Quality and structural properties of gimp fancy yarns using the Design of Experiments

Abstract

The structure and quality characteristics of gimp fancy yarns were studied using an experimental design of seven factors with eight experimental runs. Non-gimp projections were considered to be structural defects; thus, they were counted and their numbers, average areas, and average circularity ratios were measured to account for those defects. Assigning the effects to factors and interactions was completed by taking into account gimp yarn structure and its manufacturing process. It was found that using two threads for the core component of gimp yarn, rather than only one thread, was an advantage because two threads improved the structure and appearance of the fancy yarn. Moreover, suitable stiffness for the effect component may yield the best results. The overfeed ratio must be as small as possible to make yarn with corrugations. It was possible to improve the manufacturing process, to study properties of gimp fancy yarns, to build statistical models to quantify each of the defect features and to minimize variability and resources. Such improvements play a major role in improving the quality of fancy fabrics and clothes made from these fancy yarns.