the Change menuor from the Active Model Toolbar

8 9Option ListsOption ListsOption Lists

The most important options are concerned with:

Type of fabric (interlock, rib, jersey, etc.)

Type of yarn (ring, OE, single, two-ply)

Knitting machine (gauge, diameter, needles, etc.)

Wet processing (preparation, dyeing)

Calculation units (grams, ounces, cm, inches)

Performance targets (weight, shrinkage, etc.)

Depth of shade (process weight loss)

Manufacturing SystemManufacturing SystemManufacturing System

These options specify yourmanufacturing set-up.

Fabric TypeKnitting Machines

Yarn TypeYarn Count ValuesWet Process Type

Depth of ShadePerformance TargetsTrimming Allowance

Weight Mode

10 11Select Fabric TypeSelect Fabric TypeSelect Fabric Type

Note: Crosstuck fabrics are often known as piqué or lacoste.See STARFISH Help for proper fabric definitions.

Selecting a Fabric Typeis the first step in setting

up a new model

Select Knitting MachinesSelect Knitting MachinesSelect Knitting Machines

Select from your database&

Place into your active model

Up to nine machines in any order.

12 13Select Yarn TypeSelect Yarn TypeSelect Yarn Type

Other yarn constructions, including some blends canbe modelled by using the Calibration feature.

(see the “Special Features” presentation)

All made from 100%cotton, knitting twist

Enter Yarn Count ValuesEnter Yarn Count ValuesEnter Yarn Count Values

Yarn number can be from 5 to 100s cotton countor equivalent in metric or tex systems

This is the way that youintroduce a new fabricquality into your model

14 15



Wet Processing OptionsWet Processing OptionsWet Processing Options

The full range of commercial wet processing,from old fashioned jets and winches throughmodern jets and continuous processing, to open-width and tubular mercerising can be modelled.

Ten standard wet process options cover thetypical range of process effects.

User-defined processes can be developed forexact modelling of particular processes, via theCalibration feature.

Select Wet ProcessSelect Wet ProcessSelect Wet Process

User Defined ProcessYou can model your own process by using the Calibration feature.

(see the “Special Features” presentation)

16 17Depth of Shade OptionsDepth of Shade OptionsDepth of Shade Options

Actual net process weight loss can be adjusted viathe Calibration feature to match mill experience(proper estimation methods are described - withexamples - in STARFISH Help).

Each depth of shade is associated with acorresponding nominal process weight loss.

The full range of dye shades is covered by eightstandard options from white to extra full.

Select Depth of ShadeSelect Depth of ShadeSelect Depth of Shade

Nominal process weightloss can be calibrated ifone of the Standards is

not close enough.

Nominal process weightloss = percent net loss dueto preparation and dyeing.

18 19Performance TargetsPerformance TargetsPerformance Targets

You can specify the required performance targets fortwo of the finished fabric parameters.

For example:

Length shrinkage and fabric width

Width and course density

Area weight and width

Length and width shrinkages

Performance Target ValuesPerformance Target ValuesPerformance Target Values

Whenever you alter the manufacturing specification(yarn count, stitch length, wet process, etc.)STARFISH re-calculates the weight, width, etc.while shrinkages are held at 5% x 5%.

For example, if you choose Length & WidthShrinkage as performance targets, and youallocate values of 5% and 5%, then ...

You can then specify values for the chosenperformance targets.

20 21Select / Enter Target PerformanceSelect / Enter Target PerformanceSelect / Enter Target Performance

Note: To save time in data entry, shrinkage is entered as apositive number. A negative indicates extension (growth).

These are the parametersthat STARFISH will attempt

to maintain at yourspecified performance

target values

Enter Trimming AllowanceEnter Trimming AllowanceEnter Trimming Allowance

If you have selected“Open Width - Trimmed”

for your width unit, then this isthe total amount that STARFISH

will subtract to allow for e.g.trimming at the stenter.

You can utilise this feature to calculate the “useable width” forgarment lay planning.

22 23



Select Weight ModeSelect Weight ModeSelect Weight Mode

Whenever you alter an optionthat will change the finished

fabric area weight.

STARFISH re-calculates theweight according to yourWeight Mode selection.

Either by maintaining a constant width or by adjusting bothlength and width so as to maintain similar levels of shrinkage.

