Ring spinning and rotor spinning continue to maintain the dominant positions in short-staple spinning. This paper initially deals with the technological characteristics of the ring and rotor methods in comparison to alternate spinning systems such as friction and air-jet spinning.

The principle of friction spinning has been able to penetrate only the field of specialty yarns. During the past 10 years, air-jet spinning reached a market share worldwide of less than 1% of all short-staple yarn production.

This paper discusses the impact of fiber properties on the different structures and properties of yarns spun on the major yarn-making systems. Consideration is given to fiber developments during the past decade. The spectrum of fiber profiles as it relates to these spinning technologies is explained.

The future development potential of the various spinning systems and their particular requirements of the next generation of cotton fibers are brought into focus.