Summary/Reader response Draft 1

 

The webpage “AIR JET MACHINES” (Toyota textile machinery, inc. n.d.) introduces the functions and features of their latest Air-Jet loom, the JAT910. This loom weaves fabric in high efficiency when the weaving options is configured properly using the control panel that is equipped with multiple functions. Aside from the functions, the loom comes with several features as well. These features consist of a new “I-sensor” weft insertion system, an evolved stop mark prevention system that eliminates stop mark defects, an advanced system control (FACT-plus) and able achieve high versatility when extra components are installed. According to a related webpage from Toyota Corporation industries (Toyota corporation industries, 2022, para. 4), the weft system of the JAT910 loom is the “The world’s first weft sensing technology that detects weft insertion timing.”. Besides that, a pdf illustration from Toyota textile machinery (n.d. pg. 5) also states that the new control CPU of the stop-mark system enhances the stop-mark defect prevention procedure. Furthermore, the “FACT-plus” system, an upgraded version of “FACT” system, implements multiple new features which allowed further improvements “in efficiency and optimization of factory’s operation.” (Toyota industries corporation & Toyota textile machinery, n.d., 0:58). Moreover, the same illustration from Toyota textile machinery (n.d., pg. 13) mentioned that the loom can install various components for multifunctionality to satisfy different customer’s requirements. Through multiple upgrades, the JAT910 has significant improvements over its immediate predecessor, JAT810 in environmental performance, efficiency and production. With the high overall efficiency, the JAT910 loom can fulfil the demands of the customers in the globalized world.

One of the significant upgrades in the JAT910 loom will be the weft insertion system. This upgraded system is now equipped with advanced components, including a Main Air-Tank that exhibits high-pressure responsiveness. Additionally, the introduction of new Direct tandem and Assist nozzles enhances both stability and propulsion power during yarn injection. The incorporation of a revamped sub-valve system with an advanced flow path design and a new regulator featuring higher efficiency further contributes to the overall performance improvement (Toyota Industries Corporation, n.d., pg. 3). These technological advancements made from its previous model, the JAT810, collectively enable the JAT910 loom to achieve remarkable weaving performance, setting new standards in the industry (Tex Data International, 2023, para. 1).

Another upgrade being implemented will be the introduction of the "i-SENSOR." According to a related article from Tex Data (2022, paragraph 3), the i-SENSOR represents a groundbreaking development in the loom industry as it is described as "the world's first sensor capable of detecting the precise moment when the weft yarn is inserted while passing through the warp yarn." This sensor collects data about the yarn in real-time, and then uses a unique algorithm developed by Toyota to process and calculate this data. The results are then displayed on the panel screen. With the information derived from this analysis, users can set the loom to its optimal weaving settings by following the guidance provided by the machine. This results in a significant enhancement of efficiency. (Toyota Industries Corporation, n.d., p. 4).

While the JAT910 loom excels in overall efficiency to meet fabric production demands, its heavy reliance on compressed air has raised environmental concerns. A research journal analysing the air usage of the JAT710 revealed that the highest air consumption for the main nozzle among five running JAT710 looms, each with a width of 360cm, reached 1860 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 600ppm (particles per million). (Raj Kumar Khiani et al., 2016, p. 4). Using this data, we can estimate the air consumption of the JAT910. Information on the Toyota Industries Corporation website (2017) suggests that the JAT810 consumes 20% less air. Additionally, a related source from Textile Technology (2022) indicates that the JAT910 works at a 20% higher efficiency compared to the JAT810. Hence, we can approximate the air consumption of the JAT910 to be around 1190.4 cfm, equivalent to 56.925kW. To put this in perspective, it's approximately 55 times the power consumption of an average Singaporean resident (WorldData.info, 2021). With such a substantial energy footprint, the operation of JAT910 loom has the potential to significantly impact the world’s environment.

In conclusion, the multiple upgrades incorporated into the JAT910 loom undeniably enhance its overall efficiency, making it the best Air-jet Loom from Toyota’s JAT-series for meeting the global demand for fabrics. However, it is crucial to address the environmental implications of the loom. The substantial energy consumption and heavy reliance on compressed air emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in the textile industry. Balancing the outstanding weaving performance of the JAT910 loom with an effort to reduce its environmental impact is a challenge that Toyota must address to ensure a more sustainable future for fabric production.

 

References

Toyota textile machinery, inc. (n.d.). Air Jet Machines. 
https://www.toyotatextilemachinery.com/air-jet-machines/#tab-learn-more

Toyota industries corporation, (2022). Toyota Industries Corporation Releases the New JAT910 Air-Jet Loom. 
https://www.toyota-industries.com/news/2022/11/28/005456/

Toyota industries corporation & Toyota textile machinery, (n.d.). New functions of Fact-plus system[video]
https://textile-machinery.toyota-industries.com/en/products/JAT910/movie_1.html

Toyota textile machinery, (n.d.) Versatility
https://textile-machinery.toyota-industries.com/en/products/JAT910/purpose.html

Toyota textile machinery, inc. (n.d.). Weaving machinery: JAT910 Air Jet Loom. 
https://www.toyotatextilemachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/JAT910.pdf

Tex Data International, (2023, May 17). New TOYOTA air-jet loom "JAT910" at ITMA 2023
https://www.texdata.com/news/ITMA2023/18711.html

Tex Data International, (2022, Dec 08). New Toyota releases the new JAT910 air-jet loom.
https://www.texdata.com/news/Weaving/17853.html

Raj Kumar Khaini, Mazhar Hussain Peerzada, and Sadaf Aftab Abbasi. (2016). Air Consumption Analysis of Air-Jet Weaving
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/368b/53a736e9b8de3b7df69ea994269472f1112c.pdf

Toyota textile machinery, inc. (n.d.). JAT810 Air Jet Loom
https://textile-machinery.toyota-industries.com/en/products/JAT810/air.html

Textile Technology (2022, Dec 14). Improving environmental performance
https://www.textiletechnology.net/technology/news/toyota-improving-environmental-performance-and-factory-management-33306

WorldData.info (2021). Energy consumption in Singapore
https://www.worlddata.info/asia/singapore/energy-consumption.php#:~:text=of%20electric%20energy%20per%20year,an%20average%20of%209%2C002%20kWh.

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