Specification & Calculation UnitsSpecification & Calculation UnitsSpecification & Calculation Units

You can choose the units you like for nearly allparameters (and change them at any time).

For example:

Stitch length: mm, cm, inch

Area weight: gsm or oz/sq yd

Fabric width: cm or inch

Stitch density: Courses/cm or CPI

24 25Specification & Calculation UnitsSpecification & Calculation UnitsSpecification & Calculation Units

These options allow you to specifyyour preferred units.

You can change any units any time.STARFISH will immediately recalculate the values for any

properties that are affected by the change.

Select Yarn Count UnitsSelect Yarn Count UnitsSelect Yarn Count Units

26 27Select Stitch Length UnitsSelect Stitch Length UnitsSelect Stitch Length Units

The units applied to Course Lengthare determined by those that you select for Stitch Length.

Select Tightness Factor UnitsSelect Tightness Factor UnitsSelect Tightness Factor Units

If you are not familiar with the Tightness Factor parameter it isworth checking up on it in the STARFISH Help.

28 29Select Stitch Density UnitsSelect Stitch Density UnitsSelect Stitch Density Units

Cells are used for Crosstuck (piqué, lacoste) fabrics.Check STARFISH Help for an explanation.

Select Area Weight UnitsSelect Area Weight UnitsSelect Area Weight Units

The units applied to Roll Weight and Lot Weightare determined by those that you select for Area Weight.

30 31



Select Width UnitsSelect Width UnitsSelect Width Units Select Yield UnitsSelect Yield UnitsSelect Yield Units

Yield is either weight per unit length or length per unit weight orarea per unit weight (but not weight per unit area).

32 33Output DisplaysOutput DisplaysOutput Displays

It’s as though you have carried out a series of fabricdevelopment trials ...

… and you’ve just got the complete set of test data back from the lab.

The knitting and finishing conditions, and theresulting fabric properties are displayed in several

different ways.

Types of Output DisplaysTypes of Output DisplaysTypes of Output Displays

There are basically four types ...

View Production Data

View By Machines

View By Qualities

View Specification

34 35 View by Qualities View by Qualities View by Qualities This is the default window.

You use it to find the bestfabric quality to give therequired performance.

The knitting specsand the finishedfabric properties

are displayed, sideby side, for each of

the (up to 9)different fabric

QUALITIES thatyou have specified,

based on one ofyour selected

knitting machines.

You cyclethrough the data

for the samequalities knitted

on the othermachines simply

by clicking oneach machine in

turn.

View by Machines View by Machines View by Machines This is the window thatyou would use to develop

a body-width range.

The knitting specsand the finishedfabric properties

are displayed, sideby side, for each of

the (up to 9)different knittingMACHINES that

you have selected,based on one ofyour specifiedfabric qualities.

You cyclethrough the data

for the otherqualities knitted

on the samemachines simply

by clicking oneach quality in

turn.

36 37 View Production Data View Production Data View Production Data This is the window

where the knittingproductivity dataare displayed.

The production dataand the length and

weight of thefinished fabric rollsare displayed, sideby side, for each of

the (up to 9)different MACHINES

that you haveselected, based on

one of yourspecified fabric

qualities.

You cyclethrough thedata for the

other qualitiesknitted on the

same machinessimply by

clicking on eachquality in turn.

View Specification View Specification View Specification This is the windowthat summarises theknitting and finishing

specifications foreach quality.

The knittingspecification, the

key production data,the percentageweight share of

each yarn (ifappropriate), andthe finished fabricspecification aredisplayed for onequality knitted on

one machine.

You cyclethrough thedata for the

other qualitiesand machines

simply byclicking on

each in turn.

38 39



Editing the DataEditing the DataEditing the Data

You can change the valueof any fabric property(except fabric yield) simply by typing the

required value into thecorresponding edit box.

STARFISH will calculate theconsequences of this changeand update the other fabric

properties.

or by clicking on thenudge buttons

Edit Boxes

Editing the DataEditing the DataEditing the Data

If you change the value of one ofthe knitting specifications.

STARFISH will re-calculatethe finished fabric properties

for the selected quality.

Whilst maintaining yourchosen Target Performance at

the required level.

40 41Trial and Error DevelopmentTrial and Error DevelopmentTrial and Error Development

Using the STARFISH software is a lot faster, cheaper and morereliable than traditional methods of product development.

You can nudge the stitchlength up or down in smallincrements, whilst holding

the shrinkage constant.

