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The customer magazine of Rieter Spun Yarn Systems 

Vol. 20 / No . 52 . July 2008 / EN 

link 1 

/2008 

04 TECHNOLOGY R 40 technology for viscose 14 PRODUCT NEWS The longest ring spinning machine 

19 RIETER INSIDE Rieter in China 22 EVENTS ITMA ASIA and CITME 2008

2 Rieter . LINK 52 . 1 /2008 

CONTENTS 

Cover: 

Shanghai Skyline 

©Istockphoto 

Publisher and editor-in-chief: 

Marketing Spun Yarn Systems, 

Heiner Eberli 

Copyright: 

© 2008 by Rieter Machine Works Ltd., 

Klosterstrasse 20, CH-8406 Winterthur, 

www.rieter.com, rieter-link@rieter.com 

Reprints permitted, subject to prior 

approval; specimen copies requested. 

Design and production: 

Marketing Rieter CZ a.s., Pavel Bielik 

Printing HRG s.r.o., 

Czech Republic 

03 EDITORIAL 

TECHNOLOGY 

04 Processing SPV viscose using Rieter R 40 rotor spinning 

technology 

The combination of SPV viscose fibers with Rieter R 40 rotor 

spinning technology enables rotor speeds of 130 000 rpm 

and delivery speeds of 175 m/min to be achieved. 

PRODUCT NEWS 

09 The new SB-D 11 compact drawframe 

11 Wide product diversity with ComfoRo® rotor-spun yarns 

14 The longest ring and compact spinning machine 

On the basis of initial experience, the first installations 

of G 35 ring spinning machines and K 45 ComforSpin 

machines are fulfilling high expectations in mill operations. 

They are achieving new levels of quality consistency, 

running behavior, flexibility and economy. 

17 Enhanced user-friendliness with original spare parts 

RIETER INSIDE 

19 Rieter’s 80 years in China 

Rieter has already been doing business in China for over 

80 years. The road from the first delivery of machines to 

the Middle Kingdom in 1927 to today’s successes has been 

a stony one. Roger Naef looks back on a turbulent history. 

EVENTS 

22 Textile world records at the ITMA Asia 

Summer 2008 in China: Rieter’s four world record 

holders were presented for the first time at a new venue, 

the combined CITME 08 and ITMA Asia 08 trade fair in 

Shanghai.

It has become clearly apparent in recent years that the 

main markets for the European textile machinery industry 

are continuing to shift to Asia. This is reflected in the 

fact that almost 80% of our textile machinery sales are 

generated in Asia, where China is the most important 

market alongside India. It is no exaggeration to say that 

the latest state of the art has been and will be displayed 

in China and India respectively, at the two major textile 

machinery trade fairs, the ITMA Asia in Shanghai and the 

ITME India in Bangalore. 

The 3rd ITMA Asia, which was held for the first time in 

Shanghai on July 27 - 31, 2008, clearly confirmed this 

trend. The question being raised throughout our industry 

as this trade show approached was: How is this likely 

to turn out, so soon after the successful ITMA 07 in 

Munich? 

We at Rieter Textile Systems were able to demonstrate 

the latest innovations from our development departments 

to our visitors from many countries, mainly from 

the Asian markets. In this issue of LINK we’ll give you 

a brief retrospective review of the highlights shown in 

Shanghai. We were able to demonstrate to spinning specialists 

that the booth in Shanghai even outdid what we 

produced for the show in Munich, which was a great success 

for Rieter. 

Rieter . LINK 52 . 1 /2008 

EDITORIAL 

China – and indeed the whole of the Asia region – has 

been an important market for Rieter Textile Systems 

for decades, and features specific characteristics 

that have always presented special challenges in 

terms of product design and marketing. Our primary 

goal has always been to place the benefits of our customized 

systems solutions at the center of our marketing 

efforts. And this was no different at the recent 

ITMA Asia. 

Various machines from our systems offering were on 

display in their latest versions on our booth: they included 

the E 76 comber with perfectly coordinated 

OMEGAlap lap preparation. In addition to the C 60 

card and the K 45 ComforSpin machine we showed 

innovations in the drawframe sector. The improved 

version of the R 40 automated rotor spinning machine 

was also on display. The ComfoRo® yarns produced 

on this machine have already earned an excellent 

reputation on all markets. 

The second major trade show will take place in Bangalore, 

India, toward the end of 2008. Rieter will again 

surprise the textile industry with innovations at this 

exhibition. We look forward to your visit. 8-103 • 

Dr. Martin Folini 

Head SYS Business Group 

Winterthur 

martin.folini@rieter.com 

3


TECHNOLOGY 

Processing SPV viscose using Rieter 

R 40 rotor spinning technology 

The combination of SPV viscose fibers with Rieter R 40 rotor spinning 

technology enables rotor speeds of 130 000 rpm and delivery speeds of 

175 m/min to be achieved with Ne 30/1 yarns while maintaining very 

good running properties and optimum yarn structure for downstream 

processing of the yarn. The twist factor for processing SPV viscose is 

ideally within the αm 100-110 range. A mean twist factor of αm 105 can 

be recommended for weaving and knitting applications. 

Fig. 1 Moisture 

distribution in the 

cross-section of the 

different cellulose 

fibers. 

Source: Autex Textile 

Conference 2005. 

1. Cotton 

2. TENCEL® 

3. Modal 

4. Viscose 

Alternative to cotton 

Cellulose fibers such as viscose, Modal and Tencel® 

are very good alternatives to cotton and play a major 

role on the textile market, especially for fashionable 

clothing, bed linen, towels and underwear. 

Raw materials made from cellulose are even better 

than cotton in certain clothing functions, for example 

softness and antibacterial properties. Cellulose 

is therefore either blended with cotton or used 

100% in clothing that comes into direct contact with 

the skin. In the case of extremely high functional requirements, 

multi-component textile fabrics can also 

1 2 

3 4 

be called for. The use of two-ply weaves in different 

raw materials is a trend-setting feature here. A combination 

of different knitted or woven fabrics can be 

of advantage in leisurewear and sportswear, where 

dealing with body perspiration is an important aspect. 

The skin can be prevented from cooling off if 

body moisture is absorbed by the viscose/cotton 

blend and transported into the atmosphere through 

the polyester surface. The polyester surface also protects 

the skin against external environmental influences. 

Properties of cellulose fibers 

Cellulose fibers have the best antibacterial properties 

compared with polyamide, polyester, polypropylene 

and cotton. They also absorb moisture very 

readily and distribute it very effectively, depending 

on type. For example, Tencel® absorbs as much as 

50% more moisture than cotton. 

Moisture distribution is illustrated by the adjoining 

photographs, in which the dark areas indicate moisture 

and the light areas the fiber raw material. In the 

case of Tencel® it is apparent that moisture distribution 

occurs over a very wide area and that moisture 

is absorbed very uniformly compared with cotton 

(Fig. 1). 

High-performance spinning 

In addition to the major advantages of cellulose fibers 

in the garment industry, the type of viscose and 

the spinning process, such as ring, rotor or air-jet, 

and the optimum machine configuration play a crucial 

role. Ultimately, these parameters are decisive 

not only for the properties of the textile product, but 

also the economics of yarn manufacture. 

