Autefa Solutions will introduce a new concept fibre recycling line for nonwovens at this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt, the core components of which, will be high performance balers and a compact tearing machine.

“With our fibre recycling concept we offer all necessary components from one single source for the nonwovens industry and thus ensure that all process steps are realized effectively and competently,” explains Dr. Stefan Schlichter, Managing Director of Autefa Solutions.

“The core components of our recycling line are high-performance fiber balers as well as a compact tearing machine. Our customers need efficient systems, which enable an economic fibre recycling in order to re-feed the high quality fibre material in the production process.”

Carbon fibre processing

Also highlighted at Techtextil will be the company’s machines for processing carbon fibre, as carbon fiber-reinforced components grow in demand. “Our machines are running very successfully in lines for carbon fibre processing. Here we are a competent partner and we will provide actual information at Techtextil,” reports Dr. Schlichter.

Nonwovens lines

Autefa Solutions delivers complete lines as well as individual machines for nonwovens manufacturing - application fields include the production of artificial leather, filter products and paper-machine felts, automotive felts, geotextiles, floor coverings, felts for insulation and nonwovens for the hygiene industry.

Web forming

Autefa’s Injection Card Plus uses the aerodynamic principle for gentle fibre treatment and the improved carding effect, the modular machine construction and the easy cleaning system in particular are said to make the machines suitable for high production spunlace lines and ADL (acquisition distribution layer) nonwovens.

According to Autefa, the aerodynamic principle of the Airlay Card K 12 DIRECT results in maximum product quality and economical production and is suitable for the production of top quality webs in a weight range of 80 g/m² to 6.000 g/m².

“Due to the direct transfer from the chute feed to the Airlay Card without an additional opener, the fibres are gently opened and formed into the nonwoven fabric. The flexible Airlay Card K 12 can be used for all fiber types. These are all kinds of man-made fibres, viscose, cotton, cotton blend, jute, flax, hemp, and generated waste and special fibres,” Autefa explains.

The company’s Topliner crosslapper is a key machine in many nonwoven installations. Topliner is said to increase product quality in new installations or as a replacement in existing lines, while at the same time contributing to saving raw material.

Web bonding

Autefa’s Stylus needle loom is equipped with the innovative Variliptic drive system, which enables high production speeds whilst ensuring gentle needling of the nonwoven fabric. The company says this is particularly important during the first process step, the preneedling. The Variliptic drive system aims to optimize the surface of the nonwoven fabric, whilst protecting the fibres and minimizing needle wear. “The machine has been delivered to numerous customers and has shown its specific advantages in field operation,” says Autefa.

Global growth

Autefa Solutions is currently experiencing global growth in the area of fibre balers, both in the Asian textile markets - and as a boost in Europe and North America.

Alongside their application by viscose and polyester fiber manufacturers, fiber balers are also used in the pulp industry for filling fibres for diapers. Other areas of application include the pressing of pulp for the paper industry, the processing of filament tow in the cigarette industry and tow logistics for precursors in carbon fiber production.

Autefa Solutions’ UNI-FORK system replaces manual balers and is fully automated, organizing the complete fiber logistics for fiber lines, including fiber bale packing, weighing and labelling.

“The transfer fork UNI-FORK is universally applicable. This means high-performance fiber lines producing well over 300 tonnes per day or smaller special lines for aramids, polypropylene or spun-dyed fibres can be individually customized. The automation is complete with the hooding packing AD-WRAP: This means an output of up to 100 fiber bales per hour is possible,” Autefa explains.

“The concept of Autefa Solutions is innovative, flexible and economic. The significant reduction in personnel expenses, the high availability of the system and the short amortization period have proved impressive,” concludes Dr. Stefan Schlichter.

Three machine manufacturers represent the company Autefa Solutions - Autefa in Friedberg (Bavaria), Austria-based Fehrer in Linz and the Italian company F.O.R. in Biella as well as the newly founded companies Autefa Solutions North America and Autefa Solutions Wuxi (China).

www.autefa.com