Page 84 - Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials

Automated spreading of textile materials 71

Fig. 6.11 End-catcher (A) fixed on the spreading table (B).

Two different types of end-catchers are used for the ‘face to face in both directions’
(zig-zag) spreading mode (see Section 4.3.5). A stationary end-catcher is always fixed
on the spreading table at the same place to fixes the end of the fabric at the beginning
of the ply. The placement of a movable end-catcher on the spreading table depends on
the length of the spread as it must fix the other end of the fabric ply.

6.3.6 The operator stand panel

A special platform allows the operator to ride alongside the table during the spreading
process to control fabric quality and smooth its surface. It also can be equipped with an
adjustable seat (see Fig. 6.12). The panels where the operator stands during the work
process are more comfortable and therefore more widely used. Standing on a platform
gives the operator a better overview of the fabric surface and makes it easier to reach
the control panel. Most manufacturers use the standing system. When the spreading
process is fully automated, the moving platform does not require an operator.