As a result of further development on this basis, a new generation of machines capable of an even higher level of performance will be introduced with emphasis on extending the range of application with new selvedge formation devices as well as mechanical and electronic engineering developments aimed at simplifying handling. Two air jets and one rapier weaving machine will demonstrate a filling insertion rate of over 2,000 m/min.The extensive range of application offered by the DORNIER air-jet weaving machine will be demonstrated by 8-color filling insertion, jacquard weaving with 6,000 and 10,000 hooks and, for the first time on an air jet weaving machine, pattern change on-the-fly with the machine in operation.

What can be considered currently as the most economic alternative, especially for producers of napery fabrics and top-of-the-bed products, will be shown for the first time at an exhibition. This is an air-jet weaving machine with a nominal width of 430 cm that for a single phase insertion systems is capable of an enormous filling insertion rate in excess of 2,500 m/min. This contributes toward a shorter payback period, particularly in the case of the jacquard arrangement being shown.

The range of application of the air jet weaving machine has been further extended as regards the production of shirting and automotive upholstery fabrics, due to the fact that it is now possible to weave these fabrics at speeds in excess of 700 ppm, using a 20-jack positive dobby. This provides weavers of these types of fabrics with a viable alternative to high speed flexible rapier machines that incur high spare part costs.

Another innovation being shown at the exhibition for the first time, jointly presented with Messrs. Scholze, is the Megatop-Weaving-System, a combination of double-width air jet weaving machine with a warp beam support for a 1,600 mm dia. warp beam for the economic production of high quality commodity fabrics.

In spite of the increase in speed of the new generation of DORNIER rapier weaving machines, the stress on the filling yarn during insertion of the filling has been maintained at the lowest level of all mechanical insertion systems. This is supported by the utilization of a new electronically controlled filling tension device with integrated stop motion. By eliminating diversions in the path of the filling yarn from the feeder to the insertion point, a shorter, freerunning and straight length of filling yarn eliminates unnecessary tension during the insertion cycle. An example of this will be shown at the exhibition in the case of a cashmere yarn with a very low tensile strength being interchanged with a very fine worsted yarn. The superior flexibility of the DORNIER rapier weaving machine with its very quick start-up capability at a style change, without any long period of trial and error and even in the case of a wide variety of filling yarns, will be demonstrated in both dobby and jacquard versions.

The considerable increase in speed of both weaving systems has been achieved as a result of mechanical and electronic improvements. In order to fully utilize the potential higher speeds from the weaving standpoint, in such a way that quality, personnel assignment and maintenance cost remain unaffected, DORNIER developed new selvedge formation devices that definitely solve the problems of selvedge formation in existence for the last 50 years. A pneumatic tucking unit, type PneumaTucker®, operates on the air-jet weaving machine at speeds in excess of 1000 ppm. This tucking unit to a great extent does not require any mechanical parts, thus facilitating such high weaving speeds in practical application. Similarly, the new 2-end full-turn leno device Disc-O-Leno® provides absolutely secure functionality, especially on air-jet weaving machines at speeds in excess of 900 ppm. This is made possible by reducing the number of mechanical components and replacing oscillating movements with rotational movement. The leno selvedge formation device, EcoLeno®, on rapier and air jet weaving machines demonstrates its potential of significantly reducing costs by eliminating the catch selvedge and enabling filling waste to be recycled.

Simplified handling during changes in weaving width by the deployment of new cable guides and in the case of style changing by automatically connecting the harness frames, are additional features being presented at the exhibition.

The terry towel weaving machine being exhibited offers the possibility of weaving with two pile heights by means of activating a separate drive mechanism. The hand towels being produced on this air-jet weaving machine are woven with pneumatic tucking unit, type PneumaTucker®, for outside and center selvedges.

The CAN-Bus utilized for the electronic control of the rapier and air jet weaving machines up to this point was used only for the internal control of the weaving machine and has now been supplemented with the addition of an external CAN-Bus. This incorporates all auxiliary functions of the weaving machine together with the monitoring and control processes. In connection with a new userfriendly display (see also page 5), this now provides the potential for comprehensive internal as well as external worldwide communication.