A creel is simply a frame on which the feeding thread or yarn bobbin is fitted. Often, the creel is fitted with a yarn tensioning device which controls tension variation. Proper placement and stabilization of thread and yarn at the beginning of the product manufacturing process is critical. “Think of a creel as the foundation of a building,” states Neal Fournier, Facilities & Maintenance Manager with Service Thread. “It’s likely that process improvement starts after the yarn enters the production process; however, you will be surprised by the gains that can be made by taking a look at using a creel or refining your creel design.” 

The practice of joining industrial yarn ends (resulting from breaks, defects, or end of the supply), is a critical component to the product manufacturing process, particularly in industries such as wire and cable (integration of ripcords), hose reinforcement, belting and more. When using industrial yarn in the production process, it is essential that the joining method endures the process without interruption and does not have a negative effect on the quality of the end product.   

Industrial yarn is designed and engineered to be incorporated into products where oftentimes, a functional requirement supersedes aesthetic considerations. Used by non-apparel industry product manufacturers, industrial yarns are typically a component part of a product to enhance the strength, durability, performance and other high-value properties of the product.

Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic in the world, but how do you know if it’s the right yarn for your application? Consider the attributes of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) - a very tough subset of polyethylene that has a strength to weight ratio 8-15 times greater than steel.

Both Vectran™ and Aramid yarns are known for being resilient materials used for specialized products. They each have varying degrees of creep resistance, abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, excellent flex/fold characteristics, long term dimensional stability and exceptional property retention at high temperatures. These yarns are extremely durable and often used to protect people and products.

Vectran™ is a manufactured fiber used to make specialty fabric and typically only those with a specific product application know much about it. This multifilament yarn is spun from a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and is the only commercially available melt-spun LCP fiber in the world. Vectran™ fiber presents exceptional strength and rigidity because the material is five times stronger than steel and ten times stronger than aluminum. There are no real alternatives when it comes to working with Vectran™ as the qualities it brings to the table are distinctive and highly beneficial.