Abstract
For the purpose of the continuous, accurate and rapid evaluation of the extension and shrinkage properties along the yarn axis, an automated analyzing system known as ε-meter was developed by Toyobo. ε-meter consists of the following units;
(1) yarn sampling unit
(2) continuously measuring unit
(3) data processing unit.
The ε-meter provides continuous and highly accurate measurements of yarn characteristics such as wet shrinkage, crimp-stretchability and crimp-recovery, which correspond to those obtained by the standardized JIS measurements. Further, measurement of the crimp recovery of yarns after heat-treatment under the constant load, for example 5mg/d, gives a quality measure concerning the texture touch of the knitted and woven fabrics. By using the ε-meter, the creep properties of undrawn yarns under a constant load at any temperature can be obtained. The creep value measured under the definite condition with the load of 0.2g/d at 100°C has been called “integrity factor” as Du pont first used the term. The factor is related to the orientation characteristic of undrawn yarns. Therefore, the ε-meter enables rapid and accurate evaluation of the orientation for undrawn yarns with a variety of cross-sectional shapes. Very important information about the yarn quality evenness along the axis can be obtained by continuous measurements using the ε-meter.
Since it becomes possible to inspect the yarn quality with labor much saved, the application of the ε-meter to operation controls in the many fields of the fiber industry leads to the rationalization.
