Weft Tension Control During Insertion
topic
Weft tension during insertion is governed by the feeder drum unwinding geometry, the yarn path from feeder to nozzle or gripper head, and the insertion mechanism forces, with electronic tension sensors monitoring instantaneous weft tension and feedback controllers adjusting feeder drum speed or brake systems to maintain the target insertion tension, with tension uniformity of plus or minus 2 to 5 percent of target being the specification for premium fabric production where weft density variation from tension non-uniformity creates visible fabric irregularity.
Role
Controls the weft density uniformity that determines fabric appearance regularity, with weft tension variation being the most common cause of the weft bar defects visible in finished fabric as horizontal stripes of different weft density, requiring systematic tension management from feeder to insertion point that maintains consistent pick placement in the fabric through precise tension regulation that prevents the tension spikes and variations that cause localised weft density changes.