Test parameters 

A 1.3 dtex SPV viscose with 38 mm cut staple was 

used, together with another Asian viscose with the 

same specifications for comparison. These were 

processed on the latest Rieter high-performance machines: 

• C 60 card 

• SB-D 15 drawframe 

• RSB-D 40 drawframe 

• R 40 rotor spinning machine.

Fig. 2 Fiber cross-section 

structure of the SPV fiber 

and the Asian fiber. 

1. SPV viscose 

2. Asian viscose 

Processing viscose on rotor spinning machines is especially 

attractive. Ring-spun yarns made from viscose 

generally produce a very soft and pliable fabric 

hand. By contrast, rotor-spun yarns produce a 

rather harder hand due to their belly-band structure. 

The combination of viscose and the rotor-spun yarn 

structure ultimately results in an ideal fabric hand 

with very good pilling properties in the textile fabric 

and is very economical by virtue of the high delivery 

speed due to rotor spinning technology. 

Intermediate product results 

Both types of viscose used display distinct differences 

in fiber length, despite having the same staple 

length specification of 38 mm. The figure for SPV 

viscose is significantly higher in this respect, which 

is reflected in a mean staple length approx. 3 mm 

longer up to the card intake. Long fibers increase after 

the card due to fiber parallelization and de-crimping. 

On the other hand, mean fiber length decreases 

slightly after the card due to a higher short fiber content. 

The short fiber content increases as a function 

of fiber loading and fiber strength on the card. Use of 

SPV fiber results in a minimal increase in short fibers 

of only 1.5% in absolute terms, whereas the short 

fiber content increases by 4.5% in absolute terms 

with the Asian viscose. The higher overall short fiber 

content and its significantly greater increase after 

carding will have a negative impact on yarn tenacity 

and elongation. 

It can be concluded from the higher fiber strength 

and elongation in the case of SPV viscose that this 

is at least one reason for the minimal increase in 

short fibers of only 1.5% after the C 60 card. A fiber 

of lower strength and elongation, such as the Asian 

viscose, is also more sensitive to fiber shortening in 

light of the fiber loading occurring in the spinning 

process. It can be concluded from this that the carding 

output of 80 kg/h can certainly be increased further 

in the case of SPV fiber. 

The fiber cross-section structure of the two types of 

viscose differs significantly, which can also result in 

differing processing properties and yarn qualities 

(Fig. 2). 

1 

2 


TECHNOLOGY 

Closer examination of the raw material has already 

shown that distinct differences exist between the 

types, despite the same raw material specification, 

such as fiber count and fiber length. Differences in 

processing properties must therefore also be expected 

on the final spinning machine, as well as in yarn 

quality and the final quality of the textile fabric. 

Yarn results 

Yarn properties are determined essentially by yarn 

structure and thus the final spinning process as well 

as raw material and fiber preparation. As has already 

been pointed out, the combination of viscose raw 

material and the rotor spinning process offers considerable 

potential in terms of yarn properties and 

economics. The question now arises of the extent to 

which settings on the rotor spinning machine and the 

choice of technology elements influence yarn quality 

and productivity. 

5


TECHNOLOGY 

Maximum work load vs. twist factor and raw material 

viscose 1.3 dtex, 38 mm, C 60 80 kg, R 40 rotor 33 mm XT-5B, 115 000 rpm, Ne 30. 

Maximum work load [cN*cm] 

900 

850 

800 

750 

700 

96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 

Mima 1 Mima 2 nano 4 nano 4 

Fig. 3 Maximum work 

load vs. twist factor 

and raw material, 

viscose 1.3 dtex, 38 

mm, C 60 80 kg, R 40 

rotor 33 mm XT-5B, 

115 000 rpm, Ne 30. 

Twist factor 

SPV 

Asian 

viscose 

The main technology elements and setting levels in 

this case are the draw-off nozzle, the twist factor and 

the type of rotor. There is a wide diversity of draw-off 

nozzles on the market, but in the absence of systematic 

studies, i.e. due to the effort involved, only few 

precise recommendations for processing viscose fibers 

exist. The draw-off nozzles customarily used for 

viscose, plus those in the process of development, 

were therefore compared in this study. 

The latest version of draw-off nozzles Mima1 and 

Mima2 produces the cleanest yarn and thus also the 

highest yarn regularity with optimal drawframe sliver 

feeding. These results were confirmed irrespective 

of viscose type, rotor speed, rotor diameter and twist 

factor. Yarn cleanliness when processing viscose can 

be improved by up to 50% through the influence of 

the draw-off nozzle, depending on rotor speed. The 

twist factor has virtually no impact on yarn cleanliness 

in the αm 100-110 range. Yarn cleanliness is 

primarily influenced by the type of draw-off nozzle 

and viscose. 

Given raw material 

However, with a given raw material it must be borne 

in mind that compromises will also have to be made 

in the choice of draw-off nozzle due to other important 

criteria. The best yarn values achievable with 

a given draw-off nozzle are of little use if disadvantages 

in running properties and thus economics result 

for customers. 

Due to the fiber properties, higher yarn tenacity 

cannot be achieved by increasing yarn twist with 

both types of viscose and rotor spinning technology. 

A twist factor of αm 105 can therefore be recommended 

with regard to the strength and hand of 

the textile fabric. The draw-off nozzles can influence 

yarn tenacity up to an absolute figure of 0.7 cN/tex. 

As was to be expected, yarn elongation is also higher 

in SPV viscose due to the higher fiber elongation 

at break. 

Maximum work load 

Maximum work load in the yarn differs between the 

two types of viscose. SPV viscose displays approx. 

10% higher Maximum work load under otherwise 

equal conditions, such as: 

• number of fibers in the cross-section 

• yarn count 

• final spinning process 

• spinning elements 

• settings 

Higher maximum work load in the yarn will also be of 

advantage at high spinning tensions caused by high 

rotor speeds (Fig. 3). 

Twist factor, draw-off nozzle and raw material have 

a significant influence on hairiness levels. SPV viscose 

displayed better fiber integration compared 

with the Asian viscose, taking the draw-off nozzles 

into account. Lower hairiness, i.e. greater fiber integration 

in the yarn bundle, can have a positive impact 

on yarn tenacity, yarn elongation or Maximum 

work load. Depending on the sphere of application 

in downstream yarn processing, lower hairiness has 

a positive impact on pilling behavior and fiber abrasion.

Fig. 4 Maximum work 

load vs. rotor speed 

and raw material, 

viscose 1.3 dtex, 

38 mm, C 60 80 kg, Ne 

30, αm 105, 

nano4 nozzle. 

Maximum work load [cN*cm]*A 

900 

850 

800 

750 

700 

650 

600 

Rotor speed and economic efficiency 

From the physical properties of the fibers, the fiber 

bundle and ultimately the yarn it can already be concluded 

that performance limits on the final spinning 

machine will differ. 

The best draw-off nozzle for running properties on 

the rotor spinning machine was selected for each 

type of viscose in this study. Minor compromises 

with regard to yarn quality were necessary in this 

respect. The newly developed nano4, Mima1 and 

Mima2 draw-off nozzles proved to be ideal, irrespective 

of the viscose raw material, the twist factor, the 

type of rotor and its diameter. Taking yarn cleanliness 

and the somewhat lower rotor speed for this 

into account, the Mima1 and Mima2 draw-off nozzles 

produced excellent results. 

