Some Studies on the Formation of Hooks in Carding

Abstract

Hook formation at fiber ends and fiber disorder in the card sliver have been studied by using a fluorescent-tracer-fiber technique and Lindsley's method for measuring comb ing ratio. The rate of throughput at the card and the cylinder and doffer loadings have been shown to affect the proportions of the different types of hooks in the sliver. Other factors, such as the type of wire on cylinder and doffer, the action of flats, and the doffer comb speed, have been seen to have no influence on hook formation. Within the range of speeds investigated, the speed ratio between doffer and cylinder has little influence on hook formation. On the basis of the results obtained and the different hypotheses of Morton, it is suggested that the trailing and leading hooks are both formed at the junc tion of cylinder and doffer, but by different mechanisms.