Weft Tension Control in Rapier Weaving
topic
Weft tension management on rapier looms controls yarn tension from supply package through weft accumulator to rapier gripper and across the insertion path, with weft accumulators unwinding defined weft lengths before each pick to eliminate the tension spike from package unwinding during rapier insertion, and weft tensioners applying consistent back tension that ensures straight weft lay without loops or tension variation across the fabric width.
Role
Prevents weft tension-related fabric defects including weft loops, reed marks from tension variation, and weft breaks from tension peaks during insertion, with weft tension management being particularly challenging for elastic, low-tension, or thick novelty weft yarns where the balance between adequate tension for straight insertion and excessive tension causing weft break requires careful accumulator and tensioner setting optimisation.