Development of a Method to Measure Cotton Spinnability

Abstract

The spinning quality of lint cotton is related to the efficiency with which the cotton can be processed into a fine yarn. An apparatus was developed to measure the force required to pull an end down during spinning (spinning strength). An electronic force pickup was used on a research ring spinning frame to measure peak yarn tension. Spinning-strength data fit a normal distribution curve. In two specific tests analysis of 2400 breaks taken on a single cotton roving showed, at the 95% level of confidence, that the average strength was within 0.6% of the true mcan, and that the standard de viation was within 3% of the true standard deviation. Of the design parameters tested, front-drafting roll pressure had the greatest influence on spinning strength. Spindle speed and the presence of the yarn-tension transducer did not influence spinning strength.