Different Types of Loom Used in Textile Weaving
What is Loom in Weaving?
In weaving technology, a loom is not a machine but it is ultimately a device that is used to produce woven fabric by the insertion of weft and warp yarn. The loom is the main contact point of the total process of woven fabric production such as ginning, opening, spinning, carding, warping, winding, beaming, and sizing. It should be noted here that, looms are normally run by either motor fitted shaft or line shaft. Different types of loom have presented in this article.
Types of Loom Used in Weaving Technology:
The loom is mainly classified into two types. These are-
- Handloom,
- Power loom
The main loom types have explained in the following:
1. Hand Loom:
The handloom is powered by hand. In the case of handloom, the warp yarn passes through a heddle and space between the shed. Here, the shuttle is used for the insertion of the pick. Handloom is the first and the oldest loom among all the looms used in weaving technology. Handloom is classified into five types which are the below:
- Vertical r primitive loom,
- Pit loom,
- Frame loom,
- Hattersley loom,
- Chittaranjan loom.
Applications: Used for producing handmade textiles like sarees, scarves, and traditional fabrics. It’s common in rural areas and for small-scale production.
Pit Loom:
Pit loom is set by sinking four posters into the ground and with an overhang slay. In the case of a pit loom, the yarn work inside the pit so that the warp yarn may absorb moisture and better weaving will result. In this loom, the combination of slay and shuttle boxes. Pit loom is two types where one is fly shuttle loom and another one is throw shuttle loom.
Frame Loom:
Frame looms almost have a similar mechanism that ground looms hold. The loom was made of rods and panels fastened at the right angles to construct a form similar to a box to make it more handy and manageable. Frame loom is being utilized even until now because of its portability and economy. Frame loom has two types, one is fly shuttle loom and another one is thrown shuttle loom.
2. Power loom:
Power loo has three types, those are-
- Ordinary power loom,
- Modern loom or shuttleless loom,
- Automatic power loom.
Applications: Widely used in industrial settings for mass production of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and blends. It’s ideal for producing a wide range of fabrics including shirting, suiting, and home textiles.
Modern Loom or Shuttle Less Loom:
In weaving technology, modern looms mean shuttleless loom. During the 20th century, this type of loom machine has started to develop. There are various types of modern loom machines used in the weaving factory. Modern loom or shuttleless loom has classified into four types, such as-
- Rapier loom,
- Multiphase loom,
- Projectile loom,
- Jet loom.
Applications: Suitable for mass production of a wide variety of fabrics, including light and heavy fabrics. Commonly used in manufacturing denim, bed linens, and industrial textiles.
Rapier Loom:
The rapier loom is a shuttleless loom machine. Here, filling yarn is carried through the shed of the warp yarns into another side of the loom by finger-like carriers. This type of looms is a competitor to the missile looms. It has two types, those are-
- Single rapier loom,
- Double rapier loom.
Multiphase Loom:
It has also two types, these are-
- Plain loom,
- Circular loom.
Jet Loom:
The jet loom is classified into two types. These are-
- Water jet loom,
- Air-jet loom.
Jacquard Loom:
- Description: A loom equipped with a Jacquard attachment, allowing for complex patterns to be woven into the fabric by controlling individual warp threads.
- Applications: Ideal for producing intricate and decorative fabrics like brocades, damasks, and patterned fabrics for upholstery and fashion.
Dobby Loom:
- Description: A type of loom that can create small, geometric patterns. The dobby mechanism controls the movement of warp threads to create designs.
- Applications: Used for producing fabrics with repetitive geometric patterns such as checkered or striped patterns. Common in shirting and home textiles.
Circular Loom:
- Description: A loom that weaves tubular fabrics by rotating the warp yarns in a circular fashion.
- Applications: Used in the production of items like sacks, bags, and other tubular fabrics. Common in the manufacturing of products like polypropylene bags.
Multi-Phase Loom:
- Description: A high-speed loom that can perform multiple shedding, picking, and beating-up operations simultaneously. It is one of the most advanced and efficient looms.
- Applications: Suitable for mass production of fabrics like lightweight sheeting and simple fabrics, often used in the textile industry for large-scale operations.
Narrow Fabric Loom:
- Description: A specialized loom used for weaving narrow-width fabrics such as ribbons, tapes, and elastic bands.
- Applications: Used in the production of narrow fabrics for apparel, accessories, and industrial uses.
Tapestry Loom:
- Description: A simple, manual loom used for weaving tapestries and artistic textiles. It allows for the creation of detailed, decorative designs.
- Applications: Primarily used for creating wall hangings, rugs, and other decorative textiles.