The choice of thread guides for textile machinery has always been a critical part of cost effective fiber processing. With todays' extremely fast production speeds, synthetic fibers and abrasive high-wearing technical yarns have led to ever-higher demands on thread guides. It is common knowledge in this industry that a textile machine which is mechanically sound can undergo a drastic reduction in performance due to thread guides made from unsuitable ceramics. Lint buildups commonly known as “snow” form on thread guides and the resulting high friction values lead to a reduction in process efficiency.

Choosing the right ceramic material is based on the following:

• Yarn or thread type
• Working angle of the yarn
• Thread count
• Number of filaments in the yarn
• Yarn or thread speed
• Pre-guide tension
• Length of guide contact surface
• Spin finish
• Environment (temperature, humidity, etc.)
• Static electricity buildup

Applications also play a major role in the guide material selection process. We offer our guides in three basic materials:

1. High alumina porcelain (with engineered glazed surfaces)
2. Titanium dioxide (conductive & non-conductive)
3. Aluminum oxide (polished or glazed surfaces)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THREAD GUIDES

Some of the most important properties a thread guide has to meet are:

1. Wear resistance
2. Frictional characteristics of the guide surface  
3. Chemical resistance
4. Fracture strength
5. Surface structure (not to damage the yarn).

CORROSION RESISTANCE

Commonly used ceramic materials are corrosion resistant to most chemicals and are thermally stable.