Calculating Raw Linen Greige Off-Loom Mass Loss
Off loom mass loss in linen greige averages 14 to 22 percent, requiring correction for sizing pickup, moisture regain, and non cellulosic scour extraction.
Loom Shedding Waste
Material Attrition
Fibres and fragments that fall from the warp threads during the repetitive opening and closing of the shed on a weaving machine represent a specific category of material loss. This accumulation is classified as loom shedding waste. It consists mostly of short flax fibres that lack the length to remain anchored in the yarn structure.
It represents a direct loss of raw material that cannot be reclaimed for high-quality weaving.
Mechanical Cause
Friction between the heald wires and the yarn surfaces pulls loose fibres away from the core of the thread. As the reed beats the weft into the fell of the cloth, the resulting vibration shakes these particles onto the floor or into the machine base. High-speed air-jet looms often generate more loom shedding waste than slower rapier models because of the intensity of the mechanical action.
Proper sizing of the warp yarn helps to bind these fibres together and reduces the volume of waste generated.
Collection Routine
Regular removal of these fibres prevents them from being blown into the weaving zone where they could cause defects in the cloth. Accumulated waste can also clog the air filters or cooling systems of the weaving machine. Maintenance teams typically use vacuum systems to collect the material at the end of each shift.