DORNIER rapier machines are very often used by customers who process delicate yarns, typically characterized by very low tensile strengths. Gentle yarn processing is therefore very significant. This has a direct influence on thread break frequency, which in turn has a direct impact on productivity and, indirectly, on fabric quality. The entire area "filling tensioner/filling stop motion" was redesigned for the P-model to increase the technological lead of DORNIER as regards to careful handling of yarns.

The new electronic filling control device EFC is a compact unit with the filling stop motion integrated into the tensioner. This means:

1. One single filling stop device per stepper-motor-operated tensioner. Each single filling stop unit can be set electronically to a different sensitivity at any time during filling insertion. This means improved monitoring and supports functional reliability for multiple filling insertion. Also the Anti2 function (elimination of inadvertent double-picks) is guaranteed electronically. All settings can be easily entered with the keys of the Dialog Panel, individually for each filling color.


2. Integrating the filling stop motion into the tensioner holder resulted in fewer deflections in the yarn path, a straighter thread feed with less friction points and a shorter yarn length between prewinder and feeder needle. Reducing the free yarn length also reduces the basic filling thread tension and makes it more even. This lower base tension reduces the already low filling thread break level even further, which the DORNIER machine is known for. Reliable monitoring per filling color improves fabric quality.


The opportunity of a complete redesign of the filling tensioner area was used not only to integrate the electronic filling stop motion into the compact unit. By turning the entire tensioner assembly upside down, fiberfly and friction dust can drop out of the braking area, which has a positive effect on performance. The complete tensioner holder assembly can be tilted upwards to simplify maintenance work on the rapier insertion elements. 


This device will be available for P-model rapier weaving machines with up to 8 colors from middle of 2002 onwards.