Description:
The effect of reversing the direction of rotation of workers on the swift of a worsted card was studied in a trial that included processing to top. Experimental conditions studied were worker draft (three levels), doffer draft (two levels), and wool type (two levels). Production rate was held constant throughout at values typical for worsted carding, ~1 gsm production fiber density on the swift and standard topmaking procedures were used after carding. The results showed that the only effect of reversing the direction of rotation identified was increased fiber breakage and noil at the lowest opening roller draft (0.4 %). A tracer fiber study failed to identify any effect of the direction of worker rotation on the fiber structure of the card web. The reason for the increased fiber breakage with reversed direction of rotation at very low draft was thought to be the increased loading in the nip due to the trailing ends of the fibers. The implications of reversing worker rotation for roller carding in general are briefly considered.