AUTEFA Solutions of Germany, the world market leader in automatic fiber logistics and manufacturer of hydraulic fiber presses, presented a new machine concept two years ago with its UNI-FORK that optimizes the process of pressing a bale, increases the efficiency of process and improves the quality of fiber packing. In the meantime the process reached marketability and machines have already been successfully installed at customers of AUTEFA Solutions.
One of the customers is Shandong Yingli in China producing Lyocell fibers. Lyocell is an industrially produced regenerated fiber based on cellulose, with direct wet spinning process. The fibers have different applications such as textiles in the medical area in the nonwoven segment for hygienic and cosmetics products. Using the fiber in the hygienic industry means highest requirements for bale packing, therefore Shandong Yingli was interested in the new AUTEFA solution. Shandong Yingli was also convinced of the total concept with the extensive optimization of the process. For this reason the company bought a fully-automatic fiber press from AUTEFA.
The concept of UNI-FORK and AD-WRAP
The UNI-FORK intelligent concept saves costs with a very small investment for a fully automatic process while improving quality. The central idea of the system is to use one transfer fork for one or more pre-presses and to operate one or more main presses. At Shandong Yingli the Autefa Solutions increases capability of fibers supply chain cut Lyocell fiber of two or more independently working fiber lines go via a condenser to two or more AUTEFA pre-presses and are pre-compacted to a bale.
These pre-compacted bales are taken out with the central working UNI-FORK on a rotating basis of the pre-presses and handed over to a central main press. The main press compresses the bale totally and makes the strapping around the bale.
Afterwards, the bales will be packed with two overlapping, elastic stretch hoods of polyethylene (AD-WRAP). In this way, the packing of the fiber bale is completely protected against dirt, foreign fibers like hair and insects. It offers protection against contamination like no other type of packing. For every kind of hygienic fiber, it is a significant improvement, avoiding waste, decreasing costs and improving sustainability of the supply chain. Companies that still strap and pack manually can benefit a lot with the AD-WRAP. A return on investment is assured in approximately 1½ years.
The other advantages of the UNI-FORK are the high total capacity of up to 60 bales/h per main press, the gentle fiber transfer and its universal usability. Not only high-performance fiber lines with over 300 tons per day but also small fiber lines for aramid, polypropylene or colored fibers can be designed individually.
UNI-FORK and AD-WRAP from AUTEFA Solutions are known worldwide, are unique and are protected by a patent. Both machines together form a system which leads to a strong reduction in personnel costs, high availability of the machine and a short amortization period.