Minimum Warp Lengths That Decide Whether a Sample Becomes Production
Minimum warp lengths depend on creel setup waste, sizing lead length, and loom setup hours, requiring at least 1,000 metres for viable production runs.
Sizing Addon Percentage
Quantitative Measurement
Ratios express the amount of protective coating applied to warp yarns before weaving. Calculating the sizing addon percentage involves weighing the yarn before and after it passes through the size vat to ensure it has enough starch or polymer to withstand the friction of the loom. This coating is essential for linen because it smooths the protruding fibres and increases the tensile strength of the thread.
Application Efficiency
Optimization of this value depends on the yarn count and the density of the fabric being produced. If the sizing addon percentage is too low, the flax yarn will fray and break under the constant movement of the healds and the reed. Too much size makes the yarn brittle and difficult to weave, leading to a stiff fabric that is hard to finish.
Operators adjust the squeeze roller pressure and the concentration of the size mix to maintain the target level.
Desizing Process
Removal of the coating occurs during the finishing stage where the fabric is washed to restore its natural softness. The recorded sizing addon percentage helps the finishing plant determine the correct amount of enzymes or chemicals needed for complete removal. Residual size can interfere with the evenness of the dyeing process.