In the age of Industry 4.0, where more customers
look for personalized products, the enterprises must keep pace with smart manufacturing
to outperform the competitive global market.
At ShanghaiTex 2019, leading global manufacturers
showcased their exhibit highlights and shared their insights on smart
manufacturing.
At the show, Rieter
Components, along with the components manufacturers within the Group, including Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, SSM and Suessen, presented their comprehensive
solutions at the booth.

SSM’s precision package winder PWX.

Suessen’s EliTe is a versatile compact-spinning system with new components.
Huang Wei, Head of Big Contract Management China,
Business Group Machine & System China, Rieter (China) Textile Instruments
Co., Ltd. and Steven Lin, Sales Director China, SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler
AG, accepted an exclusive interview with CTA.

(Left) Huang Wei, Head of Big Contract Management China, Business Group
Machine & System China, Rieter (China) Textile Instruments Co., Ltd.;
Thomas Elsener, Marketing Service, SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG; and Steven
Lin, Sales Director China, SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG.
Commenting on the market development, Huang Wei
said: “The cotton spinning industry emphasizes heavily on digitization and
automation. The purpose is to reduce labor, cut costs and save energy.”
Huang Wei pointed out that the strong demand for automation
is mainly due to the labor issue. "First of all, customers want to greatly
reduce labor and to cut cost. Secondly, automation ensures consistent product
quality because it is not affected by the quality of workers."
Steven Lin commented that SSM places great emphasis
on fully automated machines. “SSM has been deploying automation since 20 years
ago. But at that time, automation was only applied in certain processes, such
as winding.”
"However, the customer’s requirements nowadays
are higher, spanning from the automation of logistics, from the filling of raw
materials to the transportation of final products, etc. Therefore, we are
dedicated to working on this direction and pursuing full automation,” Steven
Lin said.
In terms of digitalization, Huang Wei said, Rieter
presented ESSENTIAL – Rieter Digital Spinning Suite. The Rieter Digital
Spinning Suite provides key performance indicators and visualizes improvements
for the entire spinning process.
It integrates Rieter’s digital offerings, provides
customized interfaces to ERP systems and connects third-party machines and all
auxiliaries that influence the production of yarn. From mid-2019, the existing
Rieter digital system UPtime has also been migrated to the Digital Spinning
Suite.
“Data collection is very important. Through data
analytics, the digital offerings identify deviations including causes and
indicate potential future errors or even failures, hence enhancing the plant management,”
said Huang Wei.
He explained: “With comprehensive and clearly
arranged digital analytics, this mill management system supports the management
in real-time in order to strengthen the expertise of mill staff, eliminate
inefficiencies and optimize costs.”
“ESSENTIALpredict applies machine learning
algorithms to sensor data and compares the running behavior of similar machine types.
As soon as a machine starts behaving abnormally, the user receives a message
containing clear instructions from Rieter on how to avoid a potential outage. I
believe self-adjusting system will be the future development direction,” he
said.
At its booth, SETEX introduced the new C390 machine controller series to visitors.
The controllers are equipped with essential technologies and properties for applications
in Industry 4.0 environments.

The booth of SETEX was highlighted with the theme of
Industry 4.0.
Available in a variety of display sizes, the
controllers are designed for a wide range of coverage
from data acquisition terminal to machine control and plant navigator.
Split-screen features and IP-camera
connection provide a clear overview of all machines and systems, suitable for
operating stenter frames and washing lines.
Meanwhile, all-new infographic and animations
with intuitive swipe and scrolling gestures provide unbeatable ergonomic
comfort.
Integrated mobile connectivity turns every
C390 controller into an IIoT-device with access by mobile device as well as web
browser without additional app installation.
In addition, an integrated OPC UA client
allows for a simple linking to finishing machines to provide all new features
and the integration with SETEX OrgaTEX MES to third party PLCs.

The new SETEX C390 machine controller.
SANTEX
RIMAR GROUP showcased its new version of DECOFAST
3.5 at ShanghaiTex 2019. It is the result of an evolution of continuous
decatizing process under pressure, aiming to provide a reliable and effective
tool for modern finishers.
This latest version is re-engineered and
carries new innovations in many aspects, including mechanical, electrical and
electronic, and configurations. As introduced, the working pressure and
productivity of the machine are increased with same energy consumption.
In particular, the electronic parts and
software are renewed with drive motors of high precision performances. The
electrical components are reliable, maintenance and parts substitution
simplified.
Simon Rancan, Group CEO of SANTEX RIMAR
GROUP, remarked that the upgrade of the electrical and electronic parts of the
machine facilitates a better data transfer for implementing Industry 4.0
workflow across the production line.
“The goal of the Industry 4.0 is to help
producers to better control their production processes. We therefore make
machines in our whole portfolio Industry 4.0 ready as it is beneficial to our
customers,” he said.

The new version of DECOFAST 3.5 showcased at
ShanghaiTex 2019.
The new DECOFAST 3.5 is manufactured by Sperotto
Rimar, a brand of SANTEX RIMAR GROUP. It demonstrates the Group’s strategy in
adding products for some processes closed to the processes in which the Group
has been providing solutions for.
“The aim is to strengthen our position as
one-stop solution provider in the industry,” Simon Rancan explained. “Besides,
customers can enjoy simpler operations when using machines from the same
supplier.”
Another highlighted exhibit of SANTEX RIMAR
GROUP at the show was the VELURA Raising Machine for raising any fabric type.
The machine is equipped with high quality
driving belts for the raising rollers drive, which are more flexible and
durable compared to bigger size belts.
Five driving belts are provided to ensure a
full grip on the pulley and the maximum possible energy transmission for a more
efficient raising effect.

The VELURA Raising Machine is manufactured by Sperotto
Rimar, a brand of SANTEX RIMAR GROUP.
According to the CEO, the Group is planning
to further explore the Chinese market by expanding its product lines with new
products.
“Our operation in China is performing well
and business is stable. We are happy with that as many manufacturers experience
20-30% decrease in sales amidst the market slowdown,” mentioned Simon Rancan.

Simon Rancan, Group CEO of SANTEX RIMAR GROUP.
Simon Rancan pinpointed that this is due to
the fact that Chinese producers have been shifting their attention to the
payback of their investment instead of the selling price of the machines. They
are buying more hi-end and high quality machines.
He also emphasized that the Chinese producers
are upgrading their technologies for the benefits of higher productivity as
well as lower energy consumption. Besides digitalization and automation, they
are taking big steps towards sustainable production.
“We see a lot of Chinese producers are
paying attention to sustainability. One of the reasons is the end-consumers are
pushing them,” he added. “This emerging trend in China favours us as our
machines are designed to maximum the output with less energy consumption.”