Rieter - E 66 / E 76 combers

The comber for the highest standards
The new E 66 / E 76 combers fulfill the highest standards in terms of output, quality and economy. C•A•P•D⁵⁰⁰ (Computer Assisted Process Development) further extends our lead in combing.
MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY
The E 66 / E 76 combers produce at up to 500 nips/min under mill conditions. On the basis of superior running behavior and short machine downtimes, these machines achieve maximum outputs of 72 or 74 kg/h, respectively. This is equivalent to 1.7 tonnes of combed sliver/day – a new record.

SUPERIOR QUALITY
Superior quality at maximum output – this is only achieved by the new E 66 / E 76 comber models. The laps produced by Rieter combing preparation machines provide the ideal feed material. This results in faultless web quality, superior fi ber selection,
very high sliver regularity and the best yarn quality in mill opera­tions.
HIGH ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Production costs in combing operations depend more on to­tal running costs per kilogram of sliver and less on the capital costs of the installation. The new Rieter combers have been de­veloped with maximum output and minimum raw material and energy costs in mind. This results in the lowest combing costs per kilogram of yarn.
The E 66 / E 76 combers – leaders in combing.
THE BASIS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
The prerequisites for maximum performance in spinning ma­chinery manufacturing are the latest technology, high-quality material and superior know-how. The new E 66 / E 76 comber models have been developed on this basis, also using Com­puter Aided Process Development (C•A•P•D⁵⁰⁰).
These are the fi rst combers to achieve a speed of 500 nips/min under mill conditions. Their optimally coordinated technology elements and movements also provide maximum flexibility.
HIGHER OUTPUT
A new maximum output fi gure of 500 nips/min is achieved. The E 66 comber produces up to 72 kg/h, the fully automated
E 76 comber 74 kg/h. This high output can be achieved since Rieter combers operate with batt weights of up to 80 g/m un­der mill conditions.
Excellent fi ber selection and thus lower noil extraction also contribute to increased output. Production rates of up to 1.7 tonnes/day are reality.

Reducing production costs
LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Energy consumption has been further reduced with the new E 66 / E 76 models. The mass of the combing elements and thus their movements have been optimized by means of C•A•P•D⁵⁰⁰. The ef­fi ciency of the drive motor has also been improved. Energy con­sumption per kilogram of combed sliver is therefore 12% lower compared with the predecessor model. The reduction in energy consumption has therefore continued with the new models.
COST SAVINGS
Production costs in combing depend more on total running costs per kilogram of sliver and less on the capital costs of the installation. Raw material savings are demonstrably achieved with the Rieter quality combing line as a result of excellent
fi ber selection. The low energy consumption reduces energy costs and the very good running behavior of the comber re­duces personnel costs. The sum total is signifi cantly lower production costs compared to other manufacturers.
CUSTOMIZED COMBING LINES
Customized solutions that contribute to increased economic effi ciency are off ered for the combing lines. Their composition depends on the required output:
up to 300 kg/h, 1 UNIlap E 32 + 4 E 66 / E 76
up to 440 kg/h, 1 OMEGAlap E 35 + 6 E 66 / E 76




Flexibility at the highest level
SYSTEMATIC CONTROL OF PRODUCTION, QUALITY AND ECONOMY
The E 66 / E 76 combers provide a high level of flexibility. On the basis of maximum output, quality can be adjusted as required. The factors of raw material utilization, output and quality can thus be systematically controlled.
HIGH NIP RATES
The combers have been developed for high nip rates. Opera­tions under mill conditions have shown that superior results are achieved at maximum nip rates with Rieter combers.
MAXIMUM BATT WEIGHT
Batt weights of up to 80 g/m can be selected, depending on staple length and micronaire value. The technologically recom­mended maximum is 550 000 fi bers in the cross-section. The larger the fi ber mass, the higher the fi ber/fi ber friction and the better the self-cleaning eff ect of the batt on the comber. Batt weights of 76 - 80 g/m are standard in the medium staple sec­tor, up to 72 g/m in the long staple sector.

OPTIMUM TYPE AND LENGTH OF FEED
Combing can be performed with forward feeding or backward feeding. Superior running properties and quality values are achieved with forward feeding in the majority of all applica­tions. In this case the self-cleaning eff ect of the batt is exploit­ed to the full in addition to the combing action of the circular and top combs. Forward feeding is therefore most frequently used under mill conditions.
Feed length is the dominant controlled variable on the comber and has a signifi cant infl uence on quality. A longer feed length implies higher output, but entails losses in quality. A shorter feed length in conjunction with forward feeding enhances yarn quality. If batt weight is maximized at the same time, a further increase in quality is apparent.
LOW NOIL EXTRACTION
Among other things, the level of noil extraction depends on the raw material and the intended use of the end product. Compared to other manufacturers, the E 66 / E 76 can achieve noil (raw material) savings of up to 2% due to optimum fi ber selection, with the same yarn quality. This presupposes that the maximum batt weight, maximum nip rates and the optimum feed length relative to staple length and micronaire value are specifi ed.
COORDINATING OUTPUT AND QUALITY WITH THE END PRODUCT Controlling quality means controlling costs. The control options a re:
· higher quality with the same rate of noil extraction or
· maintaining quality while reducing noil extraction and thus increasing economic effi ciency.
Rieter’s technology know-how regarding all controlled variables enables the comber to be adjusted precisely and reproducibly for any yarn.


