This test method for the determination of crimp frequency of manufactured staple fibers may be used for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments but caution is advised since between-laboratory precision is known to be poor. Comparative tests conducted as directed in 5.1.1 may be advisable.

If there are differences or practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, test samples that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the material from which the disparate test results were obtained, and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The test results from the two laboratories should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to testing series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.

This test method is used for quality control. It is an unsophisticated procedure which is particularly useful in detecting major differences in crimp frequency. This test method is not considered to be useful in research and development where minor differences or more complete crimp characterization, including amplitude and index, may be necessary.

Crimp in fiber affects the carding and subsequent processing of the fiber into either a yarn or a nonwoven fabric.

Staple crimp in fiber will also affect the bulk or openness of a yarn and therefore the hand and visual appearance of the finished textile product.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the crimp frequency of manufactured staple fibers. This test method is applicable to all crimped staple fibers provided the crimp can be viewed two-dimensionally as a sine-wave configuration.

1.1.1 It should be recognized that yarn manufacturing processes or treatments to manufactured yarns can influence or modify crimp in fiber. Hence, the value for crimp of fibers taken from spun yarns may be different than that of the same fiber prior to the manufacturing or treatment processes.

1.2 Three options are provided for preparation of the specimens. Option One (preferred) uses single fibers for the specimens with a low magnification available, Option Two (optional for staple or tow samples) uses fiber chips as the specimens, and Option Three uses projected images of single fibers.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.