Germany's Trutzschler's IDF gets turbo boost for increased efficiency

IDF has developed significantly in recent years since it first hit the market 20 years ago. It has now demonstrated its positive impact on short spinning processes, Trutzschler said in a press release.

“As a result, the IDF is a key part of our product range today. Two generations of this machine have already delivered valuable performance improvements for our spinning customers worldwide. And our innovators have now successfully created the third generation—the new integrated draw frame IDF 3,” said Jorg Schmitz, senior expert, R&D, Spinning Preparation.

First, the team adapted the precise, robust measuring devices Disc Leveller (DL) and Disc Monitor (DM) to fit the specifications of card and IDF 3. The resulting IDF DL and IDF DM interact efficiently with the existing 1-zone drafting system, which results in more homogeneous slivers and higher yarn quality. Switching to the IDF DL and IDF DM system instead of the previous measuring funnel adds more benefits than advanced detection of sliver deviations. The new system also works entirely without compressed air, which reduces operating costs.

In addition, the IDF 3 make-over includes a complete redesign of the drafting zone in line with all Trutzschler drafting systems. This further stabilises the drafting process and significantly improves the yarn imperfection total IPI for recycled fibres and raw cotton, while also blending with synthetics. Yarn strength and elongation are also enhanced.

Improving the IDF is only possible if innovators also look at the card and can changer, because there is huge potential if the interactions between the three elements are optimally balanced. This is particularly true for the Direct Spinning process, with its small can sizes. Each time a full can is replaced by an empty can, the delivery speed of the card and IDF needs to be drastically reduced—and this slows down the production process. Every second that can be saved from this can change process adds to the overall productivity. In this context, Trutzschler’s teams have optimised the can changer to save customers’ time. The delivery speed of the IDF 3 stays at the high level of 300 m/min during can changes, which increases efficiency by 3 per cent, added the release.

The IDF 3 is designed to open directly towards the operator in order to enable accurate machine settings and effective maintenance. This makes it easy to reach all of the adjustment points within the working area.

Thanks to the Quick Start autopiecing function, operators do not need to open the drafting unit. Instead, they simply insert the sliver end into the IDF DL, which saves up to 60 seconds during each piecing event.

Depending on the number of piecing processes performed, the saved time quickly adds up to a significant increase in productivity. Trutzschler’s technicians have also improved the pressure adjustment on the IDF 3 by adding an easy-to-reach digital pressure manometer. This makes it possible to precisely set the pressure and directly monitor limits on the drafting system via the display screen.

The IDF 3 can also be configured with the exclusive Trutzschler features, T-LED, Smart Touch, and RFID to further enhance handling.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)