Analysis of the Forces Generated During the Clipping of Travellers onto Rings

Abstract

The first stress on a traveller occurs while clipping it onto the ring flange. To clip a C-shaped traveller onto the appropriate T-flange, a force of 1 to 10 N is necessary, depending on the material and geometry of the cross section. During this operation, very high local tensions can arise in the traveller because of its small dimensions. Plastic deformation of the traveller material or damage to the traveller surface or its plating can result. It is interesting to know the tensions that arise in the ring traveller contact zone and at the point of the yam path area. During spinning, the traveller undergoes high mechanical and thermal stress in the contact zone, and so damage (i.e., cracks, scratches, and detachment of coatings) leads to an accelerated breakdown of the traveller. If there is any damage of the coating during clipping, the performance of the ring/traveller system will be poor; therefore, it is important to thoroughly examine the clipping procedure.