Magnetic weft insertion for weaving machines

The common methods of weft insertion in weaving machines are shuttle, rapier, air jet, water jet and projectile insertion. During weft insertion in the weaving process, a variety of demands are to be fulfilled. Besides transportation of the weft yarn, three of the most relevant demands are energy efficiency, productivity and flexibility. These demands are only partially met by the common methods of weft insertion. This paper describes the investigation of a novel method of weft insertion, which combines the advantages of common insertion methods whilst avoiding their deficits. The developed weft insertion is based on the principle of a magnetic force for the controlled transport of the weft yarn. The new method allows a potential energy saving of about 60% compared to a conventional air jet weaving machine. At the same time, industrially experienced weft insertion rates of about 2000 m/min are within reach.