What Are The Differences in The Operation Processes Between Rapier Looms And Air-jet Looms?

What are the differences in the operation processes of rapier looms and air-jet looms?
The operation processes of rapier looms and air-jet looms differ in several aspects. The following are the main distinctions:
The on-machine preparation stage
Rapier loom:
The appropriate rapier head and rapier belt should be selected based on the fabric type, and their wear conditions should be checked to ensure that the holding force between the rapier head and the weft yarn is moderate. When installing the reed, pay attention to whether the density and width of the reed teeth match the fabric requirements, and adjust the tension of the reed to prevent deformation or loosening of the reed teeth. During the threading of the healds, ensure that the heald wires are neatly arranged and the lifting and lowering movement of the heald frame is smooth to avoid entanglement or jamming of the heald wires.
Air-jet loom:
Check parameters such as the nozzle's spray angle, air pressure, and spray time to ensure that the air flow can uniformly and stably draw the weft yarn. When installing the reed, pay attention to the shape and spacing of the reed teeth to adapt to the characteristics of air-jet weaving, and adjust the tension of the reed to prevent excessive friction between the reed teeth and the weft yarn. During the threading of the healds, ensure that the movement trajectory of the heald wires is coordinated with the path of air-jet weaving to avoid interference between the heald wires and the nozzles.
2. Weft insertion operation stage
Rapier looms:
Rapier looms hold the weft yarn by the reciprocating motion of the rapier and introduce the weft yarn from one side of the shed to the other. Operators need to adjust the holding force of the rapier and the weft insertion speed according to the thickness, length and material of the weft yarn to ensure smooth introduction of the weft yarn into the shed.
During the weft insertion process, it is necessary to observe the contact between the rapier and the weft yarn to avoid damage or breakage of the weft yarn caused by the rapier.
Air-jet looms:
Air-jet looms draw the weft yarn through the shed by jetting compressed air. Operators need to adjust the air pressure, jet time and jet angle of the nozzle according to the characteristics of the weft yarn, fabric density and machine speed to ensure that the weft yarn can accurately and quickly pass through the shed.
During the weft insertion process, it is necessary to observe the running trajectory of the weft yarn to avoid phenomena such as weft yarn return, twisting or breakage.
3. Monitoring and adjustment during weaving process
For rapier looms:
Regularly inspect the wear of the rapier heads and replace those that are severely worn to ensure the quality of weft insertion.
Pay attention to observing the tension changes of the weft yarns, and adjust the clamping force and weft insertion speed of the rapiers in time to avoid uneven fabric density caused by excessive or insufficient weft tension.
Regularly clean the rapier, rapier belt and reed of flying fibers, oil stains and debris to avoid affecting the weft insertion effect.
For air-jet looms:
Regularly check parameters such as the spray angle, air pressure and spray time of the nozzles, and adjust the parameters in time to adapt to the changes of the weft yarns and the requirements of the fabric.
Pay attention to observing the tension changes of the weft yarns, and adjust the air pressure and spray time of the nozzles in time to avoid uneven fabric density caused by excessive or insufficient weft tension.
Regularly clean the nozzles, air pipes and reed of flying fibers, oil stains and debris to avoid affecting the air-jet weft insertion effect.
4. Off-loom finishing stage
For rapier looms:
When taking the loom off the machine, first turn off the power supply of the loom, then remove the reed, heald wires, rapier head and rapier belt, etc., and store the components separately for future use.
The fabric needs to be sorted out, removing flying fibers, oil stains and other impurities on the surface of the fabric. At the same time, check the quality of the fabric, such as density, flatness and color difference. Unqualified fabrics should be reworked or scrapped.
For air-jet looms:
When taking the loom off the machine, first turn off the power supply of the loom, then remove the reed, heald wires, nozzles and air pipes, etc., and store the components separately for future use.
The fabric needs to be sorted out, removing flying fibers, oil stains and other impurities on the surface of the fabric. At the same time, check the quality of the fabric, such as density, flatness and color difference. Unqualified fabrics should be reworked or scrapped.