STARFISH immediatelyupdates the weight and width.

2.862

For example:

So you can quickly find out whether the required performancetargets can be achieved with the chosen yarns and machines.

Faster, Cheaper, More ReliableFaster, Cheaper, More ReliableFaster, Cheaper, More Reliable

Faster - because each simulation takes only afew minutes of your time.

Cheaper - because you don’t have to buyunnecessary yarns, or knit, dye and finishunnecessary fabrics, or needlessly occupyvaluable production resources.

More Reliable - because STARFISH is notaffected by day to day variations in materials,production and laboratory testing.

42 43STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5


44

The STARFISH Software: Special Features


STARFISH Version 6.5

Special Features

STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5

Special FeaturesSpecial Features

1Special FeaturesSpecial FeaturesSpecial Features

Two special features are provided to help you workmore quickly and more accurately.

Both are accessed from the Seek menu:

Seek New Quality.

Seek Calibration.


Seek New QualityIf you are not sure what yarn and machine to use,you can quickly get an idea from the Seek facility.

Seek New Quality WindowClick on the Seek Quality icon.

2 3Seek CalibrationSeek CalibrationSeek Calibration

Nevertheless, you should always be able to match your testdata to within one standard error. If not, then your testing

methods need looking at urgently.

It will not always be possible to get a perfect match. Practical test data are not perfect, so there will often be minor

incompatibilities between the different data items.

Standard ErrorDefinition is given in

STARFISH Help.


On the Left SideYou specify the weight and width that you

would like to achieve, with tolerances,and the knitting machine that you would

like to use.

STARFISH supplies some starting valueswhich are simply those of the selected

quality in the Active Model but most likelyyou will need to edit these.

To start, you would change only thetarget weight and width

You type your Target weight and width inthe Edit Boxes

4 5Seek New QualitySeek New QualitySeek New Quality

In the CentreYou specify somelimits and someassumptions for

STARFISH to usewhen seeking the

New Quality.

For Example STARFISH allows a very wide range of Tightness Factor, but

you might want to exclude the extreme constructions.

Tightness factorYou would enter the range that you want STARFISH

to consider in the Start Values Edit boxes.


In the CentreYou specify somelimits and someassumptions for

STARFISH to usewhen seeking the

New Quality.

6 7




On the Right SideThe results of the

search are displayed.

Click on TestTo tell STARFISH to make

the calculations.


The first two columns of Test Resultsshow the maximum range of weight and width that you could

have with these starting values.


The third column shows one way of achieving your target performance


When seeking a New QualitySTARFISH makes no assumptions about what yarns may becommercially available (maybe you can spin your own yarns).

You may need to specify the nearest available yarn count, Fix it, and do another test

10 11Seek New QualitySeek New QualitySeek New Quality Seek New QualitySeek New QualitySeek New Quality

Note that the suggested needlesare not necessarily the same as in the starting machine.

You can easily calculate the width that you will get from any other machine.

If the width is 150 cm from 1752 needlesthen, with 1728 needles, the width will be

150 * 1728 / 1752 = 148 cm


If you have no alternative than to use the starting machine, thenyou have to Fix the number of needles

and do a new Test.

If you have a machineWith a number of needles close to that which STARFISH

recommends, you just type the details for this machine into thethe Edit boxes and do another Test.


If you have no alternative than to use the starting machine, then you have to Fix the

number of needles and do a new Test.

Note that STARFISHis still trying to get 150 cm for the width, but in order to achieve

this with 1728 needles, the width shrinkage has to increase.

Discovering what you CAN NOT dowith the available machines and resources

is one of the most important benefits ofworking with STARFISH

14 15




Fixing the maximum Width Shrinkage will show what can be achieved with this machine.


The result is about the sameas we calculated before, for a machine of 1728 needles.

Look at the counters This shows the number of iterations that were needed to arrive

at the “Best Fit”. If there is an easy solution, only a few iterationsare needed. STARFISH stops searching after 1000 tries.


When you have found a suitable quality you can introduce it into your Active Model.

Click on Include


To Includethe New Quality you can:

Create an additionalquality or Replace the

existing one.

Add a new Machine orModify the existing one.

Click on Execute

18 19Seek New QualitySeek New QualitySeek New Quality The New Quality

Becomes part of yourActive Model ....

