Methods for producing melt-spun filaments

In a melt-spinning process of the type wherein molten polymer is extruded downwardly through circularly arranged holes of a spinneret to form a circular group of filaments, quench gas is conducted downwardly through the spinneret in alignment with a longitudinal axis defined by the filament group and is directed outwardly through the filament group;

• finish liquid is conducted downwardly through the spinneret in alignment with the longitudinal axis and is directed outwardly through the filament group below the quench gas, the filaments are gathered and redirected at a lower guide means, and the filaments exhibiting vibration during travel from the spinneret to the lower guide means, the improvement comprising the steps of:
• passing the filaments through and against a circular upper guide surface disposed around the filament group above the lower guide means, such that the upper guide surface is lubricated by the finish spray and the filaments are deflected inwardly by the guide surface in mutually spaced relationship, toward the longitudinal axis, whereby the filaments are supported between the spinneret and the lower guide means to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the filaments,
• passing the filaments between wall means extending upwardly and outwardly from the guide surface and surrounding the filament group, and
• spraying finish liquid onto the wall means so that a finish environment is confined between the wall means.