Rieter

Type of feed

Index

Forward feed used to be chosen for higher production rates when quality requirements were not too rigorous, mainly for „upgrading“ with noil percentages of up to 12% (max. 14%). When higher demands were made on quality, backward feed had to be used with noil percentages in the range of 12 - 25%. With modern high-performance machines ( combing preparation and  combers) the situation has changed. Forward feed is mostly used over all staple ranges for achieving noil levels from 8 to 18%. One main reason is the better “self cleaning effect” (see  The operation of the combs) during detaching and top combing action by generating higher retaining forces. Fiber rear ends and the hooks are more extended. Disturbing impurities (husk particles, dust and trash, leaf and husk remnants, fiber neps and seed coat fragments) and short (floating) fibers are hold back by the top comb during detaching and are combed out by the next circular combing cycle.