The use of the Taguchi design of experiment method in optimizing splicing conditions for a Nylon 66 yarn

Abstract

Yarn splicing joins two yarns by applying a blast of compressed air into a profiled device called a splicing chamber. Splicing is a mature technology, but there is little published work on its fundamental principles. The current research program addresses these principles. However, the research confronts many variables such as yarn count and construction. The Taguchi design of experiment method can simplify the research, by reducing the amount of testing. This article presents a record of controlled testing to establish the validity of the Taguchi method in this context. The tests were performed using an industry-standard synthetic yarn as a base line for the research. The article reports on the Taguchi analysis of results and its effectiveness in optimizing splicer parameters to produce a strong splice with minimum variation. Later, articles will apply the technique to results of work on different yarns, assessing splice aesthetics, yarn characteristics, and splicing chamber geometry with the objective of yielding a mathematical model for the splicing process.