USTER AFIS

Introduction
Since from 1990 Uster® a renowned name in the field of Textile Testing
introduced, its first single cotton fiber testing equipment which was based on the
optoelectronic principle.

Its first landmark was Uster® AFIS 0 and then a series of single fiber testing
machines were introduced this series is as follows

• AFIS 0

• AFIS1

• AFIS PRO

• AFIS PRO2

AFIS PRO

OVERVIEW

This Invention is a master piece in the field of fiber testing, it is use to analyze
single fiber in the sample and give collective results. It can test 3000 fibers within
2.5-3 min and provide accurate results regarding neps ,seed coat neps, length,
short fiber content, fineness, trash ,immaturity & immature fiber content. It helps
in assessing fiber properties after every stage in spinning up to roving. After
opening of sample by fiber individualizer, the opened fibers are accelerated by the
nozzle, to the sensor head where each individual fiber is analyzed. Sample
assessment is done by powerful automatic sensor working on the principles of
refraction, reflection &diffraction. Signals which do not fulfill the criteria of a cotton
fiber are classified as fiber neps, seed coat neps, dust or trash.

The basic objectives of Uster® AFIS Pro includes, Measurements of

 The amount of cotton fiber neps and seed coat neps.

 Fiber length and short fiber content

 Cotton maturity and immature fiber content.

 The trash and dust content in cotton.

 Blends can be tested up to a ratio of 50% cotton : 50% synthetic

 Any material in the form of bale, mat, sliver or roving can be tested on the
Uster® AFIS PRO, repeatedly and reliably.

 Uster® AFIS PRO also provides critical nep size, dust size, drafting roll
spacing diagram and control charts.

THE FIBER PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Dimensions
Quantity English Metric

length 46.5” 118 cm

height 38.3” 97.4 cm
depth 30.0” 76 cm
weight Lbs. 408 185 gross kilos

Application
100% cotton samples in the form of bale, opened and cleaned material (card
mat), sliver, and roving. Waste material cannot be tested on the USTER
AFIS PRO. Doing so can damage instrument components.
Synthetic fibers can only be tested up to a 50/50% blend with cotton fibers
in sliver and roving form. Uster Technologies does not guarantee test
results on 100% synthetic fibers. Maximum fiber length: 2 inches (app.
50 mm).
 Power

The following power requirements apply to both North American and

European-type systems.

Voltage (nominal): 208 or 230 volts ±10% (single phase)

Current: <10 Ampere (dedicated circuit breaker)

Frequency: 50 - 60 Hertz

Harmonic distortion: <5%

Wire size: Sufficient to have <5% drop from no load to full load

Electrical interference: Free of transient voltages from other equipment

The USTERAFIS PRO requires a separate, dedicated 10-Ampere circuit

breaker at the
facility’s electrical load center. During normal operation the instrument
draws approximately 5 Ampere. A power cord for connection is provided with
the USTERAFIS PRO. The opposite end must be fitted with connections
compatible with the facility’s electrical system.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

If you expect to have frequent power shutdowns, USTER Technologies

recommends that an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) device be used to
prevent loss of data or other related problems. The input for the UPS, which
powers the computer and monitor only, is located on the back of the main
cabinet beside the power entry connector.

Requirements for UPS to Support the Computer/Monitor

Warner Electric #UPSY52005-3 (recommended) or equivalent with the

following
characteristics:

• "On-line" design for maximum protection against line

transients

• Minimum output power rating of 500 VA (325 Watts) at 230

volts 50 or 60 Hz
• Input voltage of 195 - 264 volts, 50 or 60 Hz (single phase)

• Must be TÜV certified or bear the CE mark for European

countries and be UL listed for North America
• Run time of 5 minutes or greater

Requirements for UPS to Support the Entire USTERÒ AFIS PRO

Instrument

• SOLA #S42000TRM-5 for European power systems.

• SOLA #S41800-208TRM for North American power systems or their

equivalent; minimum 1.5 KVA that meets the above requirements.

UPS is not required for the computer/monitor if UPS is used for the
entire system.