Maximum speed 

A maximum rotor speed of 130 000 rpm was 

achieved on the R 40 when using the nano4 nozzle 

and a rotor diameter of 31 mm in combination with 

Maximum work load vs. rotor speed and raw material 

viscose 1.3 dtex, 38 mm, C 60 80 kg, Ne 30, αm 105, nano 4 nozzle 

max. rpm Asian viscose max. rpm SPV 

115 000 120 000 125 000 130 000 

Rotor speed [rpm]*B 

rotor 33 XT-5B - SPV rotor 31 XK-5B - SPV 

33 mm rotor, Asian viscose 


TECHNOLOGY 

SPV viscose and maintaining a low rate of


TECHNOLOGY 

This showed that the maximum rotor speed is essentially 

a function of yarn maximum work load in order 

to be able to absorb the increasing yarn tension at 

rising rotor speeds. That is to say, under otherwise 

equal overall conditions such as 

• yarn count 

• twist factor 

• optimum nozzle for high speeds 

• fiber count 

• staple length 

the limiting value to yarn break depends at least on 

the following additional raw material factors, i.e. 

these are the cause of the difference in maximum rotor 

speeds between the two types of viscose: 

• fiber strength 

• fiber elongation 

• short fiber content, i.e. mean staple length 

• fiber integration (fiber stiffness) 

Reason for deterioration 

Apart from the maximum rotor speeds, it must not be 

forgotten that higher rotor speeds also equate with a 

deterioration in yarn values. At least three main reasons 

can be given for this: 

1. Higher rotor speeds result in a widening difference 

in the speed ratio between the opening roller 

exit (VA) and the rotor wall (VR). 

2. The increase in fiber throughput per unit of time 

results in greater disorientation in the fiber guide 

channel. 

3. Higher rotor speeds result in higher spinning tension 

and thus greater friction on the yarn body and 

the elements involved in the spinning process. 

Yarn diameter also declines and yarn density increases 

at higher rotor speeds due to centrifugal 

force. Properties such as yarn diameter and yarn 

density at constant yarn count affect fabric hand, depending 

on yarn structure, and the pile density of the 

textile fabric. Rotor speeds thus affect properties in 

the yarn and the textile fabric as well as manufacturing 

costs. 

Summary 

The combination of SPV viscose fibers and Rieter R 40 

rotor technology enables rotor speeds of 130 000 rpm 

at a delivery speed of 175 m/min to be achieved. 

The optimal twist factor for processing SPV viscose is 

in the αm 100-110 range. A twist factor of αm 105 

can be recommended on the basis of the yarn properties 

achieved for both knitting and weaving applications. 

nano4, Mima1 and Mima2 draw-off nozzles 

have proved to be ideal for processing viscose on the 

R 40 rotor spinning machine as regards maximum rotor 

speed. Mima1 and Mima2 draw-off nozzles are the 

favorites for achieving maximum yarn regularity. 

Higher output 

Compared with another, comparable viscose fiber 

available on the Asian market, this already corresponds 

to a gain in output of approx. 13%, enabling 

yarn manufacturing costs to be reduced by some 

20%. An extract from the study by SYS Technology 

Y / YP / TIS 22419 can also be obtained from the 

Marketing Department by quoting ref. 8-105. 8-105 • 

Harald Schwippl 

Head Technology 

Rieter Spun Yarn Systems 

Winterthur 

harald.schwippl@rieter.com

The new SB-D 11 compact 

drawframe 

The SB-D 11 is the new single-head drawframe without autoleveling for 

delivery speeds of up to 1 100 m/min. Striking features of the world’s 

shortest single-head drawframe are its compact size, excellent sliver quality 

and low capital investment per kg of sliver. 

Fig. 1 RSB-D 11 

– the new drawframe 

without autoleveling, 

with delivery speeds of 

up to 1 100 m/min. 

Fig. 2 The world’s 

shortest single-head 

drawframe. 

The growing trend toward fiber blends calls for a 

higher number of drawframe passages in the spinning 

mill and the space requirements this entails. 

The SB-D 11 (Fig. 1) has been specifically developed 

for compact overall size with this in mind. 

World’s shortest single-head drawframe 

Compared to the SB-D 40, the machine is 42% shorter. 

The SB-D 11 is therefore also the world’s shortest 

single-head drawframe (Fig. 2). Its compact design 

results in lower costs in terms of machinery investment, 

buildings, air conditioning and lighting. 

High delivery speed and efficiency 

With a delivery speed of up to 1 100 m/min, the newly 

developed SB-D 11 is adapted precisely for operation 

in line with the RSB-D 40. The automatic can 


PRODUCT NEWS 

changer guarantees a high degree of running autonomy. 

The can magazine accommodates up to 2 empty 

cans, depending on can format. Large can formats in 

supply and delivery up to a diameter of 1 000 mm 

enable efficiency of over 90% to be achieved. 

Quality due to modern drafting system engineering 

With more than 25 000 drawframes delivered worldwide, 

Rieter has enormous experience in manufacturing 

drafting systems. The inclined 3-over-3 drafting 

system (Fig. 3) with the mill-proven roller geometry 

guarantees superior quality values at the level of the 

D 40 machine generation. 

The bottom rollers featuring high-precision fluting and 

a pressure bar with a special profile in the main draft 

zone ensure accurate fiber guidance. The large top roller 

diameters compared to competitors’ models ensure 

superior running behavior with low roller temperature 

and long service lives. 

Extraction system 

The extraction system ensures clean slivers and reduces 

operator effort. Cleaning lips are lifted off the 

top rollers at intervals, and accumulated dirt and 

short fibers are passed systematically to the extraction 

system. Pneumatically assisted web insertion 

facilitates this task for operating personnel. 

Patented sliver separation 

Slivers of man-made fibers and their blends call for a 

sliver separation device. The SB-D 11 performs this 

-42% 

SB-D 40 

SB-D 11 

9


PRODUCT NEWS 

Fig. 3 Superior quality 

due to the compact Rieter 

drafting system. 

Fig. 4 Good 

accessibility facilitates 

operating and 

maintenance tasks. 

task without additional mechanisms or drives. A thin 

place induced between the drafting system and the 

doffing calender is transported until it is under the 

turntable, where it breaks when can change occurs. 

The patented sliver separation function is standard 

equipment on the machine. 

Quality with CLEANcoil turntable 

At high delivery speeds the coiler is of crucial importance 

for quality. This is where the mill-proven 

CLEANcoil turntable comes into its own. CLEANcoil’s 

patented sliver channel geometry ensures coiling 

free of incorrect drafts. Due to the special honey- 

comb structure on the underside of the turntable, the 

cleaning cycle is up to seven days, even with critical 

types of manmade fiber. 

Innovative sliver feeder for large-format supply cans 

A driven cylinder feeder is standard equipment on 

the SB-D 11. As is the case on the (R)SB-D 40, a sliver 

feeder designed precisely for this application is 

used for cans 1 000 mm in diameter. An additional 

guide ring over the center of the can guarantees centered 

take-off of the slivers without incorrect drafts 

and malfunctions, to the very last meter. This keeps 

efficiency high and prevents sliver residues in the 

cans. 

