A shuttle loom is a traditional weaving loom that utilizes a shuttle to carry the filling yarn across the width of the fabric. It is known as the oldest type of weaving loom.
Understanding the Shuttle Loom Mechanism
At the heart of the shuttle loom is the shuttle itself. This component holds a bobbin of filling yarn. As the shuttle moves back and forth through the shed (the opening between the warp yarns), the filling yarn is dispensed.
- Yarn Delivery: The filling yarn emerges from the bobbin through a hole situated in the side of the shuttle.
- Shuttle Movement: The shuttle is batted across the loom, propelled by picker sticks or a similar mechanism.
- Filling Insertion: As the shuttle travels across, it leaves a trail of the filling yarn behind, inserting it into the fabric structure.
This method of filling insertion is characteristic of shuttle looms. The rate at which the filling yarn is inserted is measured in "picks per minute" (ppm). For shuttle looms, this rate is typically about 110 to 225 picks per minute.
Key Features of Shuttle Looms
- Historic Design: Represents the earliest form of automated weaving.
- Mechanism: Relies on a physical shuttle carrying the filling yarn.
- Speed: Generally slower compared to modern shuttleless looms (e.g., rapier, air-jet).
- Bobbin: Requires the bobbin inside the shuttle to be replenished.
While newer, more efficient shuttleless looms have largely replaced shuttle looms in high-volume textile production, shuttle looms are still used today, particularly for weaving specific types of fabrics, complex patterns, or in traditional craft settings. Their robust design and ability to weave certain yarn types make them relevant in niche applications.
