1. To efficiently explore feasibility of especially size-free weaving of a cotton fabric in a lab- setup. Design and fabricate a prototype Yarn Endurance Tester (YET), which simulates abrasion/attrition of a warp yarn in a weaving process and thus gives a comparative assessment of the yarn endurance in actual weaving. Study the inherent, basic attributes and/or quality of a greige warp yarn and compare their influence on the yarn’s weavability (performance during weaving with or without the traditional sizing). A lab-scale YET should be able to simulate the weaving process effectively and several “weaving parameters and conditions” can be evaluated in a reasonable time-frame. The YET should be able to incorporate fundamental studies on quantifying damage of a warp yarn during weaving-like conditions. While designing/fabricating YET the following attributes were expected: Implementation of real time tension measurement capability. Implementation of automated Digital image capturing/processing capability. Evaluation of the yarn-metal interaction (effects of various surface engineered or coated metals on yarn abrasion). Implementation of oscillating/vibrating metal components simulating the real weaving environment (heddles and reed- dents). The device should be compact and modular so that experiments can be conveniently conducted at the desired research locations (University lab and SRRC) A multi-purpose lab scale YET is fabricated and embedded with continuous digital image acquisition and processing. By using YET following studies are undergoing and/or planned for future to evaluate the weaving variables that affect performance of a size-free warp yarn: Frictional effects of the interacting surface (metallic or non-metallic) Effect of surface profiles and coatings of critical components, viz. heddles, reed Effects of yarn tension fluctuations Effects of yarn type, density, strength, breaking-elongation, co-efficient of friction, defects, and other characteristics Effects of yarn hairiness Effects of yarn twist Depending upon the requirements the design of YET may be modified. Sawhney, A. P. S., Price, J. B. and Calamari, T. A. A successful weaving trial with a size-free cotton warp. Indian Journal of Fibre & Textile Research. 29(2):117-121. 2004. Sawhney, A.P.S., Dumitras, P.G., Sachinvala, N.D., Calamari, T.A.., Bologa, M.K. and Singh, K.V., “Approaches for Reducing or Eliminating Warp Sizing in Modern Weaving: An Interim Report”, AATCC Review, 5(9), pp.23-26, 2005. Singh, K. V., Sawhney, A.P.S., Subramanian, J., Condon, B., and, Pang, S.-S., “Analyses of Real Time Warp Yarn Tensions In Size-Free Weaving”, Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council of America, pp. 2007. Sawhney, A.P.S., Hossain I., Singh, K.V., Condon, B., Pang S.-S., and, Sachinvala, N., “Unsupervised Defect Detection in Size-Free Woven Fabrics using Wavelets and Image Morphology”, ICCE-14, July 2-8, 2006, Boulder, CO., USA Low Friction pulleys Tension measuring device Changeable Heddle Holes to move pulleys, adjust tension levels and for adding other attachments Motor-cam-follower attachment for Heddle oscillation Interchangeable Reed Dent with surface modification Wheel (Yarn drive) Speed Control Wheel for yarn drivel Friction measurement device Speed Controller for the motor Yarn Performance Index for Size- Free Yarn Digital Image Processing Image Acquisition from YET