Fibre Grade
A mechanical measure of raw flax cleanliness that defines the upper limit of spinning output for a specific batch. The VCDT Standard sets the allowable moisture content and trash percentage during the initial combing phase at the mill gate. Raw material entering the mill must meet these physical thresholds before batching begins on the draw frame.
Moisture meters assess the internal humidity of the bale to prevent fungal rot during long storage periods. Trash content is evaluated through manual sorting of sample handfuls from each shipment. Bales failing the threshold incur financial penalties from the purchasing department or undergo secondary cleaning.
The mill operates its machinery according to the verified grade rating assigned during this intake stage. Buyer acceptance criteria often align with this mill standard to simplify contract negotiations between agricultural producers and spinning mills. Lower grades require harsher chemical preparation during wet spinning to achieve acceptable yarn regularity.
Higher grades bypass preliminary boiling steps entirely because natural pectin levels remain within acceptable limits. Spinning performance depends directly on the cleanliness values recorded in the intake ledger.
Yarn Tenacity
A tensile measurement of spun linen yarn strength calculated prior to the weaving loom setup. This parameter tracks the breaking load of single strands pulled from bobbin packages after the spinning frame operation. Operators record the force required to snap the yarn under controlled humidity conditions in the testing laboratory.
Values are compared against established mill benchmarks to verify that roving tension was maintained correctly through the draft rollers. Twist per metre is adjusted when breaking tests reveal excessive weakness in the dry yarn structure. Weaving sheds rely on this tenacity figure to prevent warp breakage during high speed shuttle insertion.
Fabric durability depends on the baseline strength established at this intermediate production checkpoint.
Cloth Density
A physical count of warp and weft threads per square centimetre in finished linen fabric. Final inspection tables record this thread count to ensure the woven material meets commercial export specifications. Inspectors count threads through a magnifying glass over a fixed surface area to detect uneven reed distribution.
Values outside the permitted tolerance cause the entire loom roll to be downgraded to secondary commercial status. Export documentation requires a signed certificate showing that the finished cloth matches the density limits specified by the overseas buyer. Finished linen strength remains tied to the structural tightness verified during this final stage of mill production.
