Fibre Velocity
Mechanized carding systems rely on dynamic carding kinetics to regulate the flow of flax tow through rotating cylinders. The term quantifies the relationship between the rotational speed of the main cylinder and the friction generated by the wire teeth as they contact the fibre mass. Higher velocity shifts typically force the material into a tighter alignment, while lower speeds increase the probability of neps forming in the mat.
Operators determine these settings based on the moisture content of the incoming crop and the desired output density.
Pressure Gradient
Variations in the distance between the workers and the stripping cylinders create distinct resistance patterns during the grooming stage of linen processing. These fluctuations manage the force applied to the fibre bundles, ensuring that shorter particles undergo enough force to separate without breaking under mechanical stress. The intensity of this physical interaction defines the quality of the sliver, which serves as the primary output recorded in the mill production log.
Proper management of these gaps keeps the fibre path consistent and prevents uneven tension from damaging the long-line integrity of the flax.
Quality Threshold
Commercial contracts require a specific fibre count per decimetre to verify the uniformity of the output after the material exits the carding line. Inspectors assess the sliver against the agreed mill standard for debris content and fibre orientation, which remains distinct from the buyer-specific criteria applied later to the finished cloth. The calculation assumes that mechanical settings remain stable throughout the entire run duration to prevent batch divergence.
Deviations from the baseline speed reduce the effective yield of usable material, as excess waste collects in the under-carding screen. Final fibre alignment provides the primary assurance that the spinning frame receives a consistent feedstock for subsequent drafting.
