An instrument for identifying at least one of fiber blend composition and fiber blend ratio in an input material moved by a third set of fiber movements. A second spectral radiation source directs radiation toward the input material. A second spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that pass through the input material. A third spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that reflect off of the input material. A controller processes the signals from at least one of the second spectral sensor and the third spectral sensor to determine at least one of the fiber blend composition and the fiber blend ratio in the input material. The controller also sends control signals to the second electromagnetic radiation source and the third set of fiber movements.

A method of inspecting an article with a defect detection tool includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station and inspecting one of the received one or more articles at the inspection station by evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool. The defect detection tool includes a clear body including a surface element sized to correspond to the at least one physical defect in the article, the surface element including at least one of a linear element or a circular element and an inspection surface configured to contact a surface of the article when the clear body is applied to the article. Evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool includes applying the defect detection tool against the article to align the surface element with a potential physical defect in the surface of the article and determining that the at least one physical defect is present when the potential physical defect has a size equal to or larger than a size of the linear element or a size of the circular element.

Apparatus for qualification and repair of multi-filament tow are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus in for inspecting and repairing a multi-filament tow includes a first spool having a multi-filament tow wound on the first spool; a first tow tensioner following the first spool to impart a predetermined tension on the multi-filament tow; a de-sizing chamber comprising a heater to heat the multi-filament tow to a first temperature suitable for removing a coating on the multi-filament tow; an inspection chamber configured to inspect the multi-filament tow for defects; a repair chamber configured to repair the defects in the multi-filament tow; a second tow tensioner following the repair chamber to impart a predetermined tension on the multi-filament tow; and a second spool following the second tow tensioner to collect the multi-filament tow.

A method of inspecting an article with a defect detection tool includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station and inspecting one of the received one or more articles at the inspection station by evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool. The defect detection tool includes a clear body including a surface element sized to correspond to the at least one physical defect in the article, the surface element including at least one of a linear element or a circular element and an inspection surface configured to contact a surface of the article when the clear body is applied to the article. Evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool includes applying the defect detection tool against the article to align the surface element with a potential physical defect in the surface of the article and determining that the at least one physical defect is present when the potential physical defect has a size equal to or larger than a size of the linear element or a size of the circular element.

A method of inspecting an article with a defect detection tool includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station and inspecting one of the received one or more articles at the inspection station by evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool. The defect detection tool includes a clear body including a surface element sized to correspond to the at least one physical defect in the article, and an inspection surface configured to contact a surface of the article.

A process for preparing a carbon fiber precursor wherein the precursor is selected from a series of solid PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibers, wherein each member of the series contains about 2 weight % to about 8 weight % completely neutralized itaconic acid.

A process for preparing a carbon fiber precursor wherein the precursor is selected from a series of solid PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibers, wherein each member of the series contains about 2 weight % to about 8 weight % completely neutralized itaconic acid.

A winder for forming a yarn package can have a spindle axis. The winder can comprise a spindle that is configured to be rotatably driven about the spindle axis. A color probe can be positioned with respect to the spindle to measure a color value of yarn wound on the spindle.

A process for preparing a carbon fiber precursor wherein the precursor is selected from a series of solid PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibers, wherein each member of the series contains about 2 weight % to about 8 weight % a bis ammonium salt of itaconic acid and about 92 weight % to about 98 weight % acrylonitrile.

A process for preparing a carbon fiber precursor wherein the precursor is selected from a series of solid PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibers, wherein each member of the series contains about 2 weight % to about 8 weight % a bis ammonium salt of itaconic acid and about 92 weight % to about 98 weight % acrylonitrile.