Method for the production of materials having visual surface effects

Abstract

Method for pressurized fluid stream treatment of the surface of a relatively moving substrate to impart visual surface changes thereto. A fluid discharge manifold having an elongate discharge slot disposed across the path of relative movement of the substrate discharges pressurized fluid, such as air, in one or more narrow discrete streams into the surface of a substrate, such as a textile fabric. In one embodiment, a plurality of spaced air outlets are disposed in the discharge slot of the manifold and pressurized cooler air is selectively directed through the outlets and across the slot in accordance with pattern information to block heated air streams from exiting from the discharge slot in selected locations and thus pattern the surface of a substrate comprised of thermoplastic yarns. The slot of the discharge manifold also may be provided with an elongate shim member having a plurality of spaced notches in a side edge of the shim member. The shim member is disposed with its notches in the discharge slot to provide corresponding spaced channels for discharge of the fluid in streams onto the substrate surface. The shim member may be employed alone in the manifold slot to pattern the moving substrate, or it may be employed in combination with the cooler air blocking outlets to provide more intricate patterning of the substrate.