For hundreds of years, weavers in Scotland have honed the craft of constructing stunning and resilient tweed textiles. Right now, this custom lives on partly because of textile model Harris Tweed, which has performed an integral function in bringing the famed woollen material to individuals world wide and which is now turning to cutting-edge applied sciences to assist the weaving custom thrive. In additional particular phrases, Harris Tweed weavers are extending the lifespan of conventional weaving looms utilizing 3D printed elements.
Once we discuss Harris Tweed, it isn’t fairly the identical as speaking about different clothes manufacturers and firms. In actual fact, Harris Tweed just isn’t even technically an organization: it refers to a kind of textile that may solely declare the Harris Tweed title if it has been handwoven within the properties of residents of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The textile itself is constructed from pure virgin wool and is protected via the Harris Tweed Act, handed in UK parliament over three a long time in the past.
The protected standing of this textile manufacturing course of implies that weavers should protect the important components of the centuries-old craft, utilizing advanced however conventional machines to spin and weave the wool. Previously, if a part of a loom had damaged, it meant that weavers needed to borrow elements from different weavers, make a DIY answer, or threat ready half a 12 months to supply the uncommon bits.
In a bid to make Harris Tweed extra future-proof and to allow the weavers to maintain the their manufacturing operating, Harris Tweed Loom Spares Co. is collaborating with the Nationwide Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to make use of 3D printing for sooner, on-demand spare loom components. The NMIS, run by the College of Strathclyde as a part of the Excessive Worth Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, has the overarching mission to develop Scotland’s workforce and facilitate the adoption of latest applied sciences by native producers.
A crew of engineers at NMIS’ Digital Manufacturing unit is at the moment investigating one of the best supplies for 3D printing loom components which are sturdy and carry out effectively. Additionally it is serious about streamlining the design of sure assemblies, benefiting from the power to consolidate components enabled by 3D printing. For instance, the crew has consolidated a sequence of seven interconnected loom elements into simply three 3D printed components. These components, constructed from a composite thermoplastic, reportedly price simply 1% of the unique elements’ price and might be made inside simply two hours.
This on-the-fly manufacturing functionality might be a game-changer for the Harris Tweed weavers, who’ve been accustomed to ready for weeks for spare components and have been thus extremely artistic when it got here to fast fixes. John Bennie, a neighborhood weaver, even built-in an automotive flywheel into his loom to maintain it up-and-running. “When a significant a part of the loom breaks, it could possibly halt manufacturing for weeks, which is extremely irritating,” he stated. “Discovering a technique to maintain the loom operating easily is important, and it’s been nice to be one of many first to check out the brand new 3D printed meeting. The power to get what we’d like, after we want it, will make an enormous distinction, because it means we will minimise downtime and give attention to our work with out pointless interruptions.”
The partnership between Harris Tweed Loom Spares Co. and NMIS has already accomplished its first section and going ahead the plan is to proceed to design, print, check and refine new alternative components. The duty is considerably difficult since many looms have been tweaked and modified by particular person weavers over time, nonetheless it’s no problem that 3D printing can’t handle. In response to the NMIS, their purpose now could be to create a sequence of adaptable loom components that may simply be fitted to particular looms.
“We take pleasure in our craftsmanship and custom, however we additionally know that innovation is important for protecting our trade robust for the generations to return. Working with NMIS is a big step ahead in future-proofing the looms vital to the manufacturing of Harris Tweed,” added Kelly McDonald, operations supervisor at The Harris Tweed Authority. “With the power to interchange components shortly, simply and affordably, our weavers can give attention to what they do greatest with out worrying about delays. This not solely safeguards the way forward for our material but additionally helps the livelihoods of the island neighborhood who dedicate their abilities to preserving the craft.”
3D printing is coming to occupy an more and more very important function in numerous conventional crafts—not by changing abilities however by supporting them. As an illustration, at Italy’s Fondazione ITS “Cantieri dell’Arte”, a college specialised in architectural restoration, a building 3D printer has been put in which will likely be used to show college students how the revolutionary know-how can be utilized together with conventional restoration practices to protect historic buildings. Elsewhere, 3D printing is getting used to provide out of date alternative components which are protecting classic automobiles up and operating. In Scotland, the know-how is now taking part in a job in protecting the custom of Harris Tweed alive and thriving.
“This venture actually showcases how fashionable manufacturing can increase conventional industries and assist protect worthwhile heritage abilities,” concluded Andrew Bjonnes, analysis & growth engineer on the NMIS Digital Manufacturing unit. “With additive manufacturing, we’re selling self-sufficiency and giving weavers a sensible, cost-effective and user-friendly technique to maintain their looms up and operating. It has been an extremely rewarding venture, making a tangible distinction and permitting weavers to focus on their craft as an alternative of worrying about gear failures.”
