Cotton yarn is the backbone of the textile industry, as its quality and suitability determine the durability, functionality and aesthetic quality of fabrics. The choice of yarn type and specifications in factories is subject to strict criteria aimed at achieving consistency and efficiency, and meeting diverse market requirements. Here are the most important factors and criteria that factories rely on in this selection:
1. Raw cotton fiber quality
The quality of the fiber before spinning is evaluated according to several indicators:
- Staple Length: Long fibers (such as Pima or Egyptian cotton) produce soft and strong yarns used in luxury fabrics, while short fibers are suitable for cost-effective products.
- Fiber fineness (Micronaire Value): Measures the maturity and fineness of the fiber. The ideal value (3.5-4.9) implies thread strength and good dye absorption.
- Fiber Strength: High-strength fibers reduce yarn breakage during spinning, increasing production efficiency.
- Trash Content: The lower the impurities, the less waste and the better the quality of the yarn.
2. Yarn Count and Twist Degree
- Yarn Count: Determines the thickness of the thread. High numbers (such as Ne 80-100) are used for light fabrics such as chiffon, while low numbers (Ne 10-20) are suitable for coarse fabrics such as denim.
- Twist Level: Increased twist enhances the strength of the thread but may reduce its softness. The degree is chosen according to the application; e.g: Low twist for towel yarns, high twist for heavy-duty upholstery yarns.
3. Spinning technology
The method of spinning affects the properties of the yarn:
- Ring-Spun: Produces strong and soft yarns, suitable for high-quality garments.
- Open-End Yarn: Economical and fast to produce, used in bulky products such as jeans.
- Compact Spun Yarn: Low in fluff and high in strength, preferred for knitwear.
4. Mechanical and performance standards
Rigorous tests are conducted to ensure yarn quality, such as:
- Tensile strength and elongation: Measured by devices such as Uster Tensorabid according to ISO 2062.
- Thread uniformity (Uster CV%): A low CV% indicates homogeneity of the thread.
- Defects: The percentage of knots and differences in thickness are determined according to Uster statistics.
5. End use of the thread
The choice varies depending on the product:
- Clothing: Soft, fast-absorbing yarns are preferred (e.g. combed yarns for cotton fabrics).
- Home textiles: Highly absorbent yarns are used for bath towels.
- Technical textiles: Highly durable or antimicrobial yarns are used in medical applications.
6. Sustainability and environmental compliance
Modern factories adhere to standards such as:
- Green certifications: Organic cotton (GOTS) or recycled cotton (GRS).
- Ethical standards: Fair Trade certification.
- Compliance with regulations: OEKO-TEX® standards to ensure yarns are free of harmful substances.
7. Cost and production efficiency
Balances quality and economics by:
- Analyzing the cost of raw materials: Such as choosing a cotton-polyester blend to minimize cost.
- Rationalizing energy consumption: Using advanced spinning technology.
- Minimizing waste: By optimizing fiber-to-yarn processes.
Conclusion
The choice of cotton yarn is not only based on technical quality, but also on an accurate reading of market needs and innovation. By comprehensively evaluating criteria - from fiber quality to environmental compliance - textile mills ensure competitive fashion-forward products and strengthen their position in a dynamic industry centered on quality and responsibility.
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