Compressed Air

The air supplied to the instrument should comply with ISO 8573.1 Quality Class 3 as
follows:

DIRT Particle Size: <5 microns

WATER Pressure Dew Point: <-4_ F @ 100 PSIG (128 ppm by volume)

OIL (including vapor): <1.0 ppm

Air Pressure: (100-150 PSIG 700-1034 kPA)

Air Volume: The instrument requires at least three SCFM (85liters/min)

supplied by a 10-mm (3/8 inch) line.

Laboratory Temperature:
These specifications are for the ambient
conditionsreferenced below. If the air line will be subjected totemperatures that
could promote condensation, a water filter attached to the air line inside the lab is
recommended to remove any condensation that may occur.

Ambient Conditions
According to ISO 139, the following ambient conditions must be maintained
in the laboratory
in order to get repeatable and comparable test results:

o Temperature: 20±2°C; 65 °F to 72 °F
o Relative Humidity: 65±2%
For consistent test results, fiber samples should be conditioned in the laboratory
environment
with the above-mentioned ambient conditions for 24 hours. Samples should be laid
out
openly in the laboratory, and taken out of plastic bags, in order for the cotton to
fully condition to the environment.

Working and construction

• The unique measuring system of the USTER® AFIS PRO counts every
fiber, nep and trash/dust particle one by one.

• The Fiber Individualizer gently opens single-fiber of the test material.

• The USTER® AFIS PRO sensors also use patented technology, ensuring
true single-fiber, nep and trash particle Counts. to get the detailed
information, to set production machinery accurately.

Measurement principles

Fiber individualizer

AIR IN CARDING FLAT

 Optical measuring zone
USTER® AFIS PRO is an optical system. The fiber sample is opened into
individual fibers in the opening unit, and are then passed in the free airflow by the
optoelectronic sensor. The pulses generated by the sensor are converted into
electronic signals and evaluated by a computer.

One sensor distinguish between individual fibers and neps and second sensor is
required for the trash and dust particle measurement. After the test has been
completed the fiber, neps,dust and trash particles are deposited into waste
container.
Measurements and Calculations

All measurements are performed optically on individual fibers and events

(neps and trash).

Nep Classification:
Fiber and seed coat nep count per gram and size
(_m)distribution.

Length: Fiber length by number and by weight distributions; short

fibercontent by number and by weight (%).

Maturity: Maturity, immature fiber content (%) and fineness

(mtex)distribution.

Trash: Dust and trash count per gram and size (_m) distribution; visible.

MEASURING PRINCIPLE OF SINGLE FIBER TESTING

In the fiber individualizer unit, the sample is mechanically opened and

separated into single fibers by an air stream. The trash and dust particles are
filtered off, and an air stream transports the fibers and neps to an electro-
optical sensor, which produces characteristic waveforms. The filtered off dust
and trash particles are measured by a second sensor. The resulting
electronic signals are transmitted to a microcomputer, which recognizes and
evaluates the impulses. After calculating the statistical results, all values are
presented on the screen and printer.

MAIN BENEFITS:

• Reduced or eliminated fabric barré

• Reduced short fiber content
• Reduced or eliminated neps
• Improved accuracy and efficiency of machinery settings
Reduced maintenance costs
• Possibility to analyze material at every stage of the spinning
process, from raw cotton to roving
Establish optimum maintenance schedules on production machinery
• Optimize machinery settings
• Detect unsuitable cotton types

AFIS PRO MODULES

The USTER AFIS PRO comes with different modules enabling a customized
configuration for each plant.

NC MODULE
The NC Module is included in the base configuration of
the USTER AFIS PRO. It stands for “Nep Classification” and measures the
amount and the size of neps and seed coat neps in raw cotton, card mat and
sliver.
L&M MODULE
The L&M Module measures fiber length and
maturity in raw cotton, card mat and sliver. The length is measured on
single fibers in order to get a true fiber length distribution within a cotton
sample. The USTER AFIS PRO is the only instrument that measures the
maturity of single fibers, resulting in a true distribution of maturity within a
cotton sample.
T – MODULE
 The T Module measures the amount and size of dust and trash
particles in cotton fibers.