Benefits of large-format delivery cans 

Double-head drawframes of Asian design can only fill 

cans no more than 500 mm or in some cases 600 mm 

in diameter. The SB-D 11 enables cans 1 000 mm in 

diameter and 1 500 mm high to be used. This means 

up to 200 000 fewer can movements and sliver piecings 

per year and SB-D 11, and thus corresponding 

benefits in terms of operator effort and quality. 

Large can formats and capacities are also important 

at the next process stage, e.g. in combing preparation. 

Production efficiency of the OMEGAlap is therefore 

up to 8% higher when cans 1 000 mm instead of 

500 mm in diameter are used. 

High flexibility 

The same top rollers and turntables are used on the 

SB-D 11 as on the (R)SB-D 40. This increases flexibility 

and reduces inventory costs. A striking feature 

of the SB-D 11 due to its compact design is its good 

accessibility. This enables operating, adjusting and 

maintenance tasks to be performed easily and quickly 

(Fig. 4). The machine can also be assembled and 

commissioned very quickly. 8-106 • 

Jürgen Müller 

Head Product Management Drawframe 

Rieter Ingolstadt GmbH 

Ingolstadt 

juergen.mueller@rieter.com

Large product diversity with 

ComfoRo® rotor-spun yarns 

Rotor spinning is a very flexible spinning process in terms of potential 

yarn counts and fiber materials. The Rieter R 40 rotor spinning machine 

effortlessly produces yarn counts of Ne 3 to Ne 60 economically from 

cotton, viscose or man-made raw material. 

Fig. 1 The 

manufacture of highquality 

products from 

rotor-spun yarn can 

be optimized further 

with the R 40 and 

ComfoRo®. 

A wide range of technology components is available 

for adaptation to different applications: rotors from 

26 mm to 57 mm in diameter, with widely differing 

rotor groove designs; different draw-off nozzles for 

influencing hairiness, yarn characteristics or tenacity 

widen the range of possibilities; different types 

of opening rollers for different materials and their 

blends as well as for fancy yarn effects round off 

the flexible overall package. Various TWISTstop elements 

are also available for influencing spinning stability. 

This ensures the necessary spinning stability 

for knitting yarns even with minimal twist rates. 


PRODUCT NEWS 

Ideal for the end use 

Yarns produced on the R 40 rotor spinning machine 

with yarn-like piecings offer a quality standard that 

generates benefits right through to the end product. 

ComfoRo® yarns can be spun optimally for the 

intended end use. Yarn tenacity itself is high, with 

minimal fluctuations. Faults in subsequent processes 

are especially rare. The productivity of the subsequent 

process stages is therefore higher, and operating 

personnel can supervise more machines. Textile 

fabrics made from ComfoRo® rotor-spun yarn have 

fewer defects than other yarns, a uniform surface 

and an attractive hand. 

High productivity with all yarn counts and 

raw materials 

The strength of rotor spinning when processing short 

or unequally long fibers comes especially into its own 

with cotton. The technologically advanced R 40 with 

its SC-R spinning box produces superior yarn quality 

and ideal yarn characteristics. The applications of the 

R 40 rotor spinning machine range from coarse denim 

yarn in counts of Ne 5 to Ne 12, through yarns for terry 

towels in counts of Ne 12 to Ne 16, knitting yarns 

for leisurewear and sportswear in counts of Ne 18 to 

Ne 24, to fine count knitting yarns of Ne 30 and finer. 

Denim yarns 

The R 40 is highly productive for denim yarns: 

both vertically integrated plants and contract spinning 

mills currently produce Ne 10 yarns at delivery 

speeds of over 230 m/min. TC rotors featuring a 

rotor groove developed especially for denim ensure 

even yarns at high delivery speeds. These yarns, with 

a low snarling tendency, run ideally in downstream 

processing, such as hank dyeing. Especially the critical 

opening of the hank after dyeing is then easy and 

causes no stoppages. 

Terry 

Various requirements are fulfilled for terry toweling: 

the ground warp must display low hairiness and high 

tenacity, since it is especially subject to stress. Due 

to the outstanding quality of their piecings and consistently 

high yarn tenacity, yarns produced on the 

R 40 can certainly replace yarns produced on ring 

spinning machines, in some cases even doubled 

ring-spun yarn. 

11


PRODUCT NEWS 

Fig. 2 Using ComfoRo® 

for terry toweling. 

Weft yarns with good basic hairiness levels, which 

require a minimum amount of air on air-jet weaving 

machines, can be spun on the R 40 with the KS-NX 

draw-off nozzle. This produces good, short hairiness 

in the 1-2 mm range, while preventing long, protruding 

fibers. 

The pile loop is a challenge for all yarns. The yarn 

must be very even and unaggressive for a neat, erect 

pile loop. The TC rotor can also demonstrate its advantages 

here. The special groove geometry enables 

even yarns to be spun, even at high rotation speeds. 

Fibers are thoroughly integrated, so that the yarns 

lose no fibers during washing, finishing or in daily 

use. High-quality, clearly defined fabric appearance 

is therefore preserved, even after repeated washing. 

Knitting yarns 

The R 40 is well-known for manufacturing soft cotton 

knitting yarns with high output. In one hour an 

R 40 with 500 spinning positions produces enough 

Ne 24 yarn for 400 polo shirts or enough Ne 30 yarn 

for 480 T-shirts. Superior delivery behavior in the 

knitting mill and simple finishing enable high-quality 

knitwear to be produced economically. This is one 

of the reasons why Rieter is market leader in Turkey 

with the R 40 in machine lengths of up to 500 SC-R 

spinning boxes. 

Viscose yarns 

Spinning viscose yarn has been a dominant sphere 

of application for the R 40 since its introduction. At 

present Ne 30 yarns usually run at delivery speeds 

of 185 m/min and more. 31 mm rotors are used. 

A 29 mm rotor specially developed for spinning viscose 

at high rotation speeds is currently undergoing 

trials. This enables higher output to be achieved 

with the same energy consumption. Customers for 

this application are to be found all over the world, 

from Brazil to Europe and Turkey, from India to Indonesia 

and Vietnam. 

Man-made fiber yarns 

Demand for high-quality polyester yarns is growing, 

e.g. for technical applications. The R 40 also demonstrates 

its advantages here: with the SPEEDpass 

opener unit, optimized especially for processing 

man-made fibers, and the Mima1 draw-off nozzle a 

complete package is available for spinning polyester 

fibers successfully on the R 40. 

Deposits of finishing agent are prevented or at least 

minimized in the spinning process. Special polyester 

fibers, e.g. low-pilling, with anti-allergic (with silver 

ions) or flame-retardant finish, are no problem 

for the R 40 with the SC-R spinning box. ComfoRo® 

yarns made from polyester also feature unrivaled 

yarn regularity and very high tenacity. 

Economical downstream processing 

ComfoRo® rotor-spun yarns stand out for their faultless 

delivery behavior in downstream processing. 

Yarns produced on the R 40 are monitored for faults 

by the latest yarn clearers. A waxing arrangement 

featuring especially large blocks of wax ensures uniform 

application on knitting yarns and reduces their 

coefficient of friction. 

Large packages weighing up to 6 kg are processed 

on the knitting machines direct from the R 40, dispensing 

with rewinding, which can cause yarn damage. 

