ISO 2060 Determination of Linear Density (Mass Per Unit Length) By Skein Method

The ISO 2060 is the standard given by the International Organisation of Standardisation. It determines the linear density or count of the filament. The yarn count is measured through mass per unit length of the thread. There are different systems of units for expressing yarn count, such as Tex, Denier, or Cotton count (Ne).

Introduction

The yarn linear density is also known as yarn count in the textile industry. The yarn count determines the final fabric characteristics, including weight, thickness, strength, and fineness. It is checked to ensure the preparation of consistent and uniform fabric quality.

The yarn count is calculated by the skein method, in which a specific length of yarn is reeled, and its weight is calculated. In this way, the mass per unit length of filament results in the yarn count.

Linear density (Tex) = Mass of skein (g) × 1000

Length of skein (m)

ISO 2060 Definition and Key Terminologies

Definition

“ISO 2060 is a standard that is used to determine the linear density of filament or yarn count using the skein method”

Linear Density (Mass per Unit Length)

“Linear density of a filament is defined as the mass of yarn in grams over the length of thread in meters.” It defines the yarn thickness, quality and suitability for applications.

It shows how much a yarn weighs in a unit area of length, and it helps to do a standardised comparison of different types of yarn and fibres.

Units Used: Tex, Denier, and Metric Count

Tex: (gm/1000 meter)

Tex unit shows the weight of 1000 meters of yarn. For example, 10 Tex means the weight of 1000 meters of yarn is 10 g.

Denier: (gm/9000 meter)

Denier tells the weight of a 9,000-meter length of yarn. Normally this standard is used for synthetic fibers. For example, 10 denier means the weight of 9000 meters of synthetic yarn is 10 g.

Ne: [number of hanks (840 yards each)] / lb

The count Ne tells the fineness or thickness of yarn. It indicates the weight of the number of hanks (whose length is 840 yards) in pounds.

For example, if the 01-pound (lb) weight contains 30 hanks, who’s each hank’s length of yarn is 840 yards, then its count according to English cotton count system is 30 Ne.

As the Ne count goes toward zero, the fabric becomes thicker and as the count increases towards 100, the yarn becomes thinner.

Skein Method

In the skein method, a specific length of yarn that is called a skein is weighed, and its count is calculated through the indirect system, like English cotton count Ne.

Why is it preferred for Certain Types of Yarns?

The skein method is preferred for spun yarns because it allows for variation in yarn thickness and maintains uniformity. It gives better results for coarser and irregular yarns compared to finer, continuous filament yarns.

Typically, the spun yarn count of cotton, wool, polyester, and their blends is measured using the skein method. This method is commonly used in textile laboratories to ensure yarn quality.

Yarn Count Testing (ISO 2060) using Constant Temperature Oven

The yarn count is tested by following the ISO 2060 standard, which determines the linear density of yarn by the Skein method. To determine linear density, precise measurements of yarn length and weight are mandatory to avoid variations in results.

For accurate weight measuring, standard gives the guidance for drying and conditioning f the specimen. Because moisture content may vary, a constant temperature oven is used to ensure a consistent yarn weight.

Sample Preparation

The sample of yarn is wound on a reel to make a skein of known length. The wounding should be done carefully, avoiding excessive stretching of yarn. The skein should be prepared in standard atmospheric conditions 20°C ±2°C and 65% ±2% relative humidity.

Drying using Eight-Basket Constant Temperature Oven Y(B)802G

The Y(B)802G eight-basket constant temperature oven is used to remove the moisture content from skein and dry the yarn completely before weighing. There are 08 independent baskets which allow for the drying of the eight different skein samples.

The skein is placed in an oven basket for 01 hour at a temperature of 105°C ±3°C, to dry it completely. After that, the skein is cooled in a desiccator to prevent further moisture absorption.

Weighing the Yarn Sample

The skein weight is measured on a digital weighing balance with an accuracy of 0.001 grams.

Calculating the Yarn Count

The yarn count in Tex is calculated through this formula

Tex = (Weight in grams × 1000) / Length in meters

Advantages of Using ISO 2060

The ISO 2060 standard guidelines minimise human error and inconsistencies in evaluating the yarn quality.
It builds mutual trust between the buyer and the supplier.
It makes it easy to do global trade due to international acceptance of standards.

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

Below are the common misconceptions and challenges that a technician may face.

Confusion Between Different Yarn Count Systems

There are two systems for yarn count.

Direct (gm/meter) based on weight per unit length
Indirect (meter/gm) based on length per unit weight

So here, a technician may face confusion due to multiple yarn count units like English Cotton Count (Ne), Metric Count (Nm), Denier, Tex, and Worsted Count.

Misinterpretation of Count Vs Weight

Yarn count refers to the fineness or thickness of the filament, not the actual weight. So here is a misunderstanding some people take it in terms of weight.

Yarn Count ≠ Yarn Weight

There is a misconception that the higher the yarn count, the higher the fabric weight will be, which is not true.

Conclusion

ISO 2060 is a standard that is used to determine the linear density of filament or yarn count using the skein method. A specific length of yarn is reeled, and its weight is calculated. In this way, the mass per unit length of filament results in the yarn count.

The yarn count is measured through mass per unit length of the thread. There are two different systems, direct and indirect, for expressing yarn count, such as Tex, Denier, or Cotton count (Ne).

FAQs

What is ISO 2060?