AUTOJET MODULE

The AutoJet Module is a sampling device that

enables an automated and, thus, more efficient use of the AFIS. Thirty
samples can be loaded in the tubes of the AutoJet cassette prior to starting a
test series. When the test has been started, the operator can attend other
tasks in the laboratory.
NEPS
One of the most important influences on the quality of the end
product is the number of neps in the raw material. Neps in spun yarn
degrades the appearance of woven and knitted materials. A particularly
damaging effect is variable dye uptake of neps, which can be reduced only
by means of corrective measures at the dying and finishing stages. These
measures are often costly and time consuming.

“Analyzing and tracking the

frequency, number, and size of neps from one processing stage to another is
a vital quality control tool for optimizing spinning conditions”.
MEASUREMENTS INCLUDE:

Neps that are a result of immature fibers

Seed coat fragments
1. Neps that are produced during opening and cleaning of the cotton
2. Neps that are produced by the machines in the spinning process
(cards, combers, and draw-frames)
3. Nep and seed coat nep size distributions

TRASH & DUST

Cottons from different growth areas vary not only with
respect to the number and size of trash particles, but also to the degree of
cleaning required for a given growth area. USTER® AFIS-T provides
valuable information as to how certain cottons will react to the different
processing stages. Consequently, the optimum settings for the opening and
cleaning machines can be determined for each type of cotton with reference
to its growth area. If the trash content in each card sliver is kept under
continuous control, optimum settings at each separate machine, as well as
optimum maintenance and disturbance-correction conditions can be
instituted (e.g., re-grinding of the card clothing.)

MEASUREMENTS INCLUDE:

1. Distribution in the size of trash and dust particles (histograms).

2. Number of dust and trash particles per gram.
3. Average size of the trash particles..
4. Percentage content or foreign matter, dust and trash.

LENGTH AND MATURITY

LENGTH AND SHORT FIBER CONTENT

Fiber length information

is necessary for a spinning mill to operate efficiently and to consistently
produce a quality product. Although USTER® AFIS can be used to measure
the length in raw cotton, its real strength lies in the information provided
during the processes that precede yarn manufacturing.

Critical processes that create and control the quality of

cotton sliver must be monitored and controlled on a regular basis. For
example, knowing the exact short fiber content can help you assess the
number of thick places that may occur in your yarn. Decisions on rebuilding
equipment and establishing maintenance schedules as well as choosing
machine components can be made objectively by using USTER® AFIS length
data

MEASUREMENTS INCLUDE:

1. Percent of Short Fiber Content by number and by weight

(>.50 inches/ 12.7mm)

2. Length by number and by weight

3. Coefficient of variation of fiber length by number and by weight
4. Upper Quartile Length by weight
5. 5.0% length by number

MATURITY:

The maturity and fineness of cotton fibers have long been a

subject of much debate. In many regions, micronaire is thought to be a
measurement of fineness as well as a good indication of maturity.

Experience has shown that for many cotton varieties the

micronaire may NOT be a good indication of either maturity or
 fineness. Tight control of the micronaire average and range in each
bale in a mix has not eliminated all the problems of barré in finished
fabric.

The USTER® AFIS Maturity module was developed to measure

not only the average values but also the distribution of fiber maturity
and fineness.

Immature fibers in raw material are the major cause of white

specks and barré in dyed and finished fabric.

MEASUREMENTS INCLUDE:

1. Fineness (millitex)
2. Immature Fiber Content%
3. Maturity Ratio

THE FASTEST AFIS EVER

The radically new USTER® AFIS PRO is

changing the industry standards of fiber testing at the speed of light. The
most Advanced Fiber Information System in the world is now faster, easier to
use, and even more essential than ever before.

Now you can analyze not only the raw material, but also
the entire spinning process with unrivaled speed and accuracy. With the
flexible software package, you have the information you need in an easy to
read summary so you can produce fault free fabric.
MAIN BENEFITS

• PROcessing speed is now 50% faster

• PROtection against inferior fiber quality
• PROfessional and sleek design
• PROgram friendly Windows interface
• PROductivity with USTER QualiProfile
• PROfit increase in your bottom line

References:-
• www.uster.com
• AFIS PRO manual.