The OMNIplus 800 is conceived to become the new standard for profitable airjet weaving. In developing the OMNIplus 800 the Picanol designers focused on three basic criteria for meeting this promise, namely:

·        higher performance

·        immediate fabric quality

·        full modularity.

All the components are optimized for as yet unheard-of industrial speeds, minimum maintenance and maximum profitability. In addition the OMNIplus 800 is full of functions that make it easy to achieve very best fabric quality.

The OMNIplus 800 is an entirely new, fully modular concept, enabling the machine to be modified or converted quickly and easily so as to take advantage of new market opportunities. With the OMNIplus 800 weavers have an investment that will keep its value, even in the long term.

Higher performance by optimization of the insertion parameters

The entire concept of the machine is new: the OMNIplus 800 is a future-oriented platform with components designed for maximum operating speeds and highest productivity.

By making the insertion cone shorter and more slender, the load on the weft yarn has been reduced, thus permitting higher speeds. At the same time an entirely new 16-hole relay nozzle has been developed. In combination with the new relay nozzle valves with short reaction times, this enables the OMNIplus 800 to weave more with less air.

Higher performance with ultra-short drive train and balanced, robust construction

The frame of the OMNIplus 800 and all the moving parts are perfectly balanced and robustly built to permit even higher machine speeds. The harness frames, joints and members too have been optimized in numerous respects for high-speed weaving. The new hybrid harnesses are made of aluminum with carbon fiber reinforcement. The short drive train of the Sumo motor guarantees vibration-free operation. The speed of the motor is controlled electronically, without a frequency converter, thus reducing power consumption and permitting greater flexibility. The Optispeed function makes it possible to program the speed pattern according to yarn quality, number of harnesses and pattern, so that a higher overall speed can be maintained: the maximum speed is no longer determined by the weakest yarn or the most complex part of the pattern.

Higher performance thanks to minimal downtime

The OMNIplus 800 has many unique features for minimizing non-productive time. The automatic pickfinder system, the QSC (Quick Style Change) system, the fast frame connections, the quick fastenings for warp beam and cloth roll, rapid width reductions on both left and right side, the microprocessor for setting the shed and selvedge crossing times: these all increase the amount of time available for producing fabric at high speeds.

The QSC system enables a style change to be carried out by a single person in less than 30 minutes! The style change is done by replacing the entire rear part of the split frame, with the warp beam, backrest and support, warp stop motion, harnesses and reed. All the settings involved in preparing the article on the warp side are done before the style change, outside the weaveroom.

The Picanol QSC system offers huge advantages: the downtime on the weaving machine is much shorter, fewer personnel are needed in the weaveroom, and there is far greater flexibility for weaving different articles.

Highest fabric quality immediately, thanks to quick and easy settings

The mechanical components combined with the advanced electronics of the OMNIplus 800 are largely responsible for the higher fabric quality. Whereas in the past weavers used to forego some of the finer settings necessary for higher quality, because they were too time-consuming and labor-intensive, these can now be carried out quickly and easily.

Thanks to the electronic controls, adjusting the machine settings for higher fabric quality is now an easy matter, and can even be done while the machine is running. In addition to the many diagnosis screens, the terminal screen gives the weaver access to a whole series of preprogrammed values for shed formation, insertion, pick density and warp tension. For example, the crossing time can be set automatically, and the machine speed can be adjusted or programmed for optimum fabric quality, with immediately visible results. The Ethernet connection enables the machine to be integrated into the corporate network, opening the door to Internet applications.

Full modularity, for a bolt-on future

Never before has any weaving machine had such a modular design. In the new OMNIplus 800 concept, the machine itself is a basic platform designed to receive all sorts of future extensions and adaptations. This modularity safeguards the weaver’s investment for the future: no other weaving machine is so easy to adapt so as to take advantage of new market opportunities.

For example, the air preparation for the fixed and movable main nozzle is modular in design, making it a simple matter to extend the number of filling channels.

The basic machine structure for the cam, dobby and jacquard versions is identical, making it possible to change the shed formation system at some time in the future. For example, it is possible to change from cam to dobby, and vice versa.  Also transformation towards jacquard does not pose any problem.

The superstructure mountings are similarly identical, making it possible to decide at some time in the future to add e.g. a fancy beam or jacquarette.

The CAN bus technology enables new features to be added without problem, without complex extra wiring or PCBs being required.

With this weaving machine concept, Picanol gives weavers the means for fast, efficient and extremely flexible production, at the lowest possible weaving cost.

In short: “Fresh air for the weaving business.”