TL;DR
Sliver unevenness is most often a flat gauge drift, a wire clothing wear, or a doffer speed change. Check the flat-to-cylinder gauge and wire condition before adjusting the autoleveler.
What you might see
- sliver CV% above specification on Uster tester
- thick places periodically in the sliver
- neps count above normal on fiber sample
- autoleveler operating at full correction range
Likely causes
Flat-to-cylinder gauge outside specification from thermal expansion or setting drift
Cylinder or flat wire clothing worn beyond the recommended service life
Doffer speed or draft ratio set outside the optimum range for the fiber
Autoleveler draft roll eccentricity causing a periodic sliver defect
Required tools
- Uster sliver evenness tester
- Flat gauge set for TC 19i
- Wire clothing inspection magnifier
- Sliver weight scale
Safety first
- The cylinder and flat wire clothing is extremely sharp. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling clothing strips or reaching into the card.
- Lock out the machine before setting flat gauges or replacing wire clothing. The cylinder rotates at high speed.
Procedure
- 1
Run a short sliver sample and test on the Uster evenness tester. Record the CV%, the thick-place count, and the nep count.[1]
- 2
Set the machine to low speed and check the flat-to-cylinder gauge at the entry, middle, and exit positions with the recommended flat gauge tool. Adjust if any position is outside specification.
- 3
Inspect the wire clothing on the cylinder and flats under a magnifying glass. Bent, hooked, or worn wire points indicate the clothing is past its service life. Replace the clothing as a set.[1]
- 4
Verify the doffer draft ratio on the machine controller against the setup card for the fiber count and production rate.
- 5
Check the autoleveler draft roller for eccentricity by measuring the sliver weight at the auto-leveler output over one full roller revolution.
- 6
After any mechanical adjustment, run the machine for 15 minutes before sampling to allow the machine to reach thermal equilibrium.
- 7
Re-test the sliver and accept only when CV% is within specification.
Sources
Trützschler Trützschler TC 19i Carding Machine general technical documentation, Trützschler
Trutzschler TC 19i carding machine general maintenance and wire clothing procedures (general)
More guides for Trützschler Trützschler TC 19i
How to fix fiber wrapping on the cylinder or doffer of a Trutzschler TC 19i
Fiber wraps are usually caused by static buildup in low-humidity conditions, worn wire hooks that fail to release fiber, or a sudden change in feed fiber type. Stop and clear the wrap before damage occurs to the wire.
How to fix flat strip loss or alignment fault on a Trutzschler TC 19i
Flat strip loss or flat alignment faults are usually a broken flat chain link, a worn flat guide rail, or flat tip damage. Inspect the flat chain and guide rail before replacing individual strips.
Stop fixing the same fault twice.
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