Editing Jacquard machine (section)

==Mechanical Jacquard devices==
[[File:Jacquard.loom.cards.jpg|right|thumb|Punched cards in use in a Jacquard loom]]
[[File:Masson Mills WTM 10 Jacquard Card Cutter 5890.JPG|thumb|left|A punch for Jacquard cards]]

Originally, Jacquard machines were [[machine|mechanical]], and the fabric design was stored on a series of [[punched card]]s which were joined to form a continuous chain. The Jacquards were often small and controlled relatively few warp ends. This required a number of repeats across the loom width. Larger capacity machines, or the use of multiple machines, allowed greater control with fewer repeats; hence, larger designs could be woven across the loom width.

A [[factory]] must choose looms and shedding mechanisms to suit its commercial requirements. As a rule, greater warp control means greater expense. So it is not economical to purchase Jacquard machines if one can make do with a [[Dobby loom|dobby mechanism]]. Beyond the capital expense, Jacquard machines cost more to maintain as they are complex, require highly-skilled operators, and use expensive systems to prepare designs for the loom. Thus, they are more likely to produce faults than dobby or cam shedding. Also, the looms will not run as quickly and down-time will increase because it takes time to change the continuous chain of cards when a design changes. It is best to weave larger batches with mechanical Jacquards.