O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

particularly in terms of flexible solutions that will allow it to produce small
quantities at reasonable costs. This is very important because the ability to
process small batches is a key requirement of weaving in today’s global
market, where one needs to be able to operate effectively in the more profitable
niche markets targeted by countries, such as Italy, which, has a highly developed
wool weaving culture.
The Benninger’s Versomat, for example, is an automatic sectional warper
that is fast and versatile, with the ability to handle small as well as larger
production batches, using all types of yarn. Such machines usually have a
small footprint with an automatic leasing device that does not need permanent
floor fixtures and works without an operator. Other features include a leasing
device with double splittable reed, automatic control of the section tension,
automatic measurement of the width of the section and of the feed pitch, the
laser system for detecting threads that are out of the selection and the possibility
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of fitting the machine both with electrical beaming that allows extremely
light pulls and reversal of the beaming direction. Most manufacturers are
focusing on:
• the possibility of processing sections made up of a minimum of 16–30
threads, depending on the count;
• complete automation of option selection with a wide range of choice;
• shorter management times;
• small and large warp sections to be tied, depending on the weaving
requirements;
• possibility of using the system with the machine idle, that is, with the
leasing device distributing the threads on the rotating drum without
horizontal motions, which results in a considerable reduction of machine
dimensions;
• innovative predisposition for striped warping, with reed centring system;
and
• quick machine stops in the event of thread breaks.
All these elements, newly developed, make it possible to achieve remarkable
production targets that meet the needs of the modern weaving mill, which is
constantly under enormous pressure to deliver quality, process flexibility
and lower running costs.
5.3.2
Creel and yarn feeding
When it comes to creels, the challenge is always about improving package
unwinding and tension control. The problem is made complicated by the fact
that creels come in different models, according to the field of application, the
size of the packages, the textile materials to be processed, the space available,
and the processing methods. In general, it is possible to identify four basic
models: fixed creels, creels with rotating package-holding panels, store-type
creels (ideal when working with wool) and carriage-type creels. A few
significant advances that have led to an increase in the productivity of these
systems are detailed below.
Ionisation of the warp-stop motions
Static charge is a major problem which negatively affects the quality of the
warps. To eliminate the static charge, ionisation bars are used. In a new
approach, the vertical ionisation bars previously on both sides at the exit
from the creel have been applied directly to the warp stop-motions. The
result is that horizontal ionisation bars now cover the entire width of the
thread path at every creel level. The powerful discharge electrodes emit
positive and negative ions that cross the bundle of threads through the air
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and allow better unwinding control and complete elimination of the static
charge.