Automated chain mail weaving machine

[llilrex]

I am looking for information regarding the mechanical design of a mail weaving machine, I know it exists I just haven’t seen one. I heard it was a wire feeding machine that forms a ring in the weave and cuts and welds it there. Sounds really interesting and I was thinking of making it into a project. if anyone has some information on this machine I would appreciate it

[lerman]

Originally Posted by llilrex I am looking for information regarding the mechanical design of a mail weaving machine, I know it exists I just haven’t seen one. I heard it was a wire feeding machine that forms a ring in the weave and cuts and welds it there. Sounds really interesting and I was thinking of making it into a project. if anyone has some information on this machine I would appreciate it

See: http://www.azonmesh.com/

Ken

[svenakela]

Maybe stupid question, but what is it for?
Are you going to a midieval festival?

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I've seen gloves made of this stuff. Used in meat cutting/ packing plants for knife weilding trimmers/cutters.

[svenakela]

Ah, I see.
I have some butcher's steel gloves, but they're made of woven steel thread.

[brianklein]

Interesting site.

[automizer]

This would be a really cool project. I would love to try this out

[llilrex]

I found quite a few patents on it, and I have been working on a more modern version of it. one that will be controlled with small hand made hydraulic cylenders, instead of cams. now I just need to find some time

[llilrex]

I am still not clear on how they weld it!

[Torque1st]

From what I have heard the reenactors say the mesh used in modern safety equipment is quite different from the weave used in actual chain mail.

[llilrex]

it differs only slightly, they both use a pattern known as 4 in 1, reenactors usually use aluminum, as it is lighter, protective gear uses stainless steel. authentic armour used riveted mail, but reenactors have used butted ring mail also. safety mesh has welded rings which are far supirior to butted or riveted mail. ofcourse there are reenactors that use butted steel and stainless steel mesh as well. protective mail is often made with much smaller rings then reenactment armour.

[automizer]

I have made reenactment armour for years by hand and I have often wondered about building a machine to do some of what I do