Picanol
ShanghaiTex marks the first time Picanol NV, Belgium, will be showcasing in Asia its OMNIplus
800 air-jet weaving machines.The OMNIplus 800 4 P 190, OMNIplus 800 2 P 340 and OMNIplus 800 6 J
250 will be on display.The OMNIplus 800 4 P 190 has such features as four colors, cam motion, and
190 centimeter (cm) reed width; it will demonstrate weaving a shirting article.The OMNIplus 800 2 P
340 has such features as two colors, cambox, and 340 cm reed width; it will demonstrate weaving a
satin striped sheeting. The OMNIplus 800 6 J 250 has such features as six colors, jacquard, 250 cm
reed width; it will demonstrate weaving mattress ticking at the Van de Wiele NV/Bonas NV booth.
Picanol OMNIplus 800 air-jet weaving machineWith the optional Prewinder Switch Off (PSO)
system, Picanol said the OMNIplus 800 will continue weaving even when a filling break occurs on a
package or a prewinder because the system automatically switches to another prewinder running the
same filling material. The AIC/Q Adaptive Insertion Control will keep the filling arrival within
limits as the diameter of the bobbin diminishes.In addition, for the OMNIplus 800 4 P 190, tension
differences caused by shed opening and closing in a weaving cycle are countered with the easing
motion, which maintains consistent tension on the warp during the weaving cycle. As the shed opens,
the easing motion moves the feeler roll toward the weaver’s side of the machine. As the shed
closes, the easing motion moves the feeler roll away from the weaver’s side.
Picanol OMNIplus 800 air-jet weaving machineMeanwhile, the OMNIplus 800 2 P 340 features
four-pick insertion and an Air Tucker for selvages (ATI).To tuck a filling, it is cut at a set
distance and is turned over and inserted in a following shed. An interactive display with touch
screen allows several article settings to be stored locally on the machine. A transponder card
gives immediate access to the machine settings, which can be transferred from the microprocessor to
a computer or vice versa using USB memory devices.The Ethernet connection enables the machine to be
integrated into the corporate network.The OMNIplus 800 6 J 250 has an Argus filling detector, which
has a full view of the entire cross-section of the insertion tunnel, enabling detection that is
independent of the position of the yarn in the tunnel. Picanol said such filling stop motion
ensures reliable detection of the yarn. The PRA Pick Repair Automation feature uses an air blast to
remove faulty picks and restarts the machine automatically without any intervention bythe
operator.Other models to be shown include the GamMax 8 R 340 rapier weaving machine, the Olympica 2
E 150 air-jet weaving machine, the Olympica 2 P 190 air-jet weaving machine, and the GTXplus 4 R
190 rapier weaving machine.
May/June 2005