System and method for continuously preventing filament bridging between adjacent draw nozzles

摘要

A system and method are provided for continually preventing filament bridging between adjacent draw nozzles. The system comprises a heating element, generally in the form of a metal heating wire, which is disposed between adjacent nozzles and is positioned in the path of filaments attempting to bridge the nozzles. The temperature is maintained at a level high enough above the melting point of the filaments so that they will continuously and instantaneously melt when they contact the heating element.