Explore our premier selection of factory-direct Air Covered Yarn (ACY), Single Covered Yarn (SCY), Double Covered Yarn (DCY), and high-performance functional filaments engineered for hosiery, activewear, and seamless knitting applications.
The global synthetic textile industry is undergoing a structural transition toward lightweight, high-stretch, and multifunctional composite yarns. Among these innovations, Air Filament Yarn—predominantly commercialized as Air Covered Yarn (ACY)—has emerged as the definitive material architecture for modern circular knitting, hosiery, seamless apparel, and technical textiles. By utilizing high-pressure micro-air jets to physically interlace continuous outer synthetic filaments (such as Nylon 6/66 or Polyester) with a drafted elastomeric core (Spandex/Lycra/Creora), ACY eliminates the traditional mechanical spinning process required by Conventional Covered Yarn (SCY and DCY).
The global market for ACY is expanding rapidly, driven by an accelerating compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in athleisure, medical compression garments, and seamless underwear. B2B sourcing directors, textile mill managers, and garment brand buyers are increasingly transitioning from mechanical hollow-spindle covered yarns to air-covered solutions to achieve significant cost efficiency, superior fabric handfeel, and higher knitting machine throughput.
Air Covered Yarn (ACY) is manufactured by drawing an elastic core yarn (typically 10D to 140D Spandex) and feeding it simultaneously with one or more non-elastic synthetic multifilaments (such as Nylon 6, Nylon 66, or Polyester POY/FDY) into a specialized pneumatic jet chamber. Inside the nozzle, a controlled compressed air stream ranging from 2.5 to 5.0 bar creates intense turbulent vortexes. These air vortexes force the individual filaments of the outer matrix yarn to entangle around the stretched spandex core, forming discrete periodic physical interlace nodes (measured as tack points per meter).
Understanding the structural differences between Air Covered Yarn (ACY), Single Covered Yarn (SCY), and Double Covered Yarn (DCY) is vital for textile procurement specialists seeking to balance product performance against unit cost:
| Structural Parameter | Air Covered Yarn (ACY) | Single Covered Yarn (SCY) | Double Covered Yarn (DCY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonding Mechanism | Pneumatic Interlace (Air Tacks) | Helical Mechanical Wrap (1 Direction) | Dual Counter-Helical Wrap (S & Z Twist) |
| Spandex Core Exposure | Slight (Intermittent Node Gaps) | Minimal (Uniform Coverage) | Zero (Complete Core Shielding) |
| Production Velocity | Extreme High (500 – 1,000 m/min) | Moderate (15 – 35 m/min) | Low (8 – 20 m/min) |
| Handfeel & Texture | Ultra-Soft, Plush, Breathable | Crisp, Smooth, Uniform | Dense, Firm, High-Tenacity |
| Knitting Efficiency | High (Requires Tension Control) | Excellent (Low Snag Risk) | Superior (Maximum Stability) |
| Relative Cost Index | Economical (1.0x Base) | Mid-to-High (2.2x - 3.0x) | Premium (3.8x - 5.0x) |
Precision control of air jet pressure regulates the number of interlace points per meter (tacks/m). Optimal tack density ensures zero core slippage during high-speed circular knitting without creating stiff points in the final fabric.
Our 73 computerized yarn machines maintain real-time draft ratios (from 2.2x to 4.5x draft), matching exact elongation specifications required for compression athletic tights vs gentle-stretch pantyhose.
Equipped with 5 online tension doffing systems, raw bobbins are wound with ultra-consistent bobbin hardness, preventing core snapping and streak lines during downstream dyeing processes.
Located at the epicenter of China's global textile manufacturing hub, Zhuji Yibang Textile Co., Ltd. (Established in 2021) leverages an unparalleled regional industrial supply chain. Spanning a modern 9,000+ square meter factory floor, Yibang integrates raw material procurement, air covering, mechanical covering, quality control, and export packing into a streamlined, high-speed ecosystem.
Our strategic partnership with tier-1 global and domestic chemical fiber giants—such as LYCRA®, CREORA®, JINJIANG NYLON, HUADING NYLON, MEIDA NYLON, and NILIT®—ensures that every cone of ACY or SCY is built upon superior raw polymer foundations. Direct bulk sourcing reduces raw material yield variance, guaranteeing shade-matching uniformity and consistent elongation across multi-ton production lots.
With 73 specialized covered yarn machines operating 24/7 alongside 40 senior textile engineers, Zhuji Yibang delivers rapid turnarounds on both standard specs (e.g., ACY 2244/36F, SCY 2070/24F) and specialized OEM composite blends.