This operation is necessary with other spinning 

processes in order to clear yarn defects, wax the yarn 

or produce long running lengths. ComfoRo® yarns reduce 

operating costs and increase machine efficiency 

and output.

Fig. 3 AEROpiecing® 

technology on the R 40 

ensures virtually faultless 

yarn. 

10.6 cm 

AEROpiecing 


Start 

Conventional 

automated piecing 

End 

Piecing continues 

Both yarns: Count Ne 30, 

Twist multiplier α e = 4.6 

Weaving preparation 

In weaving preparation the exact yarn lengths on 

the packages from the R 40 are ideal for the warping 

creel. Package take-off is problem-free on all generations 

of warping creels at take-off speeds between 

600 and 1 100 m/min. Precise length measurement 

means that virtually no waste yarn is left on the packages. 

Weaving mills economize on expensive rewinding 

or losses due to waste yarn on the packages. 

The hairiness of ComfoRo® yarns can be selectively 

adjusted by means of suitable spinning agents. Less 

sizing agent is therefore required and opening after 

sizing application in the splitting section is also successful 

at high throughput speeds of over 70 m/min. 

Reduced energy costs 

The defined hairiness of the yarns reduces energy 

costs for weft insertion on air-jet weaving machines. 

Stoppages caused by weft insertion are rare, as are 

stoppages due to warp ends down. 

More weaving machines can be allocated to operating 

personnel. A further distinguishing feature of 

ComfoRo® rotor-spun yarns is that contamination 

by fly and soiling due to fiber abrasion during shed 

change and weft beat-up are reduced. This enables 

maintenance intervals to be extended, thus increasing 

output. 

PRODUCT NEWS 

Scale 2 mm 

Know-how for finishing 

Finishers in Europe and America have long experience 

in dyeing fabrics made from rotor-spun yarns. 

They are familiar with the recipes, machinery, chemicals, 

times and temperatures for reinforcing and 

emphasizing the specific hand and wearing properties 

of the fabric. 

However, if fabrics made from rotor-spun yarns are 

treated in the same way as fabrics made from ringspun 

yarns in the absence of this knowledge, this may 

result in poor final fabric quality. Rieter can support 

its customers by offering know-how together with 

its partners, from fiber to yarn and further as far as 

the finished fabric. Under the heading of “ComfoRo” 

Rieter works together with experienced partners operating 

internationally in the fields of weaving preparation, 

weaving and knitting machine manufacturing 

and finishing. Together these partners demonstrate 

how further processes for rotor-spun yarns can be 

optimally configured. If required, consulting services 

can be provided locally in the mill itself. This strong 

alliance provides users with the key to financial success 

and a competitive edge. 8-107 • 

Stefan Weidner-Bohnenberger 

Head Product Management Rotor 


stephan.weidner-bohnenberger@rieter.com 

13


PRODUCT NEWS 

The longest ring and compact 

spinning machine 

On the basis of initial experience, the first installations of G 35 ring 

spinning machines and K 45 ComforSpin machines are fulfilling high expectations 

in mill operations. They are achieving new levels of quality 

consistency, running behavior, flexibility and economy. 

Fig. 1 Positive 

experience in the 

field with more than 

2 million ComforSpin 

spinning positions 

worldwide has 

increased confidence in 

the solution featuring 

perforated metal 

cylinders in K 45 

technology. 

Fig. 2 The technology 

components for the 

suction inserts and 

air guidance in the 

compacting unit have 

been developed further 

for the new generation 

of K 45 ComforSpin 

machines. 

The G 35 ring spinning machine and the K 45 Comfor- 

Spin machine were described in detail for the first 

time in Link No. 50. This article reports first on technical 

and technological aspects, then on experience 

gained with the first installations operating in mill 

conditions. 

Technology of the G 35 ring spinning machine 

Further technological developments on the conventional 

G 35 ring spinning machine have focused on 

the optimization of spinning geometry with the objective 

of improving spinning stability and running 

behavior. These objectives were achieved by reallocating 

the cage in the drafting system, adapting 

the spinning angles and reducing the yarn guide 

traverse. 

Technology of the K 45 ComforSpin machine 

Positive experience in the field with more than 2 million 

ComforSpin spinning positions worldwide has 

increased confidence in the solution featuring perforated 

metal cylinders (Fig. 1). At the same time optimization 

potential has been identified in the suction 

inserts and air guidance in the compacting unit. The 

technology components in this zone have been developed 

further for the new machine generation. The 

suction inserts have been completely redesigned and 

their aerodynamics improved (Fig. 2). 

Both the conventional and the compact machine are 

produced with spindle gauges of 70 mm or 75 mm. 

Both gauges are designed for high flexibility as regards 

the count range: 

70 mm gauge: Ne 12 - 160 

75 mm gauge: Ne 4.5 - 100 (K 45 as of Ne 10) 

Coarse count yarn range 

Spinning rings of up to 54 mm can be utilized to 

the full on the machine with 75 mm gauge due to the 

“staggered” arrangement of cops and tubes on the 

SERVOdisc transport system (Fig. 3). Maximum cop 

weight is 155 g. This feature is especially interesting 

for mills spinning denim yarn. 

Optimum spinning mill layout 

New projects in many markets are being planned as 

composite installations with conventional ring and 

compact spinning machines in order to respond flexibly 

on the yarn market. This induced Rieter to design

Fig. 3 Spinning rings 

of up to 54 mm can be 

utilized to the full in the 

coarse count yarn range 

due to the “staggered” 

arrangement of cops and 

tubes on the SERVOdisc 

transport system on the 

machine with 75 mm 

gauge. 

Fig. 4 ISM individual 

spindle monitoring 

enables the distance 

covered for each end 

down to be reduced to 

an average of 42 meters. 

the compact machine with the maximum number of 

spindles. In the very first installations with long machines, 

conventional G 35 machines are now standing 

side-by-side with the longest K 45 compact machine 

available on the market, which has 1 632 spindles. 

ISM individual spindle monitoring 

The longer the machine, the more important a spindle 

monitoring system and efficient operator guidance 

(Fig. 4). For each periodic tour of inspection to 

repair running ends down along each side of the machine 

the operator covers a distance of 1 200 meters 


PRODUCT NEWS 

in the case of an installation of 10 ring spinning machines 

with 1 632 spindles each. The ISM (Individual 

Spindle Monitoring) system guides the operator 

by means of a 3-level, visual guidance system. The 

different levels are: 

Level 1: visual display at the headstock/tailstock 

of the machine 

Level 2: visual display of the section 

Level 3: visual display of the spinning position – 

flashing light = “slipper” spindle, 

continuous light = end down. 

In the case of the installation described above the 

distance covered for each end down is reduced to 

an average of 42 meters. Reducing the operator’s 

workload and increasing machine production efficiency 

already ensure the economic efficiency of the 

ISM system. However, for quality spinning mills the 

potential for statistical analysis and quality aspects 

such as rapid detection of problem spindles are also 

important. 

Reports on experience 

Some 300 long ring spinning and ComforSpin machines 

have already been delivered as this issue of 

the Rieter Link goes to press. More than 200 of these 

machines are already in operation. 

G 35 ring spinning machines 

The first installation with 42 G 35 ring spinning 

machines already came into operation at Ilshin in 

Gwangju, South Korea, at the beginning of 2007. 

