Development of a programmable rectangular loom prototype for handcrafted fabric

Abstract

The low production of the loom obtained by handmade and the use of synthetic fibers such as Orlon, has caused that the
industry of Otavalo artisans wishing to automatize their production. Take in count that the industrial looms doesn’t make own designs
of the region. That is the reason why we was decided to build an automatic prototype of craft loom that fits the needs of the population.
With the use of a modular analysis we evaluate the function of a craft machine of four pedals. We designed an arm for insertion of
continuous frames, the lifting system of frameworks and mechanisms of urdimbre. With a carefully studying of the weaving process,
a program was development with the control of various actuators that replace the movements made by the user, in order to suppress
physical effort. It was determined that the rate of tissue on the machine is 1.2m / hour, doubling the manual production.