… where you can modifyany of the data using the

Edit boxes or nudgebuttons.


When STARFISH makes calculations and predictionsfor the properties of finished fabrics ...

… it makes the assumption that your manufacturingsystem can be adequately modelled by selecting

one or other of the standard options.

The standard options are based on averagescalculated from the thousands of samples in theSTARFISH database.

But what if your operation is notclose to the average?


Seek CalibrationAllows you to fine-tune STARFISH, so that it can

take account of your particular circumstances.

Seek Calibration WindowClick on the Calibration icon.


Grey FabricThe quality that is currently selected in the Active Model will be

used as the starting point for the Calibration.

22 23




Calibrated Finished FabricThis is where you enter the results of your own measurements.STARFISH uses these measurements to create the Calibration.

Two ways to make a CalibrationYour Calibration can be based on measurements made on

either As Delivered or Reference State samples.


Calibrated Finished FabricThis is where you enter the results of your own measurements.STARFISH uses these measurements to create the Calibration.

As DeliveredMeans the average

results obtained fromsamples taken at theend of the finishing

line - just as youwould deliver them to

your customer.

Reference StateMeans the average

results obtained fromsamples taken at theend of the finishing

line - and thensubjected to five wash

and tumble-drylaundering cycles

(or similar).


Calibration ResultsThis is where STARFISH displays the results of the

Calibration calculations


Calibration ResultsThis is where STARFISH displays the results of the

Calibration calculations

Calibration RatiosShow the influence of the Wet Process

on the Course and Wale densities.

Net Change %Shows the effect of the Wet Processon the yarn weight and length, which

results in the Process Weight Change.


In order to make a Calibration, you need to havereliable data ...

… measurements made on a singlesample are not sufficient.

You need averages based on at least fiveseparate deliveries ...

… and you need to be confident that your testingis reliable and reproducible.


As Delivered CalibrationYour Calibration is based on the average measured values

obtained from samples “As Delivered” - at the end of thefinishing line and ready for delivery to your customer.

You already have As Delivered data in your routine QualityControl records, so this is the method that gets you started.


Suppose you have collected the following averagevalues from a sequence of deliveries.

Fabric type: Plain single jerseyYarn: 24/1 Single combed ringMachine: 24g, 30” diam, 2256 needlesSet-up: Course length 722 cm

As Delivered Reference StateCourses/cm 17.10 18.10Wales/cm 12.35 13.00Weight, gsm 155.2 172.0Length Shr% 5.0 n.a.Width Shr% 5.0 n.a.

Processing: Jet prepare & bleach - high white

Seek CalibrationSeek CalibrationSeek CalibrationFirst create a new model for the Quality to be Calibrated

Select the Quality and open the Seek Calibration Window

Use actual knitted values for the Yarn Countand Stitch Length

Select the standard options for the Wet Processand Depth of Shade that provide the closestmatch for the measured values

Select “Length and Width Shrinkage” as theFinishing Targets

Enter your measured values for shrinkage

30 31




As Delivered CalibrationFirst, make sure that the shrinkage values correspond

to those that you have measured.

If necessary, you would enter your average measuredshrinkages in the As Delivered Edit Boxes.

Click on Fix ShrinkageTo notify STARFISH that

you want to do anAs Delivered Calibration.


Note that the Reference State Edit boxes are disabled, thoughyou can still see the calculated Reference State data.

As Delivered CalibrationNext, you would enter your average measured values for

Courses and Wales in the As Delivered Edit Boxes.


Calibration RatiosEntering new values for Courses and Wales results in a change

in the Calibration Ratios.

Wet Process NameAlso, the name of the Wet Process changes to UDP signalling

that a Calibration is underway.


You can make the required adjustment directly, or by modifyingthe As Delivered Yarn Count and Stitch Length.

As Delivered CalibrationCourses and Wales now correspond to your measurements butthe Weight is different. This indicates that the Process Weight

Change is not the same as for the Standard Wet Process.


If you have measured the yarn count and stitch length in thefinished fabric, and / or the Process Weight Change, you can

enter them directly.

More likely, you will nudge the Process Weight Change % untilthe calculated Weight corresponds to what you have measured.


Note that, when you alter the Process Weight Change %, STARFISHassumes that it is the yarn weight that is the source of any

discrepancy, rather than the yarn length. This is the normal situation.

More likely, you will nudge the Process Weight Change % untilthe calculated Weight corresponds to what you have measured.