This integrated Rieter installation for combed cotton 

yarns produces yarns in counts of Ne 20 - 40. 

A striking feature of machines more than 62 meters 

long is that where the headstock was located on 800spindle 

machines only a few years ago, an additional 

drafting system drive is now positioned at mid-machine 

for 1 632 spindles. Rieter has opted to use a 

drive in mid-machine for the middle bottom roller in 

order to reduce roller torsion. In mill operations this 

drive has made a significant contribution to spinning 

stability and good running behavior. Ilshin spins 

Ne 40 yarn at spindle speeds of 22 000 rpm. Doffer 

and running ends down rates are very low and are 

even below Ilshin’s expectations. 

15


PRODUCT NEWS 

Fig. 5 The first 

installation of 42 G 35 

ring spinning machines 

with 70 000 spindles 

already came into 

operation at Ilshin in 

Gwangju, South Korea, 

at the beginning of 

2007. The picture 

shows the G 35 with 

1 635 spindles. Picture 

by kind permission of 

Ilshin. 

Fig. 6 

Fig. 7 

Volume flow [l/min] 

Yarn tenacity in cN/tex and CVm in % 

Volume flow on the K 45 (1 632 spindles) 

180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

27 

25 

23 

21 

19 

17 

15 

13 

11 

9 

7 

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 

suction channel at compacting position “flow+” 

K 45 measurements over the machine length 

Ne 30, 100% CO combed 

5 

4.5 

4 

3.5 

3 

2.5 

2 

1.5 

1 

0.5 

0 

1. spindle 816 spindle 1632 spindle 

Yarn irregularity 

Yarn hairiness 

Yarn tenacity 

Uster hairiness 

K 45 ComforSpin machine 

A question often raised by specialists with regard 

to machines more than 60 meters long is concerned 

with maintaining a constant volume flow at the extraction 

tubes for yarn residues and especially the 

extraction tubes at the compacting positions. Conditions 

in the suction channel were verified on a K 45 

at the Topkapi spinning mill in Turkey. 

The top (blue) line in Fig. 6 traces the aerodynamically 

related increase in volume flow along the length 

of the channel. 

The bottom (brown) line traces the mill-related volume 

flows in the extraction tubes for compacting. 

The increase is always parallel to the top line, but 

is kept at an almost constant level by taking special 

measures at the extraction positions along the entire 

length of the machine. 

Fig. 7 shows the yarn results measured on a Comfor- 

Spin machine with 1 632 spindles at Topkapi. Yarn 

irregularity, tenacity and hairiness remain virtually 

constant between the first and the last section. 

New quality level 

Spinning mills achieve new standards with the new 

generation of Rieter ring spinning machines in terms 

of quality consistency, running behavior, flexibility 

and economy. Mill operations demonstrate that the 

mechanical and aerodynamic measures ensure constant 

spinning conditions at all 1 632 spinning positions. 

8-108• 

Bert Rusch 

Rieter Spinning Systems 

Winterthur 

albert.rusch@rieter.com

Enhanced user-friendliness with 

original spare parts 

In these fast-moving times, parts or components are rapidly superseded 

and replaced by more up-to-date solutions. In these cases it is crucial to 

make a timely change to the new solution. This prevents unforeseen and 

prolonged losses of production. Rieter informs its customers in good 

time and offers appropriate products. 

Fig. 1 Reliable, fast 

and unique. Doffing 

without underwinding 

using SERVOgrip. 

Fig. 2 XR (EXTRA 

RESISTANT) coating for 

Rieter opening rollers. 

In addition to the new machinery business, Rieter 

devotes considerable attention to further developments 

of earlier generations of machinery. Productivity, 

quality and running behavior as well as 

user-friendliness and economic efficiency are thus 

decisively improved. 

Adjustment to market needs 

The pace of development in textile machinery manufacturing 

is very rapid: parts or components have to 

be replaced and superseded promptly for more upto-date 

solutions in order to avoid unforeseen and 

prolonged losses of production. Quality, process 

optimization and cost savings are major factors for 

remaining competitive. With conversion kits, new 

technology components and retrofits, Rieter offers 

customers the opportunity to adapt their machinery 

portfolio continuously and update it to the latest 

state of the art (Fig. 1). Continuous information 

gives customers the assurance of producing yarn of 

the best possible quality. 


PRODUCT NEWS 

Operating reliability and increased output 

Higher output also increases the strain on certain 

machine components. If this is disregarded, the result 

is increased wear and higher operating costs. At 

the same time the strain imposed, for example, by 

an emergency stop can result in unnecessarily high 

stresses and ultimately to greater wear on the equipment. 

However, there is a reliable, correct solution 

to every problem. Here are a few examples: 

XR coating on Rieter opening rollers 

“XR” stands for EXTRA RESISTANT. This “EXTRA” is 

achieved by the application of nano-structured layers 

to the opening rollers (Fig. 2). Wear tests on 

opening rollers with DN coating clearly demonstrated 

the problems that occur when processing sensitive 

polyester (PE) fibers: as soon as the nickel layer 

of the DN coating has been worn off to a certain extent 

and the relatively rough diamond coating emerges 

on the surface, the opening rollers become unusable. 

The rough surface results in a deterioration in 

running properties, the generation of more dust in 

the spinning process, and greater fiber damage. This 

can lead to higher Staff values and dust generation 

problems in downstream processing. The DN-coated 

opening rollers therefore have to be replaced when 

the nickel layer has worn off, although the diamond 

coating is not worn. 

17


PRODUCT NEWS 

Fig. 3 The patented 

RD coating for Rieter 

rotors. 

Fig. 4 Rieter “neXT- 

Generation” “nano6” 

and “nano8” nozzles. 

The XR coating has been developed to deal with this 

problem. Its characteristic feature is extreme wear 

resistance due to its very high hardness and the 

nano-structured composition of its coating layers. 

A special surface finish makes its surface roughness 

comparable to that of an uncoated set of clothing. 

The very smooth, fiber-preserving surface characteristic 

remains intact throughout its service life, due to 

the homogeneous coating structure. This guarantees 

uniform spinning conditions. 

Uniform quality thanks to RD-coating of Rieter rotors 

For rotors, “RD” stands for “Rieter Diamond” and refers 

to a patented RD coating which is offered for 

rotors exclusively by Rieter (Fig. 3). The systematic 

structure of the multi-layer diamond coating produces 

different surface structures on the rotor wall 

and in the rotor groove. This is not only ideal for the 

spinning process; the intelligent structure of the diamond 

layers guarantees at least the same service life 

as a BD coating. The RD coating also guarantees constant 

technological values throughout its entire service 

life. The fields of application of the new coating 

are the same as those for BD coating. This innovative 

manufacturing process enables the RD rotor to be offered 

at a lower price than the BD rotor. 

neXT generation nano6 und nano8 nozzles 

Spinning stability and yarn characteristics, which are 

essentially defined by hairiness, can be extensively 

influenced by selective design of the draw-off nozzle. 

It is well known that making notches in the nozzle 

funnel is an extremely effective means of achieving 

this. Hairiness and spinning stability depend on 

the number, size, shape and position of the notches 

and the coordination of these parameters with the 

radius of the funnel and the grip of the surface, i.e. 

the coefficient of friction with the yarn. The “nano6” 

and “nano8” draw-off nozzles represent the ideal coordination 

of these multi-dimensional parameters, 

aimed at systematic further development for the given 

application (Fig. 4). 

