Looper
In textile manufacturing, a looper refers to a vital component in a textile machine known as a loop pile fabric manufacturing machine. The looper plays a crucial role in creating loops or pile loops on the fabric surface, which gives the fabric its distinctive texture and appearance.
The process of creating loop pile fabric involves the interlacing of two sets of yarns: the ground yarns and the pile yarns. The ground yarns form the base fabric, while the pile yarns are responsible for creating the loops on the fabric surface. The looper is responsible for manipulating the pile yarns to form the loops during the weaving or knitting process.
A looper consists of a curved or hooked structure that guides the pile yarns in a specific path, allowing them to form loops. It is typically positioned above or below the fabric, depending on the type of textile machine being used. As the fabric is woven or knitted, the looper lifts or lowers the pile yarns at predetermined intervals, creating loops in the fabric.
The design and configuration of the looper vary depending on the specific type of loop pile fabric being produced. There are different types of loopers, such as needle loopers used in knitting machines and looper bars used in weaving machines. Each type is designed to work in conjunction with other components of the textile machine to achieve the desired fabric structure.
Loopers are used in the production of various loop pile fabrics, including terry cloth, velour, and certain types of carpeting. Terry cloth, commonly used in towels and bathrobes, is created by forming loops on one or both sides of the fabric. Velour, often used in upholstery and apparel, has a soft, plush texture created by closely spaced loops on one side. Loop pile carpets, found in residential and commercial settings, offer comfort and durability due to the loops formed by the looper.
Leading manufacturers in the textile industry utilize loopers in their production processes. These manufacturers often specialize in loop pile fabrics or have a broad range of textile products that incorporate loop pile techniques. For example, companies like Welspun, Springs Global, and Dystar are prominent players in the production of terry cloth and towels. They use loopers in their weaving machines to create the loops that give terry cloth its absorbent and plush properties.
Additionally, textile machinery manufacturers like Karl Mayer, Stäubli, and Picanol are instrumental in producing and supplying machines with efficient looper systems. These companies offer a wide range of textile machines, including knitting machines and weaving looms, equipped with advanced looper mechanisms. Their machines cater to the diverse needs of textile manufacturers, allowing them to produce high-quality loop pile fabrics efficiently.
In summary, loopers are essential components in textile machines used for creating loop pile fabrics. They guide the pile yarns to form loops, resulting in unique textures and appearances in fabrics such as terry cloth, velour, and loop pile carpets. Prominent textile manufacturers specializing in these fabrics, along with textile machinery manufacturers supplying efficient looper systems, play significant roles in the production of loop pile textiles. As the demand for loop pile fabrics continues to grow in various industries, the use of loopers remains integral to achieving the desired fabric structures and properties.
Looper
An eyed stitch-forming element which carries an under thread or a cover thread on some types of sewing machine.