A
s part of a plant modernization program, Indian spinning specialist Eurotex — known for
its high-quality fine and superfine 100-percent cotton yarns — recently commissioned 10 Trützschler
DK 800 carding machines, manufactured by Trützschler’s Indian subsidiary, Trumac Engineering Co.
Pvt. Ltd., and ordered through local selling agent ATE Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
Eurotex is located in the textile district of Kolhapur.
Located in the textile district of Kolhapur, Eurotex is considered one of the
region’s largest spinners, producing approximately 20 metric tons per day of Ne 30 to Ne 100 count
spun yarns. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company is the largest
spinning business in the Patodia Syntex Group, which also comprises BLP Super Spinners and PBM
Polytex.
In 1989, Eurotex began commercial production in Unit 1 with 25,000 spindles.
In 1995, the company expanded production of Ne 30 count yarns with the addition of a second
14,800-spindle facility. The expansion also included the installation of four Trützschler DK 760
cards in the original facility.
A continued increase in production of medium, fine and superfine yarns
warranted additional spindles in Unit 1, bringing the combined total of spindles to 42,000.
According to Dr. G. Janakiram, Eurotex’s general manager of technical
services, the company recognized the need to modernize its production facilities if it was to
maintain a policy of quality and full capacity. Part of Eurotex’s modernization program culminated
in the installation of 10 Trützschler DK 800s, which, according to Janakiram, were ordered, “as a
result of our experience with the older DK 760s and feedback from other companies regarding
performance and cost effectiveness.”
Dr. G. Janakiram, Eurotex’s general manager of technical services
Features of Trützschler’s DK 800 include a precision flats setting system
(PFS) that provides improved quality of card slivers with six different position settings between
the main cylinder and the revolving flats. An additional stationary flats twin top system (TTS)
further improves the opening of the fiber tufts and enhances carding action, according to
Trützschler. The flats process offers improved opening and separation of the fibers; in addition to
fine dust, particles and neps removal.
A motorized flats drive also ensures the speed can easily be adjusted on the
card’s programmable computerized control to suit operational needs. This eliminates downtime that
might be encountered on cards featuring pulley belts, which must be replaced to alter operating
speed.
Production Rates Depend On Cotton Mix
Eurotex produces a wide range of 100-percent cotton yarns using a mix of
Egyptian Giza, North American Pima and Indian cottons. “The end-use determines the mix,” Janakiram
said. “For example, 100-percent Egyptian is used for Ne 80/2 and Ne 100/2 counts, providing high
strength for the weaving looms. Where whites are specified for similar superfine counts, Pima is
used. Indian cotton is used for single Ne 60, Ne 80 and Ne 70/2. For all other applications,
various cotton mixes are carried out,” he added.
Production rates for the DK 800 cards are therefore dependent on the cotton
mix and count. The Trützschler cards produce combed Ne 80 at rates of 20 to 25 kilograms per hour
(kg/h); Ne 100 at 15 to 20 kg/h; and Ne 40 at 35 to 40 kg/h. The newest Trützschler cards installed
in Unit 1 produce between 12 and 13 metric tons per day.
Eurotex’s 100-percent cotton yarns are highly sought by the export markets in
Europe, Southeast Asia and the United States. According to Janakiram, the company’s reputation for
quality yarns is a result of machine management, which meets all recommended maintenance practices
and process control techniques implemented by Eurotex, “plus, of course, the skills of our staff.”&
amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt;
/p>
“The Trützschler cards are currently being used for the full range of medium
to superfine combed yarns, providing us with complete flexibility,” Janakiram said. “But I envisage
that as we produce increased quantities for fine and superfine yarns, the DK 800s will be used more
exclusively for this production.”
January/February 2008