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Needle Selection as it
Pertains to Fiber Type
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John Foster
Foster Needle Co., Inc.
Manitowoc, WI
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| Making the right needle selection is difficult. There are many considerations when choosing a needle style. Among these considerations is the fiber being used. The fiber type, denier, length, as well as the orientation of the fibers within the web (usually this means the web is air-laid or carded and cross-lapped). Also considered is the overall weight of the product as well as if a support scrim is used. Basically the finer the denier, the finer the needle, the coarser the denier, the coarser the needle. To the right are some guidelines as to what needle we recommend for various denier polyester, polypropylene, nylon and acrylic fibers.
These needle gauge recommendations should serve as a guideline only. The example situation is only true for certain fibers. The rules of needle gauge relating to denier will change when working with aramids, natural fibers and various other exotic man-made fibers. Need more technical information? Visit us at www.fosterneedleusa.com then click technical papers!
| Denier |
Needle Gauge |
| .5 - 3.0 |
42 gauge |
| 3 - 6 |
38 - 40 gauge |
| 6 - 10 |
38 gauge |
| 10 - 18 |
36 - 34 gauge |
| 18 - 30 |
36 - 32 gauge |
| 30+ |
30 gauge - Coarser |
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