Carding is defined as the reduction of entangled mass of fibres to a filmly web by working them between two closely spaced relatively moving surface cloth with sharp points. It is a primary process in spun yarn technology just after blow room.
“Card is the heart of the spinning mill” and “Well carded is half spun” are two proverbs of the experts. These proverbs inform the immense significance of carding in the spinning process. High production in carding to economize the process leads to reduction in yarn quality. Higher the production, the more sensitive becomes the carding operation and the greater danger of a negative influence on quality. The technological change that has taken place in the process of carding is remarkable. Latest machines achieve the production rate of 60 – 100 kg / hr, which used to be 5 – 10 kg / hr, upto 1970.

Objects of Carding:
- Opening to individualize the fibres.
- Elimination of remaining impurities & dust.
- Disentangling of naps.
- Elimination of short fibre.
- Fibre blending (not suitable).
- Fibre orientation & arrangement.
- Producing a uniform continuous strand called Sliver.
Functional zone of carding:
Generally there are four functional zone of carding.
- Feeding.
- Cleaning.
- Carding.
- Sliver formation zone