| Our Foster Formed Barb can be designed with varying amounts of kick-up. Kick-up is the projection of the barb above the edge into which it is formed. Kick-up can be produced so that it is very high such as with our "K" Barb or in decreasing size such as with our "NK" Barb, to the point where there is no kick-up at all, such as with our "B" Barb. Using a needle with the correct amount of kick-up is of absolute importance. How much kick-up should you use? The answer depends on many factors.
Factors:
- PPSCM/PPSI requirements in the fabric itself
- Tensile-physical property requirements of the fabric
- Density of the finished fabric
- Fiber characteristics
- Needle density in the needle looms
It is thought by some that high kick-up will carry more fibers per stroke. This is certainly true. But it is important to recognize the difference between "carrying fibers" and "interlocking fibers". High kick-up will generally break and rake fibers after the density in the fabric increases. While it is true that high kick-up will generally carry more fibers per stroke, chances are that higher kick-up levels will cut and break fibers, thus lowering tensile and physical requirements. In general, higher kick-up levels are better suited for fabrics made from recycled, regenerated fibers. Higher kick-up is also better suited for products with needled densities under 100 ppscm / 600 ppsi. So remember higher levels of kick-up can cause fiber damage. Depending upon your fabrics, it may be better to reduce the amount of kick-up on the needle. While fewer fibers may be "carried" per stroke of the needle, the fibers that are carried are done so in a much more gentle manner and improved physical properties will likely result.
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