DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMATIC MECHANISM FOR PRIMARY MOTIONS OF ‘ASO-OKE’ WEAVING MACHINE

This study is on design and development of a pneumatic system mechanism for primary motions (shedding, weft insertion and beat-up operations) in weaving machine for production of “Aso-Oke”. The present study objective is to improve the current performance efficiency of the treadle loom machine where 65 cycles of weft insertions per minute can be achieved when used by the local weavers. Three air cylinders and a compressor selection design for shedding; weft insertion and beat-up operations were based on Pascal's law with load factors including losses considered. Design results recommended selection of a 3 HP compressor and air cylinders operating at a pressure of 5 bar. Likewise the test results revealed that the mechanism could make only 172 weft insertion cycles per minute against 260 cycles design target. In addition, the present design is compact, thus requires smaller space and weaves up to 300 mm width fabric against the existing 175 mm width.