Analysis and Enhancement of Carding and Spinning
 

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Academic Participants

Objectives

In a previous NTC project, the research team developed a technology which shortens the processing sequence to two major steps: opening/cleaning, and yarn formation by Card-Spinning. The novel yarn formation system consists of a card fitted with a web dividing device and multiple spinning nozzles. The feasibility of the key individual sub-systems has been demonstrated. In this project, we conduct a fundamental analysis of the system, with the following specific objectives: (1) To analyze and regulate fiber transport to the spinning heads to achieve better reliability and product uniformity, (2) To study the limiting factors affecting the operating range (e.g., yarn count range, types of raw materials) and to develop solutions to overcome such barriers, (3) To characterize the structures of yarns from this spinning system and to analyze the yarn performance characteristics, and (4) To work with industry partners to identify and develop applications for the new yarns.

Progress Update

The project team has constructed a novel yarn spinning system that converts fibers to yarns in a continuous process without forming any intermediate products.  In the traditional yarn processing system, fibers go through about 10 machines to be converted into a yarn, and to move from one machine to the next, they are also often put into an immediate form such as a sliver or a roving.  Our system is drastically different from the traditional processing line, as illustrated below:

The figure below shows the Card-Spinning unit.  The carded web is divided into multiple ribbons that are then fed to spinning nozzles.  In our prototype setup, however, we only use one of the ribbons and spin one yarn.  This allows us to demonstrate the feasibility without losing generality. 

The photograph below illustrates the web divider.  To see a video showing the test run of the system, please click on the picture.

(Click picture to see test-run video; then use browser's BACK button to return to this page)

For further information

Read the proposal on technical approaches of the project

Read our Annual Reports:  2002   2003

Or Contact the Project Team Members