Stripping
Stripping is the method of cleaning abaca fibers through the use of stripping knives. In the Philippines there are currently 2 methods in use, namely: Handstripping -this method is very simple, fully manual, but is very strenuous on the part of the stripper. The tuxy is inserted between a block and the serrated (or non-serrated) stripping knife. The tuxy is pulled with force from the tip end of the tuxy. It is here where the 6fiber separates from the wastes. Spindle stripping - the fibers are wound around a tapered-shaped spindle which is kept in motion by an electric motor or an engine. The speed at which the spindle draws the fiber over the knife depends on its position along the cone. The larger end of the spindle draws the fiber faster than the small end. Fibers recovered vary from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent by weight of the freshly cut stalks. |