Further development to the “neXT Generation” is 

rounded off by optimized materials application and 

production technology. The materials application 

technology used, with the resulting surface structure, 

enables wear to be reduced and fiber damage 

to be minimized on both draw-off nozzles, at maximum 

productivity. The production technology with 

minimal tolerances guarantees reproducible, toplevel 

quality. 8-109• 

Hans Speich 


Business Unit Parts 

hans.speich@rieter.com 

Jörg Feigl 


Business Unit Parts 

joerg.feigl@rieter.com

Rieter’s 80 years in China 

Rieter has already been doing business in China for over 80 years. The 

road from the first delivery of machines to the Middle Kingdom in 1927 

to today’s successes has been a stony one. Roger Naef looks back on a 

turbulent history. 

Fig. 1 Competent, 

motivated employees 

are a key element for 

success. 

After more than 80 turbulent years in China the 

Rieter organization has once again reached a turning 

point: the efforts made to date to establish the business 

in China have successes to show, but we face 

a difficult year ahead in 2008. 


RIETER INSIDE 

Systems supplier 

Our success to date and our confidence in the future 

are based on market conditions in China. The textile 

industry has moved to Asia, where China and India 

are the strongest magnets. In China alone some 

10 million spindles and the associated preparatory 

equipment have been installed in each of the past 

two years. 

Nevertheless, there is still considerable demand for 

plant replacements. New developments on the market, 

such as new customer segments, environmental 

problems and also rising costs call for the most upto-date 

equipment. 

As a systems supplier offering the right products, Rieter 

can meet these requirements and the resulting 

demand in full (Fig. 1). 

Initial trading activities 

Rieter’s first deals in China were exciting, and efforts 

to gain a foothold there go far back in time: the 

first machines were shipped to China as long ago as 

1927. Turbulent world events in the middle of the 

20th century then prevented further transactions. 

The business relationship was resumed in 1974 with 

the delivery of 80 combers plus preparatory equipment. 

A complete ring spinning installation was then 

sold to Dalian in 1978. 

With the takeover of Ernest Scragg & Sons, Rieter acquired 

its first branch office in Hong Kong in 1982. 

The acquisition of Schubert & Salzer in the mid- 

1980s enabled further significant gains in market 

share to be made in the OE sector. In the following 

years Rieter delivered large numbers of integrated 

installations to China. 

However, in contrast to other European suppliers, Rieter 

decided at the beginning of the 1990s not to 

grant licenses, but to pursue further organic growth 

in China: the first sales offices were opened in Beijing 

and Shanghai in 1991. 

19


RIETER INSIDE 

Fig. 2 The young 

generation at Rieter 

China is working 

hard to achieve new 

successes. 

Cooperative ventures 

Nevertheless, the pressure for cooperation continued, 

and in 1994 resulted in a joint venture with Jingwei, 

now the largest Chinese supplier of locally manufactured 

spinning machines. However, the diverging 

objectives and expectations of the two joint venture 

partners resulted in the venture’s being wound up in 

1998 after several turbulent years. Many joint ventures 

foundered on differences in the partners’ objectives 

at that time, not only in the textile machinery 

industry. An additional, external problem for Rieter 

and Jingwei in the mid-1990s was the Chinese government’s 

large-scale, strictly imposed program to 

reduce spindle numbers to ten million units. 

Acquisition of ICBT 

In 2001 Rieter acquired the French ICBT Group, 

which was involved in the development and manufacture 

of machinery for producing manmade fibers. 

As a result of this acquisition Rieter also became 

the owner of ICBT’s small manufacturing operation 

in Changzhou in China. This plant, located some two 

hours from Shanghai by road, then had 10 000m 2 

of production space and about 120 employees. Machines 

were assembled for the Chinese market and 

bought-in components were supplied to ICBT in 

France. 

The first projects for manufacturing spinning machinery 

in Changzhou were launched very soon after the 

acquisition of ICBT. In this initial phase “trial and error” 

was a characteristic feature of operations. 

The problem areas the establishment of manufacturing 

operations in the Far East entails gradually 

became apparent: cooperation and allocation of 

authority between Europe and China, protecting 

know-how on the one hand and transferring it on the 

other, cultural differences, etc.; local problems that 

arise when an economy is growing as rapidly as China’s. 

Changing the product portfolio 

An ambitious strategic reorientation took place in 

2004 with the go-ahead for the systematic, rapid expansion 

of the plant in Changzhou to develop and 

manufacture spinning machines for the Chinese market. 

The persistently loss-making business with manmade 

fiber systems was sold in 2006, thus also making 

space available in the Changzhou plant. 

Total restructuring 

Total restructuring of the company into a purely functional 

organization based on business processes resulted 

in the sought-for turnaround. Now, in 2008, 

Changzhou has more than 30 000m 2 of production 

space and employs more than 500 personnel, with 

a steeply rising trend. In addition to manufacturing, 

expertise has also been significantly developed in 

all other business processes: product development, 

purchasing, logistics and human resources (Fig. 2), 

and state-of-the-art IT systems have also been introduced. 

Highlights 

One of the highlights of the expansion in Changzhou 

was the establishment of sheet metal production, 

achieving the contradictory goals of producing at 

competitive prices despite offering the highest quality 

standards in the Chinese environment. The product 

development departments in Changzhou have 

been melded into teams with colleagues in Europe. 

This partnership has resulted in many successful 

joint projects, both new and further development of 

machines in Europe as well as adaptations and new 

developments for the Chinese market.

Fig. 3 In addition to 

building factories, a 

presence in China also 

means attending lots of 

local trade fairs. 

For example, the SB-D 201 double-head drawframe 

without autoleveling was launched in China in 2007. 

This machine was developed jointly by teams of engineers 

in China and Germany. The drafting system, 

the actual core know-how element, originated in 

Germany, the remaining – larger – portion was developed 

in China. 

Growing market share 

The strenuous efforts bore their first fruit in 2006 

und 2007: this was documented in particular by a 

significant increase in market share for drawframes 

and semi-automatic rotor spinning machines. Market 

share also increased in the combing sector. 

These machines were not produced in China, but the 

clearly defined business processes and the establishment 

of expertise in sales and marketing were nevertheless 

a precondition for this excellent result. The 

Changzhou plant has developed into a reliable and 

economical manufacturer of machinery and components 

for the Chinese market at a quality level that is 

in no way inferior to that in Europe. 

However, these successes still bring certain weaknesses 

to light: for example, the lack of manufacturing 

depth in Changzhou repeatedly proves to be a 

critical factor. Developing local personnel to assume 


RIETER INSIDE 

management positions, and in the technical departments, 

is also taking longer than expected. 

Positive outlook 

The long-term growth forecasts for China are still 

good, also for the textile market. Purchasing power 

will continue to grow in China, especially for the 

swelling middle class; quality- and brand-consciousness 

are still in their infancy, but are inevitably increasing. 

This opens up very good prospects for 

Rieter’s success in China. 

However, there are enough near-term problems hampering 

ongoing growth: examples of this are rising 

cotton prices, excess capacity, the appreciation of 

the Chinese currency, more restrictive credit policy 

and uncertain export markets for Chinese textiles. 

