Spinning preparation

E 66 / E 76 combers

E 66 / E 76 combers
Leader in combing
2 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

RIETER SPUN YARN SYSTEMS
Systems for your success
RIETER – YOUR SYSTEMS SUPPLIER
Integrated installations from Rieter offer more than just spin-
ning machinery covering the entire process range from fiber to
yarn. Perfect coordination of the machines throughout the proc-
ess chain ensures economical manufacturing of the required
yarn quality. In addition to its machine expertise and as a result
of numerous engineering innovations, Rieter offers its custom-
ers support from the original business idea right through to the
achievement of market success through yarn innovations.
RIETER – YOUR PARTNER FOR THE FUTURE
With Rieter as your partner you benefit all along the line:
• complete mill planning, spinning schedule computation and
cost calculation
• automation options tailored exactly to customer needs
• process optimization and technical recommendations derived
from broad-based technological expertise covering all spin-
ning process stages right through to downstream processing
• worldwide service network and intensive customer training
on-site or at the Rieter Training Center
• spare parts deliveries, a wide range of innovative and techni-
cally superior solutions in the sphere of conversions
• SPIDERweb data acquisition system for on-line monitoring of
the entire spinning mill
You can have confidence in solutions from Rieter!
Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 3
SUMMARY
The comber for the highest standards
The new E 66 / E 76 combers fulfill the highest standards in
terms of output, quality and economy. C•A•P•D500 (Computer
Assisted Process Development) further extends our lead in
combing.
MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY
The E 66 / E 76 combers produce at up to 500 nips/min under
mill conditions. On the basis of superior running behavior and
short machine downtimes, these machines achieve maximum
outputs of 72 or 74 kg/h, respectively. This is equivalent to
1.7 tonnes of combed sliver/day – a new record.
SUPERIOR QUALITY
Superior quality at maximum output – this is only achieved by
the new E 66 / E 76 comber models. The laps produced by Rieter
combing preparation machines provide the ideal feed material.
This results in faultless web quality, superior fiber selection,
very high sliver regularity and the best yarn quality in mill opera-
tions.
HIGH ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Production costs in combing operations depend more on to-
tal running costs per kilogram of sliver and less on the capital
costs of the installation. The new Rieter combers have been de-
veloped with maximum output and minimum raw material and
energy costs in mind. This results in the lowest combing costs
per kilogram of yarn.
The E 66 / E 76 combers – leaders in combing.
4 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

500 nips/min under mill conditions

EFFICIENCY

Increased productivity

THE BASIS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE HIGHER OUTPUT

The prerequisites for maximum performance in spinning ma-
chinery manufacturing are the latest technology, high-quality
material and superior know-how. The new E 66 / E 76 comber
models have been developed on this basis, also using Com-
puter Aided Process Development (C•A•P•D500).
A new maximum output figure of 500 nips/min is achieved. The
E 66 comber produces up to 72 kg/h, the fully automated
E 76 comber 74 kg/h. This high output can be achieved since
Rieter combers operate with batt weights of up to 80 g/m un-
der mill conditions.

These are the first combers to achieve a speed of 500 nips/min Excellent fiber selection and thus lower noil extraction also
under mill conditions. Their optimally coordinated technology contribute to increased output. Production rates of up to
elements and movements also provide maximum flexibility. 1.7 tonnes/day are reality.

1 Nipper control
1 2 Top comb
3 Nipper
2
4 Infeed
5 Circular comb
6 Detaching motion

3 7 Nipper motion
4

5
6 7

C•A•P•D500 Computer Aided Process Development

 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 5

PRODUCTIVITY AND ECONOMY

Reducing production costs

kWh / kg combed sliver [%]

LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Energy consumption has been further reduced with the new E 66 / 100
E 76 models. The mass of the combing elements and thus their -15%
90
movements have been optimized by means of C•A•P•D500. The ef-
-5,5%
ficiency of the drive motor has also been improved. Energy con- 80 Main motor,
C•A•P•D -5%
sumption per kilogram of combed sliver is therefore 12% lower belt drive C•A•P•D+
70 drafting system -12,5%
compared with the predecessor model. The reduction in energy
C•A•P•D500
consumption has therefore continued with the new models. 60

