Abstract:

The sizing process is  an important one for  textile mills and affects the efficiency of the loom machine. In this study, the optimisation of  multiple performance characteristics based on the grey relations analysis method, which is a new approach for optimisation of the sizing process was researched using the Taguchi L18 (mixed 3 - 6 level) experimental plan. The process parameters selected:  warp yarn count, the viscosity of the sizing solution and the dispatch speed of the warp yarn passing from the sizing machine, were optimised. In the experimental design of  Taguchi L18 (mixed 3 - 6 level), the warp yarn count factor was chosen as 3 levels (12, 10 and 8 tex), the viscosity of the sizing solution factor  as 3 levels (14, 20, & 24 Ns/m2), and the dispatch speed of the warp yarn passing from the sizing machine factor was selected as 6 levels (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, & 90 m/min). Quality characteristics were determined as  the warp yarn strength, and the efficiency of the loom machine. A grey relational grade obtained from the grey relational analysis is used to solve the sizing process with  multiple performance characteristics. Optimum levels for the sizing process parameters were determined using the grey relation grade.