Difference Between Handloom and Power Loom

Last Updated on 19/01/2021

Loom:
A loom is a machine for weaving threads for getting cloth. This machine produces fabric by interlacing a series of lengthwise, parallel yarns width a series of widthwise parallel yarns. The warp yarns from a beam pass through the heddles and reed, and the filling is shot through the ‘shed’ of warp threads by means of a shuttle or other device and is settled in place by the reed and lay. The woven fabric is then wound on a cloth beam. The development of this machine made cloth much more affordable and available to a greater number of people. It is only used for weaving.

The primary distinction between different types of looms is the manner of filling insertion. The principal elements of any type of loom are the shedding, picking and beating-up devices.

1. In shedding, a path is formed for the filling by raising some warp threads while others are left down.

2. Picking consists essentially of projecting the filling yarn from one side of the loom to the other.

3. Beating-up forces the pick that has just been left in the shed, up to the fell of the fabric. This is accomplished by the reed, which is brought forward with some force by the lay.

Basic structure of a loom
Fig: Basic structure of a loom

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Handloom:
A handloom is a simple machine used for weaving. In a wooden vertical-shaft looms, the heddles are fixed in place in the shaft. Hand loom is powered by hand. The warp threads pass alternately through a heddle, and through a space between the heddles (the shed), so that raising the shaft raises half the threads (those passing through the heddles), and lowering the shaft lowers the same threads—the threads passing through the spaces between the heddles remain in place.

Handloom
Fig: Handloom

Power Loom:
A power loom is a type of loom that is powered mechanically instead of using human power to weave patterns or thread into cloth. The powerloom is an invention that combined threads to make cloth. Power looms were assembled in the weaving shed of a mill and driven by a steam engine by belts from overhead shafting. Power looms were a major advance over the hand looms used before.

power Loom
Fig: Power Loom

Difference between handloom and power loom:
There are many difference between handloom and power loom since even though both of the tools are used for weaving patterns, yet they function in separate manner.

HandloomPower loom
Manual operating systemOperated by electric power
Shedding is done by pedal and picking and beating is done by manualShedding picking and beating is done automatically
Less productionHigh production
Slow running speedHigh running speed
Initial investment is lowInitial investment is high
Less number of design verity Can be producedMore number of design verity is possible
Check and stripe fabrics are producedNormally one color fabric is produced.

You may also like:

  1. Loom Motions: Primary, Secondary and Stop Motions of Loom
  2. Essential Parts which are Used in Weft Insertion Motion of Loom
  3. Bowing and Skewing Defects of Fabric
  4. Garment Fitting Problems, Reasons and Solutions
  5. Different Parts of Loom and Their Functions with Pictures
  6. Differences between Tappet Shedding, Dobby Shedding and Jacquard Shedding Mechanism
  7. Basic Concept on Loom Timing Cycle
  8. Different Types of Fabric Faults and Their Causes and Remedies

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