#Spinning

2019-10-10

First RF5 line starts spinning successfully

The first line of the new RF5 generation has successfully extruded the first filaments at the nonwoven manufacturer PFN. Reifenhäuser Reicofil sets new standards in quality, output, line availability, efficiency, and machine intelligence with the new technology for the production of spunbond, meltblown, and composite nonwovens. The spunbond and meltblown technologies were totally revised for the RF5 technology The RF5 is also equipped with digital solutions from the Reifenhäuser Digital Business Platform. This paves the way for intelligent machines and intelligent production.

“I’m delighted that the first RF5 line has started spinning successfully,” says Markus Müller, Sales Director at Reifenhäuser Reicofil. “I’m even more delighted that we were able to take this step in collaboration with our long-standing customer PFN. PFN started operations with our first RF1 line generation in 1992. Since then, the company has continually switched to our latest and best generation. And this is no exception now.”

High flexibility of the new line for decisive market edge

The semi-commercial line features high flexibility, thus permitting PFN to develop new products. Besides polypropylene, the line processes polyester. When combined with other products, it produces the components for diapers. Today, these components are produced separately in different processes. The specifications also include the production of Full High Loft. As a producer of nonwovens mainly used in the hygiene sector, PFN gains a significant market edge through RF5 technology.

Fully equipped with digitalization

The RF5 line is the first generation equipped with digital solutions from the Reifenhäuser Digital Business Platform. PFN is now based on a full equipment solution. It includes all the available modules that feature intuitive operation, continuous process and quality monitoring, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection. For example, the line offers operators a productivity analysis that predicts exactly when a wear part will fail. It warns the operator of spinning dysfunction before it occurs and provides a troubleshooting guide.

Focus on purity of final product and sustainability

In addition, the RF5 line is equipped with an anti-contamination package providing an extremely high-purity end product. It also reduces noise, which improves working conditions for operators.

When it comes to sustainability, Reicofil has also tuned energy consumption for efficiency. The Blue Package reduces energy consumption to achieve greater sustainability in production. For example, the extruders and calenders are specially insulated and the fans are equipped with high-efficiency motors.

In September, a second line was commissioned at another customer. A third commissioning is planned for December.

Please go here for all details on RF5 technology: www.future.reicofil.com. For more information on Digital Business Platform modules, go here: www.reifenhauser-digital.com

Reifenhäuser wins German Design Award for new user interface

At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines – and stands out for its particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design prize during the trade fair.

Reifenhäuser NEXT: Tackling the skills shortage and achieving operational excellence with industrial AI

At K 2025, the Reifenhäuser Group will demonstrate Industrial AI's full potential for productivity in plastics processing. At the heart of the dedicated “Reifenhäuser NEXT” brand is a powerful AI chatbot that enables even inexperienced line operators to quickly solve complex tasks in their daily work, thereby maximizing availability, productivity, and quality.

Reifenhäuser strengthens field service operations in the Middle East and Africa

Reifenhäuser Group, a global leader in plastics extrusion technology, announces a significant expansion of its field service operations across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Building on a longstanding presence in the region, which includes a sales office established in United Arab Emirates five years ago, Reifenhäuser is now taking a major step forward to enhance its local customer support and service capabilities.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

The hub of smart and sustainable transformation in yarn technologies: ITM 2026

With global fiber production projected to reach 169 million tons by 2030, yarn manufacturing is becoming one of the most strategic fields within the textile machinery industry. Located in Halls 6, 7, and 10, the Yarn Hall at ITM 2026 is set to bring together industry professionals with innovative solutions developed around automation, energy efficiency, digitalization, and circular production.

Perfect quality through collaboration: Machinery from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata at Zirve Tekstil

In today’s textile industry, excellence is not achieved by chance – it’s the result of deliberate decisions, technical expertise, and the courage to go beyond conventional paths. The Turkish company Zirve Tekstil has done just that: by combining the best technologies from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata, they’ve created a production setup that delivers outstanding yarn quality – recognized worldwide.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Stäubli demonstrates how innovation translates into real benefits for weaving mills at SITEX 2026

One of India’s most prominent textile industry events, SITEX 2026, is held from February 21 to 23 in Surat. Committed to empowering Indian weaving mills with state‑of‑the‑art solutions tailored to regional needs, Stäubli will present a selection of solutions designed for performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Through its weaving preparation, cam and dobby shedding solutions and Jacquard technologies, Stäubli highlights its global expertise tailored to the specific needs of the local market.