We are at the forefront of shaping progress in the field of automation
Rieter is the world’s leading supplier of systems for short-staple fibre spinning. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibres and their blends into yarns. Rieter is the only supplier worldwide to cover both spinning preparation processes and all four end-spinning processes currently established on the market. Furthermore, Rieter is a leader in the field of precision winding machines. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Rieter CEO Dr. Norbert Klapper discussed textile machinery, including the winding machine and automation.
Which types of machinery are supplied by Rieter?
We are first and foremost a systems supplier for short-staple fibre spinning. This is where the full potential of our technology is brought to bear. With a Rieter system, customers can produce yarn at consistent quality and competitive cost. Additional cash flow results from better raw material utilisation and less space and personnel requirements. While each Rieter machine is designed to be completely energy-efficient, the full benefits are realised when they are combined into a system. Rieter’s ring spinning system, for example, is 10 per cent more energy efficient than one comprising machines from different suppliers. This makes a decisive difference in the competitive world of yarn manufacturing.
Do these machines work on all types of fibre and yarn, such as cotton, blended, synthetic, wool, silk, hemp and newer ones like banana, orange, etc.
Our focus is on yarn production from staple fibres, including mainly cotton, polyester and viscose. Blends represent an important trend, with some expecting 55 per cent of all staple fibres worldwide to be spun to blended yarns.
In the face of the climate emergency, we are doing our part and accelerating efforts to make the textile industry more sustainable and circular. Rieter offers complete recycling spinning lines as well as tailored, economical solutions to process bast fibres like hemp or flax. In addition, we work shoulder to shoulder with customers to develop new yarns that are produced or recycled in a chemically sustainable manner.
In what way has the addition of the winding machine changed your portfolio?
With the winding machine Autoconer X6, we have reached our goal of offering world-class machines for complete ring- and compact-spinning systems. The Autoconer X6 is the key machine for highest efficiency, serving as the final quality assurance in the ring- and compact-spinning process and is crucial for the performance of subsequent process steps. We are now integrating the winding machine into ESSENTIAL, our all-in-one mill management system. This will give customers end-to-end transparency from bale to package. In all, customers will reach new heights in efficiency, quality and flexibility.
To what extent has automation creeped in the textile industry? How soon will we be able to see a completely automated textile machine that would not need any human involvement during the production process.
Automation is a key trend because our customers often face severe labour and skill shortages, limiting competitiveness and growth. We are at the forefront of shaping progress in this promising field. ROBOspin, which is a world-first we launched in 2019, illustrates our capabilities but we provide sophisticated solutions, tailored to make our customers more competitive across all process steps. One study in a 53,000-spindle mill showed that Rieter’s automation solutions were able to bring down personnel requirements by 44 per cent.
Today, the world is very concerned about climate change. What would be your suggestion to companies that still rely on old (more than seven years) and very old (more than 20 years) machinery?
Our machines are designed to last but even champions face wear and tear. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in dealing with ageing machines. Sometimes Performance Optimisation Services are the answer. Our After-Sales team implemented an optimisation plan for our long-standing partner, the textile division of Ramco Group. The impact after implementation was a 10 per cent productivity increase and up to 25 per cent yarn quality improvement, which also brought down costs.
Published on: 10/10/2022
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
