Mechanized devices designed to utilize thermal techniques to produce non-linear, wavy, and zig-zagged ridges in man-made fibers. Taking advantage of the thermoplasticity of fibrous materials, these devices typically set fibers at a temperature near their softening point while simultaneously subjecting them to bending and twisting actions before lowering their temperature using cooling technologies. Because fibers are commonly heat stretched prior to crimping, they experience considerable thermoshrinkage when crimped using these devices. The primary function of crimping machines is to provide bulk to fibers, resulting in increased softness and resistance to wear and abrasion.
