Page 43 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

Textile & Handloom Related Theory for Exercise 1.3.25
Shawl Weaving Artisan - Power Looms and Handlooms

Introduction of semi-automatic loom

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain semi-automatic loom
• list parts of semi-automatic loom.

Introduction: A semi-automatic loom is a weaving Fig 2
machine that combines both manual and automatic
operations. It is not fully manual like a handloom, and
not fully automatic like modern power looms. It helps
increase the speed of weaving while still requiring a
person to operate some parts of the process. (Fig 1&2)

Fig 1

Parts of semi-automatic loom

S.No Part name Function / description
1 Warp Beam Holds warp yarns under tension, located at the back of the loom.
Heald Shaft / Heald Frame Lifts and lowers warp threads to create a shed. Each shaft holds multiple
2
heald wires.
Heald Wires / Heddles Thin wires with an eye in the center through which warp yarn passes. Helps
3
in forming shed.
Reed A comb-like part that beats the weft yarn into place and maintains fabric
4
width.
5 Beater / Sley Holds the reed and swings to push the weft yarn into the fabric.
6 Shuttle Boat-shaped carrier that carries the weft yarn across the shed.
7 Picking Mechanism Automatically throws the shuttle from side to side.
8 Treadles (Pedals) Operated by feet to control the heald shafts for shedding
9 Let-off Mechanism Releases warp yarn slowly from the warp beam during weaving
10 Take-up Roller Rolls the woven fabric forward as weaving progresses
11 Cloth Roller Stores the finished woven fabric
12 Side Frames Support structure on both sides of the loom that holds all parts together.
13 Breast Beam Guides the fabric from the reed to the take-up roller
14 Jacquard / Dobby (optional) Controls complex or repeated shedding for pattern weaving
15 Brake Lever Helps stop the loom quickly when needed.

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