From lap to yarn
OPTIMUM COMBING PREPARATION
The right combing preparation, SB-D 40 or SB 20 and UNIlap E 32 or OMEGAlap E 35, provides the ideal basis for the E 66 / E 76 combers. The laps produced thus ensure the best possible batt weight regularity, maximum batt weight and good unwind­ing behavior on the comber.
BATCH COMBING PROCESS
The combing process is a batch process. Bundles of combed fi ber are doff ed under controlled conditions and then laid on top of each other with defi ned spacing (piecing distance).
The piecing distance is clearly visible in the spectrogram due to the high sliver regularity achieved with the 3-over-3 drafting system. This long-wave period induced by the system, also re­ferred to as the piecing peak, is drawn on the subsequent RSB-D 40 autoleveler drawframe and reliably leveled out.
SUPERIOR COMBING QUALITY
Quality is a matter of tradition and has a name. Several thou­sand Rieter combers are producing superior quality worldwide. The new E 66 / E 76 generation is the natural continuation of this line.
Excellent fiber selection means that signifi cantly fewer long fibers, i.e. good fi bers, end up in the noil. With equivalent quality, Rieter combers therefore extract up to 2% fewer noils, i.e. achieve up to 2% raw material savings, compared to other systems.
HIGH YARN QUALITY
The high yarn quality is achieved at very high nip rates. This applies to both imperfections and tenacity/elongation as well as infrequent weak places in the yarn, which has a positive im­pact in downstream processing in particular.
ATTRACTIVE FINISHED PRODUCT
Finished products made from yarns combed on the E 66 / E 76 are characterized by high regularity and good pile density.


Combing elements
GENTLE, CONTROLLED FIBER TREATMENT
The technological superiority of the Rieter combing line is evi­dent primarily at maximum nip rates. The sequences of motion are coordinated in such a way that gentle fi ber treatment is guaranteed even at 500 nips/min. The combing and technology elements developed by means of C•A•P•D have been designed for optimally achievable quality while exploiting the maximum possible production rates.
PRECISION NIPPER
The Rieter nipper ensures faultless processing of batt weights of up to 80 g/m. Optimum combing action throughout the nip rate range results from the high-precision gripping of the batt interacting with the optimized motion of the circular and top combs.
MILL-PROVEN TOP COMB
The use of Ri-Q-Top top combs ensures maximum combing effi - ciency combined with a low soiling tendency. Tooth shape, tooth density and insertion point are crucial for achieving these goals.
OPTIMIZED CIRCULAR COMB
The universally applicable PRIMACOMB® circular combs have been developed for high batt weights. Further adjustments by
means of C•A•P•D~⁰⁰ ensure gentle, controlled fi ber tuft intake of
the lap into the circular comb. The specially developed PRIMA-COMB® circular combs cover the entire staple range.
High-quality combed sliver
DRAFTING SYSTEM
The drafting system has been incorporated from the E 65 / E 75 predecessor model. It has already proved its qualities in sev­eral thousand machines. The 3-over-3 cylinder drafting mecha­nism enables optimum draft distribution to be achieved.
Precise fi ber guidance ensures faultless processing of cotton in staple lengths from 1” to 1 1/2” and results in good sliver regu­larity. Draft distances can be adjusted optimally to the relevant fi ber length in the breaker and main drafting zones.
DELIVERY
After leaving the drafting system the combed sliver is guided into the fi nger chute by means of a redesigned sliver transport. Before the combed sliver enters the can, a sensor monitors it for thin places. The sensor is mechanically adjustable and re­acts to sliver counts below the defi ned range. The combed sliv­er is compressed by stepped rollers to increase its gripping length and laid gently in the can. The result is a combed sliver with high sliver regularity.


Low maintenance costs
The optimized sequences of motion have a benefi cial eff ect on the stress imposed on the combing elements and thus on the running behavior of the machine.
SMOOTH RUNNING BEHAVIOR
The sequences of motion have been optimized for very high nip rates in the 450 - 500 nips/min range. Each individual combing head and the machine as a whole display very smooth running behavior. This guarantees reliability and high machine effi cien­cy. In recent decades the time elapsing between 2 unplanned machine stoppages (mean time between assists – MTBA) has been steadily increased. In the meantime Rieter combers achieve MTBA values of 230 minutes.
LOW LOADING
Even at maximum output levels the mechanical stresses are lower than on conventional combers. This has a positive impact on the wear and the service lives of the combing elements.
OIL CHANGE
An oil change interval of 4 000 hours is recommended for the E 66 / E 76 models. This long interval is an indication of the low loading and thus the low wear of the elements. The result is long comber service life.

