Investigation of combing forces. Part V: fibre tension during top combing

This study investigates the withdrawal behaviour of single fibres in the top-combing/detaching cycle of a worsted rectilinear-combing process. A simulating device has been developed for this study, by using a commercial feed gill and top comb. The withdrawal force of an individual fibre in a fibre assembly is measured directly during the simulated top-combing/detaching process by a force transducer and a data-acquisition system. It has been found that the average fibre tension previously derived from a tuft-withdrawal force is inadequate in reflecting the actual tension level in individual fibres during the top-combing and detaching process, in fact, the tensile force experienced by an individual fibre being detached could be high enough to cause fibre breakage. The effects on fibre withdrawal of fibre length, sliver density, and the presence of neps, plus the incidence of fibre breakages during withdrawal, have also been investigated in this study.