50
COST SAVINGS 1988 1995 1999 2004 2007
E 7/6 E 60 E 62 E 65 E 66
Production costs in combing depend more on total running
costs per kilogram of sliver and less on the capital costs of the
Reduction in energy consumption since 1988
installation. Raw material savings are demonstrably achieved
with the Rieter quality combing line as a result of excellent
fiber selection. The low energy consumption reduces energy Example: combing line for 1 1/8” cotton
costs and the very good running behavior of the comber re-
duces personnel costs. The sum total is significantly lower Local line in India
18% noil
production costs compared to other manufacturers. 1 + 6 ; 240 kg/h

CUSTOMIZED COMBING LINES Local line in China

18% noil - 16%
Customized solutions that contribute to increased economic 1 + 6 ; 230 kg/h
efficiency are offered for the combing lines. Their composition
depends on the required output: Rieter line
16% noil
up to 300 kg/h, 1 UNIlap E 32 + 4 E 66 / E 76 1 + 6 ; 419 kg/h
up to 440 kg/h, 1 OMEGAlap E 35 + 6 E 66 / E 76
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,25 0,3
CHF / kg yarn

Basis Turkey
Capital Waste Labor Energy Auxiliary costs

Lowest combing costs per kilogram of yarn

1 UNIlap E 32 1 OMEGAlap E 35
4 E 66 or E 76 combers 6 E 66 or E 76 combers
6 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility at the highest level

SYSTEMATIC CONTROL OF PRODUCTION, QUALITY AND

ECONOMY
The E 66 / E 76 combers provide a high level of flexibility.
On the basis of maximum output, quality can be adjusted as
required. The factors of raw material utilization, output and
quality can thus be systematically controlled.

HIGH NIP RATES

The combers have been developed for high nip rates. Opera-
tions under mill conditions have shown that superior results
are achieved at maximum nip rates with Rieter combers.

MAXIMUM BATT WEIGHT

Batt weights of up to 80 g/m can be selected, depending on
staple length and micronaire value. The technologically recom-
mended maximum is 550 000 fibers in the cross-section. The
larger the fiber mass, the higher the fiber/fiber friction and the
better the self-cleaning effect of the batt on the comber. Batt
weights of 76 - 80 g/m are standard in the medium staple sec-
tor, up to 72 g/m in the long staple sector.

OPTIMUM TYPE AND LENGTH OF FEED

Combing can be performed with forward feeding or backward
feeding. Superior running properties and quality values are
achieved with forward feeding in the majority of all applica-
tions. In this case the self-cleaning effect of the batt is exploit-
ed to the full in addition to the combing action of the circular
and top combs. Forward feeding is therefore most frequently
used under mill conditions.
 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 7

Feed length is the dominant controlled variable on the comber

and has a significant influence on quality. A longer feed length
implies higher output, but entails losses in quality. A shorter
feed length in conjunction with forward feeding enhances yarn
quality. If batt weight is maximized at the same time, a further
increase in quality is apparent.

LOW NOIL EXTRACTION

Among other things, the level of noil extraction depends on the
raw material and the intended use of the end product. Compared
to other manufacturers, the E 66 / E 76 can achieve noil (raw
material) savings of up to 2% due to optimum fiber selection,
with the same yarn quality. This presupposes that the maximum
batt weight, maximum nip rates and the optimum feed length
relative to staple length and micronaire value are specified.

