When the weft insertion system on a Van de Wiele velvet loom starts to wear, maintenance teams face a simple choice: replace parts one at a time, or fit a complete carbon rapier set. This article explains our K1 VDW Carbon Rapier Set Complete: what it covers, when the full set makes more sense than single parts, and what information we need before you order. It is written for mill maintenance managers and technicians, including export customers who order remotely.
What the K1 carbon rapier set complete does
On a velvet loom the weft yarn is carried across the fabric width by two rapiers entering the shed from opposite sides. One is called the male rapier and the other the female rapier; the weft is handed over between them in the middle of the shed through a mechanism that can vary by loom model, so check your loom manual for the specifics. The carbon body keeps the rapier light and stiff, while the rapier head is the part that grips and transfers the yarn.
K1 covers both sides of this system in one order line. The male and female carbon bodies and their heads are renewed at the same time. That is the main advantage on looms where both sides have worn at a similar rate: you set the transfer point once, not twice.
Set contents and single-part alternatives
Our catalogue offers the carbon rapier system at several levels. If you only need to renew one side, or only the heads, these are the codes to use:
| Code | Product | Best choice when |
|---|---|---|
| K1 | VDW Carbon Rapier Set Complete | Both male and female sides are due |
| K2 | VDW Carbon Rapier Complete Male | Only the male side needs a full renewal |
| K3 | VDW Carbon Rapier Complete Female | Only the female side needs a full renewal |
| K6 | VDW Rapier Head Male | Carbon body is sound, male head is worn |
| K7 | VDW Rapier Head Female | Carbon body is sound, female head is worn |
Rear blocks (plastic and fibre types) and rear connections are listed under their own codes. You can browse all of them on the Velvet Loom Parts page.
Full set or single parts?
Work through these questions in order:
- Is the carbon body cracked, delaminated or dented? If so, a new head alone will not fix the problem. You need a complete rapier that includes the body.
- Is the wear on both sides? If the male and female heads show similar wear, replacing both with K1 makes it much easier to get a clean transfer again.
- How long can the loom stand still? Every single-part change means another setting session. Where downtime is expensive, a full set usually means less total downtime.
- What does your spare stock look like? Many mills keep a complete set on the shelf and treat the sound parts they remove as second-line spares.
Field note: During the first shift after fitting a new set, watch the weft transfer point closely. When both heads are new, do not assume the old setting still holds. Check the transfer before running at full speed.
Ordering a Van de Wiele carbon rapier set: what to send us
For export orders especially, the right information up front avoids a wrong shipment:
- Loom model (MPS, VMM or VME) and, if known, year of manufacture
- A photo of the complete rapier plus a close-up of the head
- A photo of the rear connection and rear block, so we can see which type you run
- The number of looms you are ordering for
You do not need to send measurements or tolerances. We match parts from photos and model information, and where there is any doubt we compare against your old part.
Fitting tips
The usual sequence when fitting a complete set:
- Isolate the loom and make sure the rapier drive can be turned by hand.
- While removing the old rapiers, note the condition of the rear blocks and connections; worn ones will shorten the life of the new carbon.
- Clean the guides the rapiers run in. Built-up dust and yarn waste will scratch the new carbon surface.
- After fitting, turn the loom over slowly and confirm the rapiers travel through the guides without rubbing.
- Finally, check the weft transfer point and adjust if needed.
Use the setting values in your loom’s own manual. We do not publish setting values, because they depend on the loom model and the fabric being woven.
What affects the life of a carbon rapier set?
There is no fixed lifetime we can honestly quote. Loom speed, number of shifts, the weft yarn used, the state of the guides and the accuracy of the setting all play a part. A worn guide or a rear block with play can wear out even a brand-new set quickly, which is why we recommend checking the surrounding parts whenever you fit a complete set.
FAQ
Which Van de Wiele looms does K1 fit?
K1 is listed for Van de Wiele velvet looms. Send us your loom model and a photo of your current rapier and we will confirm the fit.
Is replacing just the head enough?
If the carbon body is sound, yes. The K6 and K7 rapier heads are sold separately for exactly that case. If the body is damaged, you need a complete rapier.
What else should I order with the full set?
If the rear blocks or guides are worn, renew them too. Send photos and we will help you judge which parts are tired.
For a price and delivery time on the K1 VDW carbon rapier set complete, send the part code on WhatsApp to +90 541 951 44 10.
