Component Surface Erosion
Continuous friction between moving yarn and metallic surfaces leads to the erosion of loom components. Drop wire abrasive wear refers to the gradual thinning or grooving of the metal eyelet through which the flax yarn passes during weaving. This condition is particularly prevalent in linen production because flax fibers contain residual silica and lignin that act as natural abrasives.
If the surface becomes too rough, it begins to snag the fibers, causing small ruptures that weaken the warp and increase the frequency of loom stoppages. The abrasion also generates fine dust that can interfere with electrical contact in the warp stop motion system.
Material Hardness Variable
Longevity of the drop wire depends on the base metal and any applied coatings like chrome or nickel. Chinese mills often evaluate the durability of these parts against the specific yarn count and moisture levels maintained in the weaving shed. Harder coatings resist the cutting action of the flax longer than untreated steel.
This resistance is measured by the number of picks run before a measurable groove appears in the eyelet.
Fabric Surface Quality Consequence
Deterioration of the wire eyelet leads to the formation of fuzz and hairiness on the fabric surface. As drop wire abrasive wear progresses, the yarn undergoes unnecessary tension spikes. These spikes result in uneven fabric appearance and can cause the warp to fail during high speed operations.
Frequent replacement of worn wires prevents these defects from entering the final grade of the cloth. Smooth metal surfaces are required.