Calibration RatiosAltering the Process Weight

Change causes a smallchange in Courses andWales and hence in the

Calibration Ratios.


The differences between calculated and measured values arenow most likely within the precision of your data.

However, it takes only a moment to go around the Calibrationcycle once more, to get an even better match.

Courses and WalesFirst re-enter the measured

values for Courses andWales.


Then nudge the Process Weight Change % until the Weightagain corresponds to what you measured.

38 39




Nevertheless, you should always be able to match your testdata to within one standard error. If not, then your testing

methods need looking at urgently.

It will not always be possible to get a perfect match. Practical test data are not perfect, so there will often be minor

incompatibilities between the different data items.

Standard ErrorDefinition is given in

STARFISH Help.


Save Calibration When you are satisfied with your calibration you can save it.

Click on the save button.


Save Calibration First you have to assign a name to your new Process and

Depth of Shade (Process Weight Loss).


Save Calibration First you have to assign a name to your new Process and

Depth of Shade (Process Weight Loss).

Then click on the save button.


Save Calibration Your Calibration will now be available for selection in any

Active Model via the Change Wet Process option


Calibration using Reference State datais very similar

A worked example is givenin STARFISH Help.

44 45STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5


46

The STARFISH Software: Support & Training



Support & Training

The STARFISH SoftwareThe STARFISH Software

Support & TrainingSupport & Training

1Technical Support OptionsTechnical Support OptionsTechnical Support Options

The following services are available.

Get your development team up to speed rapidlywith tailored training

Free software support

Technology workshops

Advanced software training

General consultancy

Free Software SupportFree Software SupportFree Software Support

Visit our office for half a day to get a comprehensiverun-down of STARFISH features and facilities.

Contact us directly by fax or e-mail if there is anythingabout the software that is not clear.

Bring your current product development project towork with.

Consult the on-line Help for a comprehensive descriptionof all program features.

2 3On-line Help SystemOn-line Help SystemOn-line Help System

A comprehensive Help system is provided.

There is also a comprehensive technical reference,including detailed background know-how on circularknitted fabric technology.

This is not just the normal type of Help - explaininghow the program works and how to operate the variousfeatures (though these are included of course).

A lot of this stuff is unpublished material that youcan not find in text books.

Advanced Software TrainingAdvanced Software TrainingAdvanced Software Training

The basic functions of STARFISH are easy to use ifyou know a bit about fabric development.

Two days with one of our consultants will get yourfabric development manager right up to speed.

However, there are a few advanced concepts andfeatures that take time and effort to absorb.

Either in our office or in your factory.

4 5STARFISH TechnologySTARFISH TechnologySTARFISH Technology

Many manufacturers waste large amounts of timeand money because they are using productdevelopment and quality control methods based onan obsolete model of the way things work.

STARFISH Training Workshops are the route torationality in product development and process control.

STARFISH Technology provides a rational theory ofthe way things really work, plus a detailed system ofprocess control that will guarantee the routineachievement of stated performance targets.

Technology WorkshopsTechnology WorkshopsTechnology Workshops

Two of our consultants visit your factory for up to fivedays for an intensive workshop.

Topics include: Getting the best value out of STARFISH.

Fundamentals of shrinkage control. Manufacturing and finishing technology.

Basics of quality management.

Check the Documentation page for more details.

6 7

The STARFISH Software: Support & Training


General ConsultancyGeneral ConsultancyGeneral Consultancy

We have a thirty year background of experience inresearch, development and consultancy with cottonfibres, yarns and fabrics.

If you have problems that concern cotton fibres orcircular knitted fabrics, we can probably help.

We have travelled the world and seen most of whatthere is to see in the cotton manufacturing business.

STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5STARFISH Version 6.5


8 9

How to Contact CTI


How to Contact CTIIf you have any comments on or questions about the information contained in thesepresentations, please contact us.

Postal AddressCotton Technology International27 Winnington Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 6PD, UK

TelephoneNational 0161 449 5593International: + 44 161 449 5593

Fax:National: 0161 449 5594International + 44 161 449 5594

Email:[email protected]

Documents

The STARFISH SOftware · 2011-12-13 · N Plain 2x2 Rib N Six-thread Crosstuck ... unnecessary yarns, or knit, dye and finish unnecessary fabrics, or needlessly occupy valuable production