Loom
A loom is a machine designed for the interlacement of warp and weft yarns to produce fabric. It is the cornerstone of woven textile manufacturing, enabling the efficient and precise formation of various types of fabrics through systematic weaving actions.
Chronological Development of Loom
The evolution of looms spans over six millennia, beginning with ancient Egyptian and Chinese weaving traditions. Key historical innovations include the shedding mechanism developed in China in the 3rd century, John Kay’s fly shuttle in 1733, and Edmund Cartwright’s power loom in 1785. The Industrial Revolution introduced cast-iron, steam-powered looms, followed by electric motor-driven machines in the late 19th century. By the 1930s, individually motorized looms became standard, forming the basis of modern weaving technology.
Basic Mechanism of Weaving
In the weaving process, the warp yarn is released from the warp beam, passes through heddles to form a shed, and then through the reed, which spaces the threads and beats the weft into place. The fabric is formed at the cloth fell and wound onto the cloth roll. Automatic stop mechanisms, such as drop wires, enhance quality by halting the loom when a yarn breaks.
Classification of Looms
Modern looms can be classified based on weft insertion mechanisms. Among the most advanced and widely used types are Water Jet Looms and Air Jet Looms, which offer high-speed operation and excellent efficiency for specific fabric applications.
Introduction to Water Jet Loom and Air Jet Loom
Water Jet Loom
A Water Jet Loom uses a high-pressure jet of water to carry the weft yarn through the shed. This method is highly efficient for weaving synthetic and hydrophobic fabrics like polyester and nylon. Advantages include high speed, low energy consumption, and minimal yarn friction. However, it is unsuitable for hydrophilic fibers like cotton or rayon, as water can affect yarn integrity.
Air Jet Loom