COORDINATING OUTPUT AND QUALITY WITH THE END PRODUCT

Controlling quality means controlling costs. The control options higher
PRODUCTION
are: COSTS lower
• higher quality with the same rate of noil extraction or
• maintaining quality while reducing noil extraction and thus
increasing economic efficiency. better
QUALITY
poorer
Rieter’s technology know-how regarding all controlled variables
OUTPUT 75
enables the comber to be adjusted precisely and reproducibly for [Kg/h]
any yarn. 70

65

60

55

50
Nip rate [nips/min] 500 500 500 500
Batt weight [g/m] 76 80 80 80
Feed length [mm] 5,2 5,2 4,7 4,7
Noil [%] 17% 17% 17% 15%

Flexibility in output, quality, production costs

Example: 1 1/8” cotton
Optimum combing preparation:
Rieter SB-D 40 pre-drawframe
combined with the OMEGAlap E 35.
 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 9

QUALITY

From lap to yarn

OPTIMUM COMBING PREPARATION SUPERIOR COMBING QUALITY

The right combing preparation, SB-D 40 or SB 20 and UNIlap
E 32 or OMEGAlap E 35, provides the ideal basis for the E 66 /
E 76 combers. The laps produced thus ensure the best possible
batt weight regularity, maximum batt weight and good unwind-
ing behavior on the comber.
BATCH COMBING PROCESS
The combing process is a batch process. Bundles of combed
fiber are doffed under controlled conditions and then laid on
top of each other with defined spacing (piecing distance).
The piecing distance is clearly visible in the spectrogram due
to the high sliver regularity achieved with the 3-over-3 drafting
system. This long-wave period induced by the system, also re-
ferred to as the piecing peak, is drawn on the subsequent
RSB-D 40 autoleveler drawframe and reliably leveled out.
Quality is a matter of tradition and has a name. Several thou-
sand Rieter combers are producing superior quality worldwide.
The new E 66 / E 76 generation is the natural continuation of
this line.
Excellent fiber selection means that significantly fewer long fibers,
i.e. good fibers, end up in the noil. With equivalent quality, Rieter
combers therefore extract up to 2% fewer noils, i.e. achieve up to
2% raw material savings, compared to other systems.
HIGH YARN QUALITY
The high yarn quality is achieved at very high nip rates. This
applies to both imperfections and tenacity/elongation as well
as infrequent weak places in the yarn, which has a positive im-
pact in downstream processing in particular.
ATTRACTIVE FINISHED PRODUCT
Finished products made from yarns combed on the E 66 / E 76
are characterized by high regularity and good pile density.

E 66 combed sliver Fiber distribution in the noil [%]

CV%
1
0.8 Piecing distance
0.6 10
0.4
0.2
0
.5 1cm 2 5 10 20 50 1m 2 5 10 20 50 1 yo
ur
RSB-D 40 drawframe sliver pro
fit
CV%
0.8 0,1
0.6 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40
0.4 Leveled out
0.2 Fiber length [mm]
0
.5 1cm 2 5 10 20 50 1m 2 5 10 20 50 E 66 / E 76 Other combers

Visible piecings in the combed sliver induced by the system are completely Same quality with the E 66 / E 76 with up to 2% less noil
leveled out by the finisher drawframe.
10 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

TECHNOLOGY

Combing elements

GENTLE, CONTROLLED FIBER TREATMENT

The technological superiority of the Rieter combing line is evi-
dent primarily at maximum nip rates. The sequences of motion
are coordinated in such a way that gentle fiber treatment is
guaranteed even at 500 nips/min. The combing and technology
elements developed by means of C•A•P•D have been designed
for optimally achievable quality while exploiting the maximum
possible production rates.

PRECISION NIPPER
The Rieter nipper ensures faultless processing of batt weights
of up to 80 g/m. Optimum combing action throughout the nip
rate range results from the high-precision gripping of the batt
interacting with the optimized motion of the circular and top
combs.

MILL-PROVEN TOP COMB

The use of Ri-Q-Top top combs ensures maximum combing effi-
ciency combined with a low soiling tendency. Tooth shape, tooth
density and insertion point are crucial for achieving these goals.

