#India ITME 2016

2016-11-11

Graf at ITME 2016 in Mumbai

The company Graf, located in Rapperswil near Zurich, is the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards, roller cards and combs for combing machines. As a complete system provider, Graf offers a comprehensive package from the product and technical advice through to service and service equipment. Graf will introduce several innovative solutions at ITME in Mumbai.

Competence as a complete system provider Flexible clothings are one of the key components in a carding machine. To ensure an evenly high quality of the carding sliver, they have to be replaced regularly. When the personnel are doing the replacement, the carding machine has to be stopped. To keep these down-times as short as possible, Graf now offers a new flat system, which can reduce the stoppage time by 70%. The so-called EasyTop is used for flat clothings with magnetic adhesion technology. The flats, equipped with a metal carrier, are attached securely and precisely by a high energy magnet. They resist even high carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. The replacing of the flat tops is very simple: They can be removed and reattached manually. There is no requirement for additional special tools. After placing the EasyTop on the flat bar, the high energy magnets automatically assure the correct positioning. The flat bars are mounted on the carding machine, which can continue the production immediately after setting. The reduced stoppage increases the cost-effectiveness. The flat tops do not have to be equalized in a flat workshop, which reduces the costs even further. The EasyTop system can be used for flat bars with magnetic attachment from all manufacturers. The flat tops are currently available for working widths of 40“and 51” (60” in progress) and in the well-known setting patterns for all major applications.

Graf presents its new product for the combing process. The exchangeable combing segments are suitable for all combs requiring this technology. The quick and safe installation with the innovative, self-locking fastening system guarantees an absolutely firm seat without wearing out and the constant tightening force on all points of attachment respectively prevents the deformation by prevailing centrifugal forces. Individual segments can be exchanged resulting in improved economy efficiency. The metallic wires used for the production of the segments undergo the proven and tested surface treatment – developed by Graf, leading to optimal running-in properties and long service life.

Pic: Easy Top

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.