The Dracup SampleMaster is an electronically controlled sample weaving machine, made in West Yorkshire, England by Dracup (UK).

The standard Dracup SampleMaster model is constructed to the following specifications:

• Maximum 1500mm reed width.
• Single rapier weft insertion.
• Eight colour weft selection.
• Variable speed take-up motion.
• Negative brake let-off motion.
• Electronic pattern maker.

Optional extras...

• Twelve colour weft selector.
• Positive or electronic let-off motto.
• Cramming device.
• Fringe device.
• Double warp beam.
• On board PC with CAD design and edit facility.

Complex pattern maker weave and colour ideas are created on separate CAD design systems and transferred to the Dracup SampleMaster via a floppy disc. For simpler Dobby Weaves and colour ideas the inbuilt CAD system can be used. Obviously externally created CAD patterns can be incorporated via the onboard CAD system. Design information is loaded on to the loom controller memory via floppy disc. Designs may then be accessed and woven either individually or consecutively. Weft patterns are usually added at design stage although it is possible to edit and create new weft patterns on the loom controller, without loss of original weft pattern.

Designs can be woven immediately thus the Dracup SampleMaster enables you to respond to changes in style and pattern instantly. As designs can be woven on the spot, while your customer is present, this means that modifications can be carried out to the weave or weft colours according to you customers needs there and then. This is an enormous advantage, especially when overseas clients have limited time available.

The principle of the Dracup SampleMaster is to use the pattern maker harness not simply for complex weave creation but also for less complex Dobby patterns. Where warp sett is being continually changed, warp ends can be cast out, or added as required, across the fabric width, thus retaining a constant weaving width. The weave is created on CAD end for end, and when the ends are cast out, the computer can analyse the working ends using a pattern maker mapping feature which is applied when the disc is made ready for weaving.