OPTIMIZED CIRCULAR COMB

The universally applicable PRIMACOMB® circular combs have
been developed for high batt weights. Further adjustments by
means of C•A•P•D500 ensure gentle, controlled fiber tuft intake of
the lap into the circular comb. The specially developed PRIMA-
COMB® circular combs cover the entire staple range.

TECHNOLOGY
High-quality combed sliver
DRAFTING SYSTEM
The drafting system has been incorporated from the E 65 / E 75
predecessor model. It has already proved its qualities in sev-
eral thousand machines. The 3-over-3 cylinder drafting mecha-
nism enables optimum draft distribution to be achieved.
Precise fiber guidance ensures faultless processing of cotton in
staple lengths from 1” to 1 1/2” and results in good sliver regu-
larity. Draft distances can be adjusted optimally to the relevant
fiber length in the breaker and main drafting zones.
Drafting system with 3-over-3 cylinders
Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 11
DELIVERY
After leaving the drafting system the combed sliver is guided
into the finger chute by means of a redesigned sliver transport.
Before the combed sliver enters the can, a sensor monitors it
for thin places. The sensor is mechanically adjustable and re-
acts to sliver counts below the defined range. The combed sliv-
er is compressed by stepped rollers to increase its gripping
length and laid gently in the can. The result is a combed sliver
with high sliver regularity.
Gentle sliver transport
12 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

HIGH RELIABILITY

Low maintenance costs

The optimized sequences of motion have a beneficial effect on

the stress imposed on the combing elements and thus on the
running behavior of the machine.

SMOOTH RUNNING BEHAVIOR

The sequences of motion have been optimized for very high nip
rates in the 450 - 500 nips/min range. Each individual combing
head and the machine as a whole display very smooth running
behavior. This guarantees reliability and high machine efficien-
cy. In recent decades the time elapsing between 2 unplanned
machine stoppages (mean time between assists – MTBA) has
been steadily increased. In the meantime Rieter combers
achieve MTBA values of 230 minutes.

LOW LOADING
Even at maximum output levels the mechanical stresses are
lower than on conventional combers. This has a positive impact
on the wear and the service lives of the combing elements.

OIL CHANGE
An oil change interval of 4 000 hours is recommended for the
E 66 / E 76 models. This long interval is an indication of the
low loading and thus the low wear of the elements. The result
is long comber service life.

MTBA – mean time between assists

240
To be expected with the E 66 / E 76
230

165
MTBA* [min]

130

90

50

40

30
1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2004 2006 2008
*Mean Time Between Assists

Good running behavior for high economic efficiency


SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
Expanded range of operations
The combers’ range of operations extends beyond the usual
combing applications. Solutions for special applications have
been evolved and implemented together with our customers.
UPGRADING
Noil extraction rates of less than 12% are described as up-
grading. Starting with carded yarn, there are two possible ap-
proaches:
1. Upgrading yarn quality
The end product is a yarn of significantly higher quality
compared to the carded yarn when the same class of cotton
is used. Raw material utilization is increased compared to
carded yarn. Running properties in subsequent processes
are improved.
2. Upgrading the cotton used
When a lower class of cotton is used, the end product is
a yarn of equal quality compared to carded yarn.
Cross-section of drawframe sliver (schematic)
Sliver blending on the drawframe Fiber blending in the blowroom
Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 13
SLIVER EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR LOOSE-STOCK BLENDING
Blends in the blowroom display more homogeneous, intimate
blending compared to sliver blends. Instead of blending combed
and carded slivers on the finishing drawframe, in loose-stock
blending the combed sliver is returned to the mixing opener.
Rieter combers are optionally available with an appropriate an-
cillary module. This module enables the combed sliver to be
sucked off immediately after the drafting system. The combed
sliver is returned to the mixing opener via additional piping.
Switching from sliver suction to standard coiling in cans is a
simple operation.
PROCESSING DYED COTTON
The combers can be equipped with special sensors for process-
ing dyed cotton.
Module for sliver suction (option)
14 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers

AUTOMATION

Fully automated lap change

ROBOlap AUTOMATIC LAP CHANGING AND BATT PIECING SYSTEM

1 The ROBOlap system on the fully automated E 76 comber reduc-
es operator effort to purely supervisory functions. Efficiency is
improved by some 2% compared to the E 66 “semi-automatic”
comber. Piecing quality with ROBOlap is measurably improved
compared to manual batt piecing. This is apparent in the regu-
larity of the combed sliver. Qualified operating personnel can
be dispensed with when the fully automated ROBOlap batt
piecer is used.

