Pakistan Textile Journal. march index

Air-jet weaving is often described as an attempt to square the circle: on the one hand high weft insertion rates, on the other high energy and air consumption. The L5500 air-jet weaving machine puts an end to all that. Thanks to the new Active Weft Control System (AWC), compressed air consumption is further reduced.

After the rapier weaving machines, Sultex has now also upgraded its air-jet weaving machines, as maximum efficiency, versatility and moderate energy costs are called for in the production of high-quality standard fabrics made of spun or filament yarns, the latest-generation air-jet weaving machine, the L5500, demonstrates its strengths.

A high weft insertion rate of over 2000 m/min, combined with extensive automation, user-friendliness and a small footprint lead to top profitability for competitive weaving mills.

The optimized compressed air consumption is achieved due to new Active Weft Control System (AWC). Patented real-time monitoring of the weft yarn makes predictive control of the relay nozzles possible. The main and tandem nozzles ensure gentle acceleration of the weft yarn with minimal air consumption. With the Air Gripper System (AGS), Lycra yarns in the weft are also woven faultlessly.

Short reaction and blow times make economical compressed air consumption possible, with values never previously achieved. The patented RTC (Real Time Controller) is an intelligent, active control system that influences the current weft insertion rate, optimizing the nozzle blow times. Irrespective of the weft being woven, the weaving machine adjusts every weft insertion for minimal air consumption. Depending on the weft yarn and machine width, air consumption can be reduced by 10 to 40%.

With RTC technology, genuine quick style changes are possible for the first time. There is no need for time-consuming optimization following a style change. The Real Time Controller also recognizes the different characteristics of filament yarns from the full to the empty package, and responds accordingly. Sensors for monitoring package diameter or package change are thus superfluous.

The L5500 is designed to produce a broad range of fabrics – for industry, for the home, for sports and leisure activities. A maximum working width of 400 cm also allows cost-efficient production of light to medium-weight technical textiles.

The ergonomically faultless shed setting arrangement on the new Sulzer Textil EP11 tappet motion helps ensure minimal style change times, being equipped with ten plus one shaft drives. The eleventh – front – shaft can be used for selvedge weaving. Thus there are always ten shafts available for the basic weave.

Selvedges are formed on the new air-jet weaving machine with ELD (electric leno device), which significantly reduces the weaver’s workload. Independent selvedge devices (ISDs), selvedge sealing devices or air tucking units can be supplied.

Automatic pick repair effectively reduces the operating personnel’s workload and leads to shorter downtimes.