Projectile Loom

A projectile loom, pioneered by Sulzer, uses small bullet-shaped metal grippers to carry the weft yarn across the shed. The projectile grips the yarn at one selvedge, is propelled across by a torsion bar mechanism, releases the yarn at the opposite selvedge, and returns via a conveyor system below the shed to begin another cycle. Multiple projectiles circulate continuously, enabling sustained high-speed operation.

This technology delivers insertion rates of 900–1,500 meters per minute at 250–400 RPM, with reed widths extending to 540 cm—among the widest available in commercial weaving. Projectile looms have earned a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability, producing consistent fabric quality over extended production runs with minimal weft waste.

The projectile mechanism excels with heavy and coarse yarns that challenge other loom types, making these machines the preferred choice for extra-wide home textiles, industrial fabrics, heavy upholstery materials, canvas and tarpaulin, and technical textiles requiring robust construction. The trade-offs include higher initial investment than rapier looms, lower speeds than air jet looms, and noise from the projectile mechanism. The complex projectile return system also requires careful maintenance. For lighter fabrics or tighter budgets, rapier looms offer a more accessible alternative with similar versatility.