Quality Assurance for Textiles & Apparel - Chapter 1-3 Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapters 1-3 of the 'Quality Assurance for Textiles & Apparel' lecture notes, including definitions of QA, QC, types of quality, product attributes, and standards organizations.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A proactive process ensuring quality at all stages of production, from fiber selection to final product packaging, focusing on prevention and process improvement.

Quality Control (QC)

A reactive process involving testing and inspecting final goods to identify defective products after production is completed, focusing on detection.

Textile Industry Complex

An interconnected chain encompassing raw materials (fibers), processing (yarns, fabrics), sewn product manufacturers (apparel, interiors), retailers, and consumers.

Globalization

The international trade and outsourcing that necessitate consistent global standards for quality in the textile industry.

Holistic Quality

Overall excellence based on consumer perception of a product's prestige or value.

Product-based Quality

Quality defined by measurable, quantifiable attributes such as fiber content, weight, or thread count.

Producer-based Quality

Quality defined by conformance to established specifications and standards, aiming to minimize defects.

Customer-based Quality

Quality defined by meeting consumer expectations and ensuring their satisfaction with a product.

Total Quality Management (TQM)

A company-wide, continuous improvement system that is customer-focused and involves all employees, often using models like PDCA.

Aesthetics (Product Attribute)

The visual and tactile attractiveness of a product, including color, style, and texture.

Durability (Product Attribute)

The strength and longevity of a product, indicating its ability to withstand wear and tear.

Comfort (Product Attribute)

The physical (thermal, tactile) and psychological (fit, confidence) aspects that contribute to a user's ease and satisfaction with a product.

Care (Product Attribute)

The ease of laundering and maintenance required to preserve a product's condition.

Cost (Product Attribute)

The perceived value of a product in relation to its price, influencing consumer purchasing decisions.

Serviceability (Product Attribute)

The suitability of a product for its intended use, including its ability to meet specific performance requirements.

Appearance Retention (Product Attribute)

A product's ability to maintain its original look after wear and care, resisting issues like pilling, shrinking, or fading.

Standard

A general guideline or agreed-upon criterion for product characteristics, properties, or procedures.

Specification

A precise, detailed requirement for a product's performance or properties, often measurable (e.g., shrinkage must not exceed 3%).

ASTM

An organization that develops standardized test methods, primarily for the physical properties of textiles, such as strength and abrasion resistance.

AATCC

An organization that develops standards for chemical and wet tests for textiles, focusing on properties like colorfastness to washing or perspiration.

ISO

The International Organization for Standardization, which provides harmonized global standards crucial for facilitating international trade.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute, which coordinates U.S. voluntary standards and represents the U.S. in ISO.

Material Specifications

Precise requirements for the components used in a product, such as fiber content, yarn twist, or fabric density.

Product Specifications

Detailed requirements for the finished product, including garment measurements, seam type, or stitch count.

Process Specifications

Detailed requirements for manufacturing methods, such as specific dyeing or finishing procedures.

Performance Specifications

Requirements defining how a product should function or perform under use, such as durability, shrinkage tolerance, or abrasion resistance.