3. Advances in Weaving and Weaving Preparation

ITMA "99 has brought to the textile manufacturers a sizeable number of technological advances. Perhaps the show has brought the most advances to the fabric producers, and especially to the weavers. Examples of these advances in weaving are higher speeds than have been seen before, more automation, new tension control systems, a new Jacquard shedding concept, a new sizing proeess, pre-wet size, waste reduction, and on-line inspection. The most significant conclusion from this ITMA is that the developed nations could, in fact, drastically lower the labor cost and hence gain back the competition in the commodity fabric markets. In this section, significant developments in winding, warping, warp sizing, and weaving technologies are critically reviewed. Whenever appropriate, a technical background is given.