AIcone combines productivity with energy efficiency

The PROCESS CONER AIcone has been developed with a focus on productivity, operational efficiency and user-friendly machine design. According to Murata Machinery, the automatic winder combines established technologies with improvements in energy management, maintenance and flexibility.

One of the developments concerns the machine's electrical system. A more efficient converter reduces energy losses during power distribution, while optimised standby motor currents contribute to lower electricity consumption.

Murata Machinery has also introduced changes to the manufacturing process to reduce its environmental impact. Recycled iron from the manufacturing process is reused for the drums, while the intermediate casing of the winding unit has been changed from aluminium to resin.

According to the company, this material substitution reduces CO₂ emissions associated with the relevant manufacturing process by 85%. In addition, an energy-efficient laser welding process is expected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 380 tonnes.

Simplified operation and flexible machine configurations

The AIcone features a unified operating concept covering the winding units, auto-doffer, CBF, package conveyor and bobbin supply area. Standardised control panels are designed to simplify operation and reduce dependence on individual operator experience.

The scope of the VOS control system has been expanded to include lot settings for the auto-doffer and CBF. Parameters that previously required manual adjustment can now be recalled directly from the control screen, reducing setup work during production changes.

Another development is the machine's modular construction. The winding unit has been redesigned into independent upper, middle and lower modules, allowing different traverse mechanisms to be installed on the same machine.

Drum traverse and arm traverse systems can therefore be combined within a single AIcone configuration, providing greater flexibility for different yarn and package requirements.

The machine retains established Murata technologies, including Bal-Con and the PC Module, while incorporating further developments aimed at productivity, yarn quality and reduced operating costs.

VORTEX 870 EX reaches spinning speeds of up to 550 m/min

Alongside the AIcone, Murata Machinery will present the VORTEX 870 EX, a high-speed air-jet spinning machine capable of reaching spinning speeds of up to 550 m/min, depending on yarn count and fibre material.

The machine processes a broad range of materials, including 100% cotton, synthetic/cotton blends and 100% synthetic fibres. Its yarn count range extends from Ne 10 to Ne 80, with different materials and counts accommodated through relatively minor component changes.

The VORTEX system produces yarn using air-jet spinning technology, which Murata Machinery has developed continuously since the 1980s. The first VORTEX spinning machine was introduced in 1997, with subsequent generations increasing spinning speeds from 350 m/min to the current maximum of 550 m/min achieved by the 870 EX.

Specialised options expand yarn production possibilities

The VORTEX 870 EX can be equipped with POLYMASTER, a system designed to improve the processing of challenging synthetic fibres, particularly 100% polyester, while supporting higher spinning speeds.

Another option is the filament core yarn device, which feeds a continuous filament into the spinning process while staple fibres form the outer covering. This enables the production of specialised core yarns with reduced manual intervention.

Standard equipment includes the VOS III control panel, spinning sensors, the Muratec Spin Clearer (MSC), automatic waste fibre extraction, an auto-doffer and a package conveyor.

Optional equipment includes the MSC-F foreign fibre detector, additional splicer carriages and a splice monitor.

With the AIcone and VORTEX 870 EX, Murata Machinery will present complementary technologies for spinning and winding, addressing productivity, operating efficiency and flexibility in modern yarn manufacturing.

Murata Machinery will exhibit in Hall 5, Booths E01 and E02.