Terminology D3888 was originally developed as a terminology standard for rotor spinning when it evolved as a new yarn spinning technology in the 1980s. Ring spinning production had been the traditional spinning since the early 1800s when hand spinning became mechanized. Rotor spinning and other spinning technologies increased yarn production rates and formed yarns by different mechanical means that generated yarns with characteristics unlike traditional ring-spun yarns. The revision of this document is intended to compile terminology for current yarn spinning systems into one standard rather than individual standards, in that all yarn formation is generated by processing raw fiber into a spun yarn by using common preparation steps, such as opening, cleaning, carding, roving formation, and sometimes combing. Terminology in this standard is grouped by the type of spinning system and in chronological order of their development and production usage. It should be noted that the higher end of yarn number ranges cited with each spinning system are possible but are rare in actual production.

1.1 This terminology covers terms related to ring, rotor, and air jet yarn spinning systems.

1.1.1 This standard formerly only included terminology related to open-end spinning. It has been expanded to include terms relating to ring and air jet spinning systems.

1.1.2 While the term rotor spinning is technically correct, the terms rotor and open-end are used interchangeably in the textile industry.

1.2 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.