Expanded range of operations
The combers’ range of operations extends beyond the usual combing applications. Solutions for special applications have been evolved and implemented together with our customers.
UPGRADING
Noil extraction rates of less than 12% are described as up­grading. Starting with carded yarn, there are two possible ap­proaches:
1. Upgrading yarn quality
The end product is a yarn of signifi cantly higher quality compared to the carded yarn when the same class of cotton is used. Raw material utilization is increased compared to carded yarn. Running properties in subsequent processes are improved.
2. Upgrading the cotton used
When a lower class of cotton is used, the end product is a yarn of equal quality compared to carded yarn.
SLIVER EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR LOOSE-STOCK BLENDING Blends in the blowroom display more homogeneous, intimate blending compared to sliver blends. Instead of blending combed and carded slivers on the fi nishing drawframe, in loose-stock blending the combed sliver is returned to the mixing opener.
Rieter combers are optionally available with an appropriate an­cillary module. This module enables the combed sliver to be sucked off immediately after the drafting system. The combed sliver is returned to the mixing opener via additional piping. Switching from sliver suction to standard coiling in cans is a simple operation.
PROCESSING DYED COTTON
The combers can be equipped with special sensors for process­ing dyed cotton.



Fully automated lap change
ROBOlap AUTOMATIC LAP CHANGING AND BATT PIECING SYSTEM The ROBOlap system on the fully automated E 76 comber reduc­es operator eff ort to purely supervisory functions. Effi ciency is improved by some 2% compared to the E 66 “semi-automatic” comber. Piecing quality with ROBOlap is measurably improved compared to manual batt piecing. This is apparent in the regu­larity of the combed sliver. Qualifi ed operating personnel can be dispensed with when the fully automated ROBOlap batt piecer is used.
MODE OF OPERATION OF ROBOlap
The machine stops as soon as the fi rst laps run empty. The fol­lowing process then occurs:
1. The batt is detached by rotating the lap in the reverse direction. This is followed by forward rotation to suck off the remaining batt on the tubes.
2. The empty tubes are tipped back into the empty tube channel. The 8 full laps are tilted into the working position, i.e. onto the lap rollers.
3. Preparing the end of the batt for automatic piecing, by defi ned detachment of the batt ends.
4. Pneumatic piecing of the batt by means of the Aero-Pic system. This is followed by an automatic machine start.

Lap transport
SEMI-AUTOMATIC LAP TRANSPORT WITH THE SERVOtrolley SERVOtrolley is a semi-automatic lap transport system. A SERVO-trolley transports 4 laps and 4 tubes. The SERVOtrolleys are positioned beside the combing preparation machine. The trol­leys are automatically loaded with laps. The SERVOtrolleys are moved manually to the comber. As soon as two trolleys are posi­tioned behind the comber, the laps can be transferred automati­cally to the comber.
SERVOtrolley E 16 FOR THE E 66
The SERVOtrolley E 16 is the lap transport trolley for the E 66 comber. In this combination lap and tube changing on the comber are actuated at the push of a button. The empty tubes are automatically rolled into the trolley and the full laps onto the comber.
SERVOtrolley E 17 FOR THE E 76
The SERVOtrolley E 17 is the lap transport trolley for the fully automated E 76 comber. The E 17 diff ers from the E 16 in stor­age channel height and actuation of lap change. On the E 17 lap and tube changing are fully automatic. As soon as the tubes on the comber have run empty and two trolleys loaded with laps are in position behind the comber, the change is actuated automatically.
The combing preparation machine automatically distinguishes between the SERVOtrolley E 16 and E 17. Semi-automatic and fully automated combers can be operated in the same installa­tion without any restrictions.
The minimum number of SERVOtrolleys per combing line (combers and combing preparation) consists of the number of combers plus 2 additional SERVOtrolleys.
FULLY AUTOMATED LAP TRANSPORT WITH THE SERVOlap E 25 The SERVOlap E 25 lap transport system performs fully auto­mated lap transport from combing preparation to the comber and return of the tubes. The system transports 8 laps in one working cycle. Both the E 66 and E 76 combers can be linked to the SERVOlap E 25. The advantages are:
· gentle lap transport
· no operator eff ort
· no waiting times on the comber
· higher effi ciency on the comber


Rieter Machine Works Ltd.
Klosterstrasse 20 CH-8406 Winterthur
T +41 52 208 71 71
F +41 52 208 83 20