| Primary function | Supports and guides harness cords or heddle cords through accurately positioned holes. | Correct alignment reduces cord rubbing, uneven lift, and pattern distortion. | Choose a board designed specifically for the loom’s harness layout and cord path. | Compare the hole map, board dimensions, and mounting points with the loom drawing. |
| Board material | Hardwood, laminated wood, acrylic or polycarbonate, and engineering polymer. | Material affects dimensional stability, surface friction, impact resistance, and service life. | Use stable polymer or polycarbonate for humid environments; use well-sealed wood where traditional construction is preferred. | Check the material specification, edge finish, and resistance to moisture and abrasion. |
| Board thickness | Common workshop constructions are approximately 6–20 mm thick. | Thickness influences stiffness, mounting clearance, hole-wall length, and total harness depth. | Select the thinnest board that remains rigid and meets the loom’s required clearance. | Measure the existing board and confirm clearance from cords, hooks, and adjacent components. |
| Hole diameter | Often approximately 2–5 mm, depending on cord diameter and construction. | A hole that is too small increases friction; a hole that is too large can permit excess lateral movement. | Use a hole diameter that provides free movement without allowing the cord knot or attachment to pass through. | Measure the cord’s maximum contact diameter and test movement under normal tension. |
| Hole spacing and pitch | Typically specified in millimetres or as a loom-specific grid; no universal pitch applies to every system. | Incorrect pitch changes harness geometry and may cause adjacent cords to rub or cross. | Match the original centre-to-centre spacing and row alignment exactly. | Measure several consecutive holes in both directions rather than checking only one location. |
| Hole layout | Straight grid, staggered grid, or a custom pattern matching the harness design. | The layout determines whether each cord follows the intended vertical and horizontal path. | Choose a custom-drilled layout when replacing a board with a non-standard harness arrangement. | Use a full-scale template or CAD drawing to confirm hole coordinates before production. |
| Edge and hole finish | Rounded, chamfered, polished, or otherwise deburred surfaces. | Sharp edges can cut, fuzz, or accelerate wear on harness cords. | Prioritize smooth, burr-free hole walls and rounded external edges. | Inspect holes under strong light and run a scrap cord through representative holes. |
| Dimensional tolerance | Use the loom drawing or replacement specification; fine harness work generally requires tighter positional control than coarse work. | Small position errors accumulate across many holes and can affect repeat accuracy. | Select a digitally measured or CNC-drilled board for high-density or repeat-critical designs. | Request a dimensional inspection report or verify hole centres against the approved drawing. |
| Rigidity and flatness | The board should remain flat under the installed cord load and normal workshop temperature changes. | Bowing can alter cord angles, increase friction, and cause uneven harness movement. | Choose a reinforced or thicker construction for wide boards and high cord counts. | Place the board on a flat reference surface and inspect for rocking, bowing, or twist. |
| Cord compatibility | Must match the cord material, diameter, knot size, and intended tension. | Compatibility affects friction, noise, wear, and the risk of cord snagging. | Test the actual production cord rather than relying only on nominal hole size. | Perform a manual movement test and inspect the cord after repeated cycles. |
| Environmental stability | Wood is more sensitive to humidity; polymer and composite materials generally offer more consistent moisture performance. | Changes in moisture can affect flatness, hole alignment, and friction. | For humid or frequently changing environments, prioritize sealed or moisture-resistant materials. | Review the material’s moisture guidance and store the board in the same environment as the loom. |
| Mounting and serviceability | Fixed mounting holes, clamps, brackets, or removable guide-board frames. | Secure mounting prevents vibration and makes inspection or replacement easier. | Select a design that can be removed without disturbing the complete harness. | Confirm fastener size, mounting-hole position, access space, and replacement procedure. |
| Quality-control priority | Hole accuracy, smoothness, flatness, material consistency, and correct identification marks. | A visually attractive board can still perform poorly if the hole map or surface finish is inaccurate. | Prioritize measured geometry and smooth cord travel over appearance alone. | Use a checklist covering dimensions, hole count, hole map, finish, flatness, and fit. |
| Best overall decision rule | Exact compatibility is more important than material preference or purchase price. | The wrong geometry can reduce weaving quality even when the board is durable. | Choose the board that matches the loom, cord system, hole map, operating environment, and maintenance needs. | Approve a physical sample or technical drawing before ordering the complete quantity. |