2 MODE OF OPERATION OF ROBOlap

The machine stops as soon as the first laps run empty. The fol-
lowing process then occurs:

1. The batt is detached by rotating the lap in the reverse

direction. This is followed by forward rotation to suck off the
remaining batt on the tubes.

2. The empty tubes are tipped back into the empty tube channel.
The 8 full laps are tilted into the working position, i.e. onto the
lap rollers.
3

3. Preparing the end of the batt for automatic piecing, by defined

detachment of the batt ends.

4. Pneumatic piecing of the batt by means of the Aero-Pic

system. This is followed by an automatic machine start.

4
 Rieter . E 66 / E 76 combers 15

Manual lap transport with the SERVOtrolley

AUTOMATION

Lap transport

SEMI-AUTOMATIC LAP TRANSPORT WITH THE SERVOtrolley
SERVOtrolley is a semi-automatic lap transport system. A SERVO-
trolley transports 4 laps and 4 tubes. The SERVOtrolleys are
positioned beside the combing preparation machine. The trol-
leys are automatically loaded with laps. The SERVOtrolleys are
moved manually to the comber. As soon as two trolleys are posi-
tioned behind the comber, the laps can be transferred automati-
cally to the comber.
SERVOtrolley E 16 FOR THE E 66
The SERVOtrolley E 16 is the lap transport trolley for the E 66
comber. In this combination lap and tube changing on the
comber are actuated at the push of a button. The empty tubes
are automatically rolled into the trolley and the full laps onto
the comber.
FULLY AUTOMATED LAP TRANSPORT WITH THE SERVOlap E 25
The SERVOlap E 25 lap transport system performs fully auto-
mated lap transport from combing preparation to the comber
and return of the tubes. The system transports 8 laps in one
working cycle. Both the E 66 and E 76 combers can be linked
to the SERVOlap E 25. The advantages are:
• gentle lap transport
• no operator effort
• no waiting times on the comber
• higher efficiency on the comber

SERVOtrolley E 17 FOR THE E 76

The SERVOtrolley E 17 is the lap transport trolley for the fully
automated E 76 comber. The E 17 differs from the E 16 in stor-
age channel height and actuation of lap change. On the E 17
lap and tube changing are fully automatic. As soon as the tubes
on the comber have run empty and two trolleys loaded with
laps are in position behind the comber, the change is actuated
automatically.

The combing preparation machine automatically distinguishes

between the SERVOtrolley E 16 and E 17. Semi-automatic and
fully automated combers can be operated in the same installa-
tion without any restrictions.

The minimum number of SERVOtrolleys per combing line

(combers and combing preparation) consists of the number of
combers plus 2 additional SERVOtrolleys.

Fully automated lap transport with the SERVOlap E 25

Rieter Machine Works Ltd. Rieter Ingolstadt Rieter CZ a.s. The data and illustrations in this brochure and on the
Klosterstrasse 20 Spinnereimaschinenbau Čs. armády 1181 corresponding data carrier refer to the date of printing.
Rieter reserves the right to make any necessary changes
CH-8406 Winterthur Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 84 CZ-56215 Ústí nad Orlicí at any time and without special notice. Rieter systems and
T +41 52 208 71 71 DE-85055 Ingolstadt T +420 465 557 232 Rieter innovations are protected by patents.
F +41 52 208 83 20 T +49 841 95 36 01 F +420 465 557 226 2048en-ABAI-42-Printed in CZ
F +49 841 95 36 850

www.rieter.com