Harris Tweed is working with the Nationwide Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to maintain its centuries-old craft operating with the assistance of 3D printing.
The Scottish textile firm’s cloth, utilized by trend manufacturers akin to Dior and Vivienne Westwood, has been strictly handwoven within the houses of weavers throughout the Outer Hebrides utilizing conventional weaving machines for generations. Nevertheless, the complicated nature of the looms means spare elements can take months to supply, requiring modifications and halting manufacturing.
Partnering with the NMIS, operated by the College of Strathclyde and a part of the Excessive Worth Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, The Harris Tweed Loom Spares Co. has adopted a brand new loom meeting design that includes 3D printed elements.
Kelly McDonald, operations supervisor at The Harris Tweed Authority, commented: “We take pleasure in our craftsmanship and custom, however we additionally know that innovation is significant for maintaining our business sturdy for the generations to return. Working with NMIS is a big step ahead in future-proofing the looms crucial to the manufacturing of Harris Tweed.”
Provided that the looms have been modified over time to maintain them going, growing a set of common parts just isn’t simple, however the aim is to create a sequence of adaptable elements which might be simply fitted. One such meeting, beforehand made up of seven particular person elements, was redesigned and consolidated into three parts, which have been printed on a desktop machine utilizing a composite materials. The brand new model prices 99% lower than the unique and might be produced in as little as two hours.
Weaver John Bennie mentioned, “Discovering a solution to preserve 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 flexibility to get what we’d like, after we want it, will make an enormous distinction, because it means we are able to minimise downtime and deal with our work with out pointless interruptions.”
Andrew Bjonnes, analysis & growth engineer on the NMIS Digital Manufacturing unit, added: “This mission actually showcases how trendy manufacturing can increase conventional industries and assist protect useful heritage expertise. With additive manufacturing, we’re selling self-sufficiency and giving weavers a sensible, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution to preserve their looms up and operating. It has been an extremely rewarding mission, making a tangible distinction and permitting weavers to focus on their craft as an alternative of worrying about tools failures.”
