The first line of the new RF5 generation
has successfully extruded the first filaments at the nonwoven manufacturer PFN.
Reifenhäuser Reicofil sets new standards in
quality, output, line availability, efficiency, and machine intelligence with
the new technology for the production of spunbond, meltblown, and composite
nonwovens.
The spunbond and meltblown technologies
were totally revised for the RF5 technology The RF5 is also equipped with
digital solutions from the Reifenhäuser Digital Business Platform. This paves
the way for intelligent machines and intelligent production.
“I’m delighted that the
first RF5 line has started spinning successfully,” said Markus Müller, Sales Director at Reifenhäuser Reicofil. “I’m even
more delighted that we were able to take this step in collaboration with our
long-standing customer PFN. PFN started operations with our first RF1 line
generation in 1992. Since then, the company has continually switched to our
latest and best generation. And this is no exception now.”
High
flexibility of the new line
The semi-commercial line features high
flexibility, thus permitting PFN to develop new products. Besides
polypropylene, the line processes polyester. When combined with other products,
it produces the components for diapers.
Today, these components are produced
separately in different processes. The specifications also include the
production of Full High Loft.
As a producer of nonwovens mainly used in
the hygiene sector, PFN gains a significant market edge through RF5
technology.
Fully
equipped with digitalization
The RF5 line is the first generation
equipped with digital solutions from the Reifenhäuser Digital Business
Platform. PFN is now based on a full equipment solution.
It includes all the available modules that
feature intuitive operation, continuous process and quality monitoring,
predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection.
For example, the line offers operators a
productivity analysis that predicts exactly when a wear part will fail. It
warns the operator of spinning dysfunction before it occurs and provides a
troubleshooting guide.
Focus
on purity of final product and sustainability
In addition, the RF5 line is equipped with
an anti-contamination package providing an extremely high-purity end product. It also reduces noise, which
improves working conditions for operators.
When it comes to sustainability, Reicofil
has also tuned energy consumption for efficiency. The Blue Package reduces
energy consumption to achieve greater sustainability in production. For
example, the extruders and calenders are specially insulated and the fans are
equipped with high-efficiency motors.
In September, a second line was
commissioned at another customer. A third commissioning is planned for
December.