Influence of fiber quality on draftometer measurements

Authors: Delhom, Christopher; THIBODEAUX, DEVRON - Fiber Physics

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2016
Publication Date: 4/18/2016
Citation: Delhom, C.D., Thibodeaux, D. 2016. Influence of fiber quality on draftometer measurements. Proceeding of the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 5-7, 2016, New Orleans, Louisiana. p. 464-469.

Interpretive Summary: Friction between fibers and between fibers and machinery play an important role in determining end-product quality in textile processing. A process, known as drafting, is used to control the fiber mass being converted from fiber to yarn. The amount of draft, and how it is applied, is critical in producing high quality textile products in an efficient manner. An important characteristic to control the draft is to properly identify the critical draft. Identifying critical draft may be done using an instrument known as a draftometer which measures drafting forces. Employing a draftometer is a time-intensive process, therefore a research project was undertaken to examine the relationship between fiber quality parameters and dratometer measurements and then to relate draftometer measurements to yarn quality and processing efficiencies. It was found that the existing guidelines of setting break draft at 10% less than critical draft is in general sufficient, but more work is needed to examine the instances in which that guidance does not produce the best possible yarn.

Technical Abstract: Fiber-to-fiber and fiber-to-machine friction play an important role in determining textile processing efficiency and end-product quality. A process, known as drafting, is used to control the attenuation of the fiber mass being processed in carding, drawing and spinning. The amount of attenuation the fiber mass is subjected to can be referred to as the “draft”. Critical draft is the draft at which drafting forces become unstable; also known as “stick-slip”. Prior studies have shown that the break draft on ring spinning frames should be 10 percent below critical draft. Textile processors have the option to control the stick-slip point without altering the break draft on the spinning frame by altering the twist in roving. Critical draft can be determined through instruments such as the ITT Draftometer. In this study, cottons of various fiber qualities (length and micronaire) were converted into roving and measured on the draftometer. Roving was produced at the recommended level of twist as well as at higher and lower levels of twist and then subjected to spinning trials to measure yarn quality and spinning efficiency.