Determining Hackled Flax Linear Density through Manual Bundle Sectioning
Manual bundle sectioning isolates true flax fibre linear density by cutting mid-strick segments for gravimetric tex determination prior to spinning.
Bundle Sectioning
Mechanical Partition
Fibre preparation processes in linen mills divide a long scutched strick of flax into distinct segments of different lengths and properties to match specific yarn counts. Implementing bundle sectioning separates the root, middle, and tip of the flax plant before the hackling stage begins. Coarse root sections are routed to coarse spinning lines, whereas the fine and strong middle sections are reserved for high-grade wet spinning.
Without this initial division, the mechanical processing of flax would yield highly inconsistent yarn due to the natural variation between the tough bottom portion of the stalk and the fragile upper tip.
Process Execution
Mechanical cutting devices split the clamped flax bundles at precise points along their length. The process of bundle sectioning depends on a series of automated knives that slice the fibre groups without tearing the individual strands. A clean cut ensures that the resulting shorter bundles feed smoothly into the drawing frames.
Quality Consequence
Uneven yarn and high breakage rates occur when fibres of vastly different diameters are spun together. Through the application of bundle sectioning, the mill produces yarns of uniform strength and thickness, which directly influences the price of the final woven linen cloth. Fabric woven from sorted fibres exhibits fewer knots and has a higher dye absorption rate.
The structural integrity of the fabric remains consistent across the entire width of the loom.