# Digital control of wide gamut color spun yarns enabled by four primary grid based mixing model

## TL;DR

This paper presents a digital system for creating colorful yarns using a four-color mixing model and precise spinning technology.

## Contribution

A novel four-primary grid-based mixing model integrated with a CNC system for precise color-spun yarn production.

## Key findings

- Produced 90 yarn samples with precise and predictable colors matching model predictions.
- Yarns met or exceeded industry standards for mechanical properties and appearance.
- Transformed color-spun yarn manufacturing into a precision-controlled digital process.

## Abstract

This paper introduces a digital control system for producing wide-gamut color-spun yarns by integrating a four-primary (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Grey) grid-based mixing model with a three-channel computer numerical control (CNC) rotor spinning system. The framework was validated by producing and testing 90 systematically varied yarn samples. The resulting yarns demonstrated precise, predictable colors, with exceptional agreement between the predicted model and measured fabric colors across the entire gamut. Furthermore, comprehensive testing confirmed that the yarns’ mechanical properties, evenness, and hairiness meet or exceed industry standards. This research provides a systematic, mathematically rigorous approach that transforms color-spun yarn production from a craft-based process into a precision-controlled digital manufacturing technology.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-19972-x.