Air Jet Loom
A high-speed shuttleless loom that uses compressed air jets to propel the weft yarn across the warp.
An air jet loom represents the pinnacle of high-speed weaving technology, using precisely timed bursts of compressed air to carry the weft yarn across the shed at speeds unmatched by any other loom type. The main nozzle accelerates the weft yarn while a series of relay nozzles positioned along the reed maintain yarn velocity across the full fabric width. A profiled reed guides the air stream, and sophisticated electronic controls ensure the split-second timing required for reliable insertion at rates of 1,500–2,500 meters per minute.
These machines excel in production environments where speed translates directly to profitability. With reed widths ranging from 190 to 400 cm and operating speeds of 600–1,200 RPM, air jet looms deliver the highest output of any weaving technology. However, this performance comes with significant air consumption—typically 1.5–2.5 Nm³/min per meter of width—making energy costs a key consideration in total cost of ownership.
Air jet looms work best with synthetic and smooth yarns that travel cleanly through the air stream. They are the preferred choice for polyester and nylon fabrics, bedding materials like sheets and duvet covers, lining fabrics, and light industrial textiles. For heavier or textured yarns, a rapier loom offers better versatility, while water jet looms provide an energy-efficient alternative for hydrophobic synthetics. Proper warp preparation through a sizing machine is essential to minimize breakage at these high speeds.
Common questions
What is an air jet loom?
- An air jet loom is a shuttleless weaving machine that uses timed bursts of compressed air from a main nozzle and a series of relay nozzles across the reed to propel the weft yarn across the open shed. The weft flies through the air stream at insertion rates of 1,500–2,500 m/min — the fastest of all commercial weaving technologies.
What fabrics are best suited to air jet looms?
- Air jet looms prefer smooth, hydrophobic synthetic filament yarns — polyester FDY/DTY, nylon, and similar — that travel cleanly through the air stream. They are the workhorse for polyester home textiles, lining fabrics, microfiber sheeting, and light industrial fabrics. Textured, hairy, or heavy yarns are difficult because the air stream loses grip partway across the shed.
How much compressed air does an air jet loom consume?
- A modern air jet loom consumes 1.5–2.5 Nm³ of compressed air per minute per meter of reed width. The air supply system (compressors, dryers, and pressure stabilization) is the largest single utility load in an air-jet weaving hall, which is why some mills switch to water-jet for hydrophobic synthetics to reduce power costs.
What is the difference between an air jet loom and a water jet loom?
- Both are weft-insertion shuttleless looms, but air jet uses compressed air as the insertion medium while water jet uses a high-pressure water stream. Air jet is faster (1,500–2,500 m/min vs 1,200–2,000 m/min) and works for any yarn; water jet is more energy-efficient and produces a smoother fabric surface, but only for hydrophobic synthetic fibers that are not damaged by the water stream.
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