When a velvet mill asks for “carbon spare parts”, it rarely means a single item. It usually means the whole system that carries the weft across the shed: the carbon rapier body, the rapier head at its tip, the plate joining the two, the blocks holding the rear end, the guides the rapier runs in and the drive that moves it. This guide is for maintenance managers and buyers. It sets out what these parts are, how they fit together and what to tell your supplier so the right code comes back the first time.
How a carbon rapier system works
On a face-to-face velvet loom the weft is carried by two rapiers entering the shed from opposite sides. One rapier picks up the weft and brings it to the middle; the rapier from the other side takes it over there and draws it to the far edge. The two sides are called male and female. The bodies are carbon because carbon is light and stiff, and both matter for a part that shoots back and forth on every pick.
Carbon has one weakness: under overload it does not bend and spring back like steel, it cracks or delaminates. So the life of a carbon rapier depends not only on the rapier itself but on the state of the guides, blocks and drive parts around it.
Carbon rapier spare parts list
The table groups the weft insertion parts in our catalogue by job. Every code has its own product page with a photo and the looms it fits.
| Section | Parts | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon body | Complete set, male/female with head, male/female body only | K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 |
| Rapier head | Male and female rapier head | K6, K7 |
| Connection | Shuttle connection plate, male/female | K17, K18 |
| Rear end | Rear block, type 2, inner and outer blocks, aluminium rear connection | K8, K9, K12, K13, K14 |
| Guiding | Plastic and fibre rapier blocks, MPS male/female guide | K10, K11, K15, K16 |
| Drive | Aluminium and steel drive wheel, pressure roller and shafts | K19, K20, K21, K22, K23 |
| Günne | Drive wheel, male and female shuttle | K24, K25, K26 |
The full list with photos is on our carbon rapier spare parts page.
Complete set or single parts?
The K1 carbon rapier set complete covers both male and female sides. Renewing both together makes the hand-over in the middle of the shed more predictable and avoids setting problems caused by pairing a new part with a worn one.
If only one side is damaged, there are three options:
- A complete male or female rapier with head (K2, K3).
- The carbon body only, if the head is still good (K4, K5).
- Only the rapier head, if the body is sound and the head is worn (K6, K7).
The right choice depends on where the wear started. We prefer to see a photo before recommending one.
Field note: when a customer comes to replace a broken carbon rapier, the first thing we ask about is the guides and blocks. Fitting a new rapier into a worn guide often just postpones the next breakage.
Parts to check alongside the rapier
When you change a carbon rapier, it is good practice to look at these as well:
- Rear blocks and rear connection: they hold the rear end in place. A block with play lets the rapier jolt on every pick. See the rapier rear block.
- Guides and guide blocks: if the rapier drifts off line, side load builds up on the carbon. Polished spots, grooves or scoring in a guide are a sign it is due.
- Shuttle connection plate: it joins the head to the body; a cracked plate makes the head wobble and miss picks. The male shuttle connection plate is in the catalogue.
- Drive wheel and pressure roller: when this pair wears, the rapier can slip or move unevenly. Choosing between the aluminium drive wheel and the steel type depends on how the loom is set up.
We cover the usual reasons for breakage in 5 causes of carbon rapier breakage.
What to send when ordering
To match the right carbon rapier spare part, this is usually enough:
- Loom make and model (for example Van de Wiele MPS, VMM, VME or Günne),
- A photo of the part to be replaced, ideally with a ruler next to it,
- Whether it is the male or the female side,
- How many looms the order is for.
You do not need a part number. We identify the part from the photo, and if it turns out not to be in the catalogue we can discuss making it from a sample. We ship within Türkiye and abroad, by courier or with your own forwarder.
Frequently asked
How long does a carbon rapier last?
We do not quote a fixed figure. Loom speed, number of shifts, yarn type and the state of the surrounding parts decide it.
Can I buy the male and female rapiers separately?
Yes. They are listed as a set, as single sides, and with or without heads.
For price and stock on carbon rapier spare parts, send a photo of the part and your loom model on WhatsApp to +90 541 951 44 10.
