178: Chapter 178 Giving Young People Their First Clothes!

The Steam Power Loom was a significant invention during the Industrial Revolution.

A loom weaves fabric based on the principle of interlacing warp and weft threads.

The Steam Power Loom achieved the mechanization of weaving by introducing the power of the Steam Engine into the process.

Its working principle involves steam pushing a piston in a reciprocating motion, which is then converted from linear motion into the circular and reciprocating motions of the loom's various components through transmission devices like connecting rods and crankshafts.

Specifically, it drives the main shaft of the loom, causing gears and connecting rods on the shaft to drive components such as the pedals, heald frames, and shuttles to work in coordination.

The pedals control the opening and closing of the warp threads to form a shed, through which the shuttle travels back and forth, interlacing the weft threads with the warp threads to produce cloth.

This shuttle is also known as a flying shuttle.

When using a traditional loom, one step on the pedal makes the flying shuttle zip through rapidly; thus, the ancients had the saying 'time flies like a shuttle.'

With the opening of the Silk Road, China's silk and its weaving techniques gradually spread to Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe.

China's advanced technologies, such as the treadle loom and the drawloom, had a certain influence and driving effect on the development of Western looms.

The looms depicted in some 17th-century European paintings are similar to Chinese looms.

The 'Tiangong Kaiwu' introduced the manufacturing of textile machines and also provided some inspiration for the development of Western textile technology.

After successfully assembling the Steam Power Loom, Zhao Fusu began using it to weave cloth.

Before starting the Steam Power Loom, the first step was to inspect the equipment, thoroughly checking every component including the Steam Engine, transmission devices, and the mechanical parts of the loom.

He had to ensure they were in good working condition, with no loosening, wear, or damage.

He also had to check if the steam pipes were tightly connected and if there were any leaks.

Next, he installed the shuttle and the hemp thread, placing the shuttle loaded with weft thread into the shuttle box to ensure it could slide freely within.

At the same time, he threaded the warp threads in the correct order through the heald frames, drop wires, and reed, fixing both ends of the warp to ensure uniform tension.

He added an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to the key rotating parts of the loom, such as bearings, gears, and connecting rods, to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

With the preparations complete, he could start the Steam Engine, letting it preheat and generate sufficient steam.

By adjusting the steam pressure and flow, he brought it to the working parameters required by the loom.

Once the steam pressure reached the requirement, he opened the steam valve, allowing steam to enter the Steam Engine section of the loom.

The Steam Engine converted the thermal energy of the steam into mechanical energy through mechanisms like pistons and connecting rods, driving the rotation of the loom's main shaft.

He adjusted the speed of the loom by regulating the Steam Engine's speed control device.

Simultaneously, he observed the tension of the warp and weft threads, adjusting the braking devices or tension regulation mechanisms of the warp and weft beams to keep the tension within an appropriate range, ensuring the quality of the cloth.

"Clack, clack, clack..."

Amidst the rhythmic sound of the Steam Power Loom, the warp and weft threads intertwined, and the machine automatically began to weave cloth.

During the weaving process, Zhao Fusu closely observed the operation of the loom, including the flight of the shuttle, the interlacing of the warp and weft, and the formation of the fabric.

He paid special attention to whether any defects appeared, such as broken warp, broken weft, or skipped stitches.

If he discovered a problem, he would promptly stop the machine to handle it.

When the weft thread in the shuttle was used up or the warp thread on the beam was about to run out, Zhao Fusu stopped the machine to change the yarn.

When changing the weft, he connected the end of the new weft thread to the old one and reloaded the shuttle into the box.

When changing the warp, Zhao Fusu threaded the new warp through the various components according to the original sequence and adjusted the tension.

"Clack, clack, clack..."

After restarting, the Steam Power Loom once again emitted its rhythmic sound.

Watching the Steam Power Loom work was both a visual and sensory pleasure, and it was also very stress-relieving.

After successfully weaving a roll of cloth, Zhao Fusu disconnected the power, and the Steam Power Loom ceased its work.

Elder Mo couldn't help but praise: "Whether it's the Steam Spinning Machine or this Steam Power Loom, the speed is just too fast. It's far beyond what hand-spinning wheels and treadle looms can compare to!"

"Indeed!"

Zhao Fusu nodded in agreement.

Just thinking about twisting hemp fiber by hand while manually turning a wheel made one realize how slow that spinning speed was.

ring spinning technology could automatically draw the thread after the hemp fiber was fed in, which was much more convenient.

Zhao Fusu looked at the cloth woven by the Steam Power Loom, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

This way, commoners could afford clothes, and young people could own their first piece of clothing.

Isn't that just awesome!

Zhao Fusu couldn't help but smile.

He was already itching to hold a press conference immediately, give a greeting, and ask, 'Are you okay?!'

Zhao Fusu instructed Elder Mo's Team to manufacture a batch of Steam Spinning Machines and Steam Power Looms; he had great use for them next.

"Understood!"

The members of Elder Mo's Team all cupped their fists in agreement.

Zhao Fusu called Zhang Han over.

"His Majesty the Head of State!"

Zhang Han bowed respectfully.

After Zhang Han saw the combat capability of the striker shotgun and the artillery demonstration, his admiration for Zhao Fusu had reached an unsurpassable level.

"Come and take a look at this Steam Spinning Machine and Steam Power Loom."

Zhao Fusu led Zhang Han to the Steam Spinning Machine and Steam Power Loom currently in operation.

When Zhang Han saw the scene before him, his eyes widened instantly, and his jaw nearly hit the floor.

He saw the Steam Textile Machine and the Steam Power Loom running methodically yet rapidly under the drive of power.

As long as an operator was feeding hemp fiber on the side, the hemp rope was automatically drawn out.

The Steam Power Loom was even more miraculous, weaving cloth rapidly on its own.

And this speed!

"Too fast, it's too fast!"

Zhang Han blurted out, his voice full of disbelief.

He stepped quickly to the Steam Textile Machine, his eyes fixed on the spinning spindles as the thread was spun out as quickly as flowing water.

This truly had a mechanical beauty to it!

He then moved quickly to the Steam Power Loom; the speed of the shuttle flying back and forth was so fast it was almost a blur, and the cloth was being woven at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Heavens!"

Zhang Han marveled, "Such weaving efficiency is truly unheard of and unseen!"

The weaving workshop he was responsible for managing also had workers weaving cloth.

But that weaving efficiency had absolutely no comparison to this Steam Power Loom.

"Incredible!"

Zhang Han looked at the scene before him, his face full of shock; he couldn't have even dreamed of such a scene.

"His Majesty the Head of State, you must have invented this as well."

Zhang Han turned his head, his burning gaze fixed on Zhao Fusu.