Graphical Record
A chart showing the cumulative length distribution of fibers within a sample provides the quantitative foundation for yarn spinning limits. This visual plot, generated from a physical test, represents the comb sorter diagram used by quality control labs to evaluate flax batches. The resulting curve displays fiber length along the horizontal axis and the cumulative percentage by weight along the vertical axis.
Sorting Mechanism
Laboratory testing uses a series of fine steel combs to arrange the fibers by length in descending order. When preparing a comb sorter diagram, the operator aligns the square ends of the fibers and extracts them sequentially from the longest to the shortest. This manual fractionation separates the sample into precise length groups that are weighed to construct the final curve.
Accurate results require maintaining a constant relative humidity in the testing room to prevent electrostatic cling among the fine flax strands.
Yarn Prediction
Spinning mills use this length profile to adjust the ratch settings on wet-spinning frames. The comb sorter diagram reveals the percentage of short fibers that could cause unevenness in the yarn. Batches with high short-fiber content are diverted to coarser yarn counts to avoid excessive breakage during spinning.