Effect of Needle Position and Orientation on Forces Experienced by Individual Needles during Needle Punching

Abstract

Needle force is measured on felting needles at four different locations simultaneously using four mini-transducers mounted on the needle board of a James Hunter 12 inch model loom. The machine speed is 300 strokes/minute, needling density is 34.6 punches/cm², and the depth of penetration is 16 mm. Results indicate that differences in the needling force between needles of the same type and needle location in the needle board are significant. Needle force is also significantly greater at the back of the needle board where the needles penetrate fresh web, compared to the front of the needle board. An absence of needles surrounding the test needles causes the test needles to experience significantly greater force.