Multi-Colour Weft Selection on Rapier Looms
topic
Rapier looms accommodate multi-colour weft insertion through weft selector systems at the loom side that present different yarn colours or types to the rapier head in the programmed sequence, with 2 to 16 colour selectors available on commercial rapier looms, the loom controller coordinating weft colour selection with the shedding programme to insert the correct colour for each pick, with rapier systems providing the widest weft colour range of any shuttleless technology from the positive mechanical yarn presentation that allows reliable selection from large colour numbers.
Role
Provides the multi-colour weft capability that makes rapier looms the preferred technology for Jacquard figured fabrics, striped designs, and technical fabrics requiring alternating weft properties, with the ability to select from up to 16 weft colours per pick being a significant commercial advantage over air-jet looms limited to 4 to 6 colours and projectile looms to 4 colours, enabling rapier weaving of the most complex multicolour designs in upholstery, fashion, and technical fabric markets.