Weft Feeder Systems for Rapier Looms
topic
Weft pre-winding feeders store a measured length of weft yarn on a stationary drum before each pick, providing the exact length required for one pick insertion at zero delivery tension and ensuring that the rapier draws yarn from the feeder drum under consistent low tension rather than directly from the supply package where variable package tension would affect insertion tension and fabric weft density uniformity, with electronic feeders monitoring yarn consumption and adjusting drum winding speed to maintain the stored length buffer required for stable rapier insertion.
Role
Decouples weft insertion tension from supply package delivery tension by providing a pre-wound buffer of consistent low-tension yarn that the rapier draws without the tension peaks that would occur drawing directly from a supply package, with feeder-regulated consistent weft insertion tension being essential for uniform pick spacing and fabric weft density that determines the regularity of appearance and mechanical properties in the finished woven fabric.