Spindle Gauge and Machine Width
topic
Spindle gauge is the centre-to-centre distance between adjacent spindles, standardised at 70 mm for cotton ring frames (some fine-count frames at 63.5 mm). Gauge determines the machine width for a given spindle count (1200-spindle frame: ~84 m length). Narrower gauge increases spindles per metre of floor space but reduces ring diameter and cop size. Gauge also affects balloon clearance between adjacent spindles and the practical traveller speed limit.
Role
Spindle gauge is a fixed machine parameter that defines factory floor capacity planning. Understanding how gauge affects cop size, ring diameter, and traveller speed limits is essential for capacity planning decisions — specifically, whether to invest in standard-gauge or fine-gauge machines for a given product mix and factory floor area.