Andritz Asselin-Thibeau, part of international technology Group Andritz, has opened its new technical center in Elbeuf, France. For the first time, nonwovens producers have the opportunity to test the neXline needlepunch pilot line, designed in industrial scale. The installation unites all the latest technology developments by Andritz for the needlepunch market.

The new line includes a high performance Excelle double card designed to run short and long staple fibers with a very uniform web aspect despite throughput capabilities in excess of 500 kg/h/m. Here, for the very first time, the TT card concept is applied to crosslapping processes says the company. It can be set to provide highly uniform webs with MD/CD ratios of less than 3:1. Due to the TT card system, the line is capable of producing needled felts with low to high elongation percentages, with high tensile strength values. Final MD/CD tensile strength ratios of 1:1 will be possible once the felt reaches the winder.  

The ACS and the Ouat!sys systems for crosslappers allow high production speed, even with condensed or randomized carded webs. The ProDyn system will be available on the pilot line, as will the Iso-ProDyn system. Both technologies can be activated at the operator’s request. According to the company, benefits are the unique weight evenness properties as well as the improved evenness of MD/CD tensile strength values across the fabric width.

The Andritz pilot line is equipped with two fabric web drafting units, one of which is being exhibited to the public for the very first time. The Zéta drafter is designed for speeds of over 40 m/min and also has a very strong drafting capability, minimizing aspect distortion during fabric elongation. In addition, the A.50-R and A.50-RS needlelooms provide capabilities to needle from one side only or from both sides.

The line controls feature the new Andritz Asselin-Thibeau standard electrical equipment, replacing the proprietary IPC rack. An advanced SCADA solution is available for complete production line management with the ability to manage the recipe database and to monitor production reports, but also to optimize the maintenance program. The pilot line also includes state-of-the-art opening and blending equipment as well as automatic accumulator, slitter, and winder.