Staubli presented the complete weaving machine for narrow fabrics using the Unival principle. Its concept, developed by Stäubli by using servo motors instead of mechanical drives gives absolute freedom in shedding, which is why the UNIVAL family continues to find more and more followers. Besides the UNIVAL 100 jacquard machines and UNIVAL 500 dobbies, which are also working according to the Unival principle and have been improved again, Stäubli recently introduced at ITMA Munich- the UNIVAL 200 - jacquard weaving machine for narrow fabrics using the Unival principle.

For this special application, the UNIVAL 200 makes one component of the production machine superfluous: the harness. Instead, UNIVAL 200 provides a positive jacquard shed control system that controls each individual thread with its own "Jactuators" at every weaving position. Furthermore UNIVAL 200 is equipped with a system for the adjustment of the warp density. But Unival technologies come also in use with weft insertion and more peripheral functions. This enables even during weaving to vary shed geometry, weft density and weft tension as well as the speed. This opens a new world in the design of narrow fabrics. And not only are the possibilities virtually unlimited, the fast changing of weaving parameters and patterns as well as their problem free reproducibility makes it possible to respond quickly and flexibly to new orders.

UNIVAL 200 offers freedom from mechanics

With the UNIVAL 200, the limits are no longer defined by the mechanics, the control, or the flexibility, but by the design capability of the user and the material itself, the yarn. Like all Stäubli products, the UNIVAL 200 passed various load tests in daily production in the weave room during its development into a mature machine. With the UNIVAL 200 Stäubli presents complete weaving machine that sets a new standard for the production of narrow fabrics (up to 47 mm wide).

The UNIVAL 200 is fitted with patented new “jactuators” – one to control each warp thread. Synchronization between weaving machine and shedding is electronic instead of mechanical, which reduces the number of moving parts and thereby also reduces mechanical wear and maintenance. The electronics also allow gentler control of yarn tension, minimizing the chance of thread break even at high speeds. And at the same time this gives the user unlimited design freedom for the finished products.

UNIVAL 500

With the UNIVAL 500 Stäubli transfers the individual single drive to the dobby. Here as many motors as heald frames are used. This brings flexibility in shedding also to frame weaving, which many users require: adjustment of fabric width and warp density and optimization of the shedding angle – all within the shortest time. All these adjustments – simply entered on the JC6U controller – will improve the process of weaving also with delicate styles. In addition the quick and easy adjustment possibilities on the UNIVAL 500 reduce mechanical stress. Overall, the improved mechanics produces quieter running and less standstill, meaning more profit over many years and less maintenance – the UNIVAL 500 requires no lubrication work and no filter changes.

Courtesy: Staubli FLASH Textile (N°8).