These factors will result in a downturn in the market 

this year in particular. 

Nevertheless, there are opportunities even in a difficult 

market environment: plant replacements must 

be and are being made, since updating the machinery 

portfolio is an important precondition for the 

success of the Chinese textile industry. Rieter has 

suitable products ready for this (Fig. 3). 

Long-term engagement 

Rieter’s engagement in China is long-term: expansion 

of production capacity is continuing, manufacturing 

depth is being increased, expertise in product development, 

sales, marketing and service continuously 

developed. Today’s sequel to the turbulent years 

in China in the 1980s is a positive trend: successes 

to date and lessons learned from the past give good 

reason to look to the future with confidence. 8-110• 

Roger Naef 

Manager Marketing, 

Rieter Textile Systems 

China 

roger.naef@rieter.com 

21


EVENTS 

Textile world records 

at the ITMA Asia 

Summer 2008 in China: Rieter’s four world record holders were on show 

for the first time at a new venue, the combined CITME 08 and ITMA Asia 

08 trade fair in Shanghai. 

Fig. 1 Rieter yarns 

were displayed “live” on 

the booth by attractive 

models. 

The ITMA is the world’s largest international textile 

machinery exhibition and is also described as the 

“Olympic Games” of the textile machinery industry. 

Since 1951 the ITMA has been held every four years, 

just like the Olympic Games. The ITMA Asia was held 

successfully in Singapore in 2001 and 2005. CITME, 

the China International Textile Machinery Exhibition, 

was held for the first time in Beijing in 1988. 

ITMA Asia in China 

This year the ITMA Asia was held for the first time in 

China (Fig. 1). The starting gun for a new, combined 

trade fair under the name of “ITMA Asia + CITME 

2008” was fired on July 27, 2008. More than 1 000 

international and Chinese textile machinery manufacturers 

displayed their new developments over an 

area of more than 130 000 m 2 . 

The starting gun 

The starting gun for detailed planning for the fair by 

Rieter was fired exactly 2 weeks after the conclusion 

of the ITMA 2007 in Munich. Then the pace was set. 

A six-member exhibition implementation team started 

planning. After booth space had been allocated by 

the fair’s organizers, the booth was planned down to 

the last detail in cooperation with the booth builders 

in December 2007. 

The machines for the fair already performed training 

runs in March 2008 and had to produce top performance 

in the most demanding climatic conditions, 

since an exhibition hall doesn’t provide ideal air conditioning 

like a spinning mill usually does. 

At the beginning of May 2008 the fiber slivers, comber 

laps and roving bobbins were carefully packaged 

to withstand the long journey undamaged and were 

dispatched by sea to China together with the machinery 

exhibits. There an experienced team of specialists 

headed by exhibition coach Jürg Fürrer installed 

the machines in record time at the trade fair venue in 

Shanghai, the stadium for textile world records.

Fig. 2 The C 60 card 

was on show “full 

width” on the ITMA 

booth. 

Fig. 3 

With 500 nips/minute 

the E 76 comber took 

the limelight at the 

ITMA Asia. 

World record performances 

World record performances are expected – and also 

achieved – by Rieter machines; not only on paper, 

but “live” in front of critical audiences. The C 60, 

E 76, K 45 and R 40 are all world record holders. 

The C 60 card demonstrated its power and stamina: it 

rotates enormous can diameters at the delivery end, 

its cylinder is permanently in motion, it flings off all 

trash and soil particles and produces high quality at 

an output of 240 kg/h – no less. A world’s best performance 

– achieved effortlessly, thanks to its broad 

frame, 1.5 meters wide (Fig. 2). 

The E 76 comber confirmed its leadership and 

crossed the finishing line before all other competi- 

Nadia Qaud 


ITMA Project Manager 

Marketing Spun Yarn Systems 

Winterthur 

nadia.qaud@rieter.com 

EVENTS 

tors. It leads the race in the combing room with the 

traditional 8-member team and top performance. 

500 nips/minute and output of up to 74 kg/h can 

be admired here. The comber’s preparation team 

shouldn’t be forgotten, of course, since perfectly coordinated 

lap preparation by OMEGAlap and UNIlap 

is needed to achieve this performance (Fig. 3). 

The K 45 ComforSpin machine with 1 632 spindles 

– and at 68 meters the world’s longest compact spinning 

machine – was also on the starting line in Shanghai. 

It’s always a stride ahead of other ring spinning 

machines, and is the first machine in the world with 

the ability to produce COM4® compact yarns in such 

diversity. 6 different COM4® yarns simultaneously 

on one machine – you can hardly get more flexible 

than that. What’s more, it’s trimmed for low energy 

consumption. 

The R 40 automatic rotor spinning machine with 

up to 500 rotors also led the field in the modern 

spinning triathlon: spinning, cleaning and winding 

are performed simultaneously over a length of 

70.5 meters. Energy consumption per kilogram of 

yarn produced is unbeatably low. ComfoRo® yarns 

from the R 40 with outstanding piecing quality set 

the benchmark for the future. In terms of productivity 

and economy the R 40 is significantly extending 

its lead in rotor spinning machinery. Rotor speeds 

of up to 160 000 rpm and delivery speeds of up to 

270 m/min are possible on the full-length R 40. 

No-one could outdo the new SB-D 11 drawframe as 

regards space requirements and production performance. 

All performance data of the Rieter machines 

are recorded and analyzed by the SPIDERweb mill 

monitoring system. 

The spotlight of technological interest was on Rieter’s 

COM4® and ComfoRo® yarns. 

8-111• 

23

www.rieter.com 

Rieter Machine Works Ltd. 

Klosterstrasse 20 

CH-8406 Winterthur 

T +41 52 208 71 71 

F +41 52 208 83 20 

sales.sys@rieter.com 

Rieter South America 

Com Imp Exp e Repr. Ltda 

Rua Henri Dunant 137 Conj E 

Chacara Sto Antonio 

BR - 04709-110 São Paulo SP 

T +55 11 51814977 

F +55 11 51812568 


Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 84 

DE-85055 Ingolstadt 

T +49 841 95 36 01 

F +49 841 95 36 895 

Rieter Corporation 

PO Box 4383 

BUS I 85 and SC 9 

Spartanburg, SC 29305 

United States of America 

T +1 864 5825466 

F +1 864 5851643 

The Rieter team at the ITMA Asia + CITME 2008 in Shanghai – always at customers’ service. 

Rieter CZ a.s. 

Čs. armády 1181 

CZ-56215 Ústí nad Orlicí 

T +420 465 557 232 

F +420 465 557 226 

立达纺织机械(上海)有 

限公司 

中国上海娄山关路83号 

新虹桥中心大厦12楼 

邮编: 200336 

电话: +86 21 6236 8013 

传真: +86 21 6236 8012 

Rieter India Pvt Ltd 

65 & 66 A Wing Mittal Court 

Nariman Point 

IN - 400021 Mumbai 

T +91 22 22840606 

F +91 22 22820002 

Rieter Textile Machinery 

Trading and Service Ltd 

Polat Plaza 4 Blok K9-10 

Ali Kaya Sok 

TR - 80620 Istanbul Levent 

T +90 212 2806500 

F +90 212 2809123

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