The AVA Jacquard software is effectively divided into two parts; the first part is the creation of the design either by scanning in artwork or creating a design directly on screen. Designs can be in any form initially, but must eventually have the same width and height as the number of ends and picks in the repeat. Once the design work is complete, the second part is to separate each colour in the design on to a layer and assign weave structures to each, followed by set up of more weave specific aspects such as float checks and loom settings.
As all AVA software is modular, the Jacquard module can be added to the AVA Colour Separations and the AVA Colour modules seamlessly. You will not notice any changes when going from one module to another.
A brief explanation
As a general rule, it is better to complete all design amendments, editing, scaling, alterations to dimensions and resolution before turning the design into a jacquard weave file. This is because there are likely to be distortions to your chosen weave structures if you have to alter the file size or resolution later in the process.
Once the design changes are complete, a jacquard ‘structure’ layer is added and weaves are applied to it from the master weave library. A weave image layer is then used to apply colours to the warp and weft. Additional plan windows can be used to make the entry of complex colour orders simpler.
Finally, the more technical aspects of float checking and fixing, loom parameter set up, exporting in a jacquard-readable format and fabric simulation using different yarns and filters can be carried out on the file to finish the design.
A suggested workflow
Each of the following steps is described in more detail through the remainder of this manual section.
- Scan an artwork or create a design using the many tools available in the design part of the software. Make sure the design repeats across the joins.
- Ensure the design is the required size in ends and picks (pixels) and the necessary sett (resolution).
- Separate the design into the desired number of colours (each colour will have a weave structure applied to it).
- Add a jacquard structure layer.
- Open the Weave Library.
- Assign the weave structures to the specific colours in the design.
- Check for floats and fix them either automatically or manually.
- Add a weave layer.
- Recolour the warp and weft.
- Print out the design.
- Create a weave simulation with specific yarns.
- Create fabric effects with filter combinations.
- Set the loom parameters.
- Export the design to a document to preview the loom set up or to an EPROM (.ep file) to be sent to a Bonas jacquard loom.
- If using a Staubli jacquard loom, use the AVA Staubli convertor to convert the .ep file to a format which can be read by the Staubli.
Note: For detailed explanations of design tools and working methods for completing steps 1 – 3 above, please refer to the appropriate articles.
Also see Settings , Weave Library and Yarns.