Truetzschler comber proves successful in practice

The introduction of the new Truetzschler comber TCO 1 in Munich last year came certainly as surprise to many. Behind the scene, however, this involved long-term preparations. Marzoli comber specialists developed this machine in close cooperation with the Truetzschler Development Department.

The development goal was a nip rate of 500/minute, which is 25% higher than that of the Marzoli machines on the market at that time. And the first practical results show that this goal has been achieved. All the users mention that they are surprised about the smooth and quiet operation of the Truetzschler comber TCO 1. This is not only perceivable, but also measurable. The vibration level of the new comber TCO 1 at 500 nips/min. is only half that of older Marzoli machines at 400 nips/min. The low noise emission is the result of a number of new machine elements and drive solutions.

Thus, the frame has been newly designed. The dynamic stress during operation was simulated with special software. This made it possible to gear the design of the frame components precisely to the stress variations. The resulting combination of cast-iron and steel elements ensures minimum vibrations.

The nipper jaws have also been newly designed. At a nip rate of 500, they must swing forward and backward more than 8 times per second. Thus, it is important to have a very light-weight design, without impairing stability. The solution is found in the application of three special metal alloys. The actual nipper jaws are made of magnesium and aluminium alloy, the side parts of high-strength aluminium, and the jaws of precision-ground steel. It goes without saying that these nipper jaws can safely handle today’s regular batt weight of up to 80 g/m. Of course other successful Truetzschler solutions were adapted as well. Hence, the top rolls of the drafting system and the delivery rolls of the comber are individually controllable, pneumatically loaded - same as on Truetzschler draw frames. As is customary with Truetzschler, operation takes place via a large-size colour touch-screen. Meanwhile, Truetzschler combers are operating in spinning mills in eight countries. The applications range from Ne 30 at a nip rate of 480, to Ne 100 at a nip rate of 360. The quality expectations of the users have been met everywhere. Comparisons with existing combers were throughout positive.