What is Carding?
Carding is an intricate procedure in the textile industry that involves separating and straightening fibers to prepare them for spinning. This intricate process is executed using a specialized machine known as a carding machine, which comprises several rollers and brushes working together to untangle and align the fibers.
The carding process commences with the introduction of raw materials like wool or cotton into the carding machine. The machine then pushes the material through a set of rollers and brushes, which removes impurities like dirt and short fibers, and arranges the longer fibers parallelly. Subsequently, the material is compressed into a thin and unbroken web or sliver of fibers.
Carding plays a pivotal role in textile production because it helps to create a uniform and consistent fiber structure, which is fundamental for spinning. The process also enhances the quality of the end product by eliminating impurities that could mar the appearance or function of the final textile.
Apart from its primary function of preparing fibers for spinning, carding can also be employed to manufacture non-woven textiles, like felt, by bonding the fibers together using heat, pressure, or adhesives. Carding can also be integrated with other techniques such as combing or drawing to achieve specific characteristics or properties in the final textile.
