Yarn Irregularity
A localized reduction in yarn diameter represents a structural flaw that compromises the integrity of a spun flax strand. The thin places defect occurs when the cross-sectional area of the yarn drops below a specific pre-set threshold for a short distance. This geometrical irregularity is a major concern in linen spinning because it directly correlates with yarn breakages during winding and loom processes.
This irregularity is measured by electronic sensors that compare the actual diameter to the average yarn count. It indicates a failure in the fibre-drafting assembly during the spinning process.
Draft Deviation
Drafting errors in the draw frame or spinning frame fail to supply a sufficient number of flax fibres to the twisting zone. When the thin places defect is generated, the twist tends to accumulate in this narrow region, making it brittle and inelastic. This accumulation occurs because twist always runs to the thinnest part of the yarn.
Weaving Vulnerability
These structural weak points are the primary source of warp yarn failures when the loom is running under high tension. If the thin places defect is not removed by yarn clearers during the winding process, the yarn will break and cause costly downtime in the loom department. Automatic yarn clearing systems use optical sensors to cut and splice these defects.