Air Covered Filament Yarns are engineered to satisfy diverse garment construction requirements. By fine-tuning outer filament deniers (7D to 300D) and spandex cores (10D to 140D), our ACY line serves as the foundational structural input for wide-ranging global industries:
ACY 2020, 2030, and 2233 configurations deliver zero-pressure body-conforming elasticity for seamless body shapers, bralettes, and briefs. The soft interlace structure prevents skin indentation while maintaining garment shape memory through hundreds of wash cycles.
High-denier ACY (e.g., 4070, 7070, 2278/24F) provides 4-way direction stretch and high recovery force for yoga pants, compression socks, and athletic jerseys. The air-interlaced matrix optimizes moisture-wicking capillary channels.
By integrating specialty filaments into the air jet—such as 80% Nylon + 20% Pure Silver Fiber or Antibacterial Polyester Filaments—we create anti-odor, anti-static, and anti-microbial yarns ideal for medical compression sleeves and diabetic socks.
Fine-denier Single Covered (SCY 2208/5F, SCY 1733/12F) and ACY yarns feed seamlessly into high-needle count hosiery machines (200N to 404N), creating sheer, run-resistant stockings and premium dress socks.
When evaluating wholesale yarn manufacturers in China, international procurement directors must look beyond basic FOB prices. Quality variations in spandex elasticity or filament tack density can cause catastrophic knitting machine down-time or dye-lot streak defects. Below is Zhuji Yibang’s standardized 5-point quality verification protocol:
Measure tack count per meter using an electronic interlace tester. Standard ACY requires 70 to 110 tacks/m depending on speed. Unstable tacks lead to yarn separation during high-speed feeding.
Test yarn shrinkage under 100°C boiling water for 30 minutes. Shrinkage variance must remain under ±1.5% to avoid uneven fabric torque and sizing distortions after dyeing.
Verify REACH and Oeko-Tex Class 1 compliance. All spin finishes and lubricating oils applied during covering must be non-toxic, eco-friendly, and fully scorable during fabric pre-washing.
The main difference lies in structural bonding. Single Covered Yarn (SCY) mechanically wraps an outer filament around a Spandex core in a continuous spiral, resulting in complete core coverage and a smooth surface. Air Covered Yarn (ACY) uses compressed air jets to physically interlace the outer filament and Spandex core at periodic interlace nodes. ACY is significantly faster and more economical to produce, offering a softer, fluffier texture, whereas SCY offers higher surface uniformity and zero spandex exposure.
For ultra-soft, breathable seamless underwear, Air Covered Yarn such as ACY 2020, ACY 2233/24F, or ACY 2244/36F is preferred due to its superior softness and economic efficiency. However, for sheer high-end waistbands or ultra-transparent compression fabrics, fine SCY (e.g., SCY 2070/24F) may be chosen to completely hide the spandex core.
Yes. We specialize in functional composite covered yarns. We produce customized formulations combining Nylon 66, Antibacterial Polyester, and genuine Silver Fiber (e.g., 80% Nylon Filament + 20% Silver Fiber covered yarn) for anti-microbial, anti-static, and thermal-regulating applications.
We partner with premier global fiber manufacturers. Our core spandex suppliers include LYCRA® and CREORA®, while our nylon and polyester filaments are sourced directly from industry leaders such as JINJIANG NYLON, HUADING NYLON, MEIDA NYLON, and NILIT®.
Standard specs (such as ACY 2244/36F, SCY 2070/24F) maintained in active production have low MOQs starting at 500 kg per specification. Custom functional blends typically require 1,000 kg. Standard lead times range from 7 to 14 days from deposit confirmation, backed by our 73 active production machines.
Every spool is wound using computerized online tension control units and vacuum-sealed in heavy-duty moisture-proof polybags before being packed into export-grade corrugated cartons or heavy pallets. This protects against humidity fluctuations during ocean transit.
Select from our complete range of certified Single Covered Yarn (SCY), Double Covered Yarn (DCY), Air Covered Yarn (ACY), and Antibacterial composite filaments manufactured in Zhuji, China.
Zhuji Yibang Textile Co., Ltd. is a modern textile enterprise specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of covered yarns. Since its establishment in 2021, Yibang Textile Co., Ltd. has rapidly established itself in the textile industry through precise market positioning and solid production capabilities, becoming a key supplier of covered yarns in the region.
Rooted in a textile industry cluster, the company boasts a modern, well-planned factory covering a total area of 9,000 square meters, encompassing raw material storage, core production areas, finished product inspection, and office facilities. This allows for zoning and standardized management of the production process, laying a solid foundation for efficient operations and quality control.
Yibang Textile