Tatham Ltd, a UK-based specialist textile machinery company, has in response to industry demand developed the technology to provide higher production speeds with improved product weight distribution for crosslapper control. The system can be retrofitted to all makes of crosslappers.

Tatham’s latest TSX control system utilises ABB high performance machinery drives and servomotors. Several panel combinations are available depending on the existing crosslapper configuration. The system is linked to the master process control using Profibus, an ABB AC500 PLC provides positioning data to the drives, which convert it into control signals to maintain the speed of the servomotors.

The new control software provides precise positioning that is repeatable resulting in total control of the batt profile. The heaviness of the batt is a function of the speed it is laid down at and using the ABB PLC, drives and servomotors allows one to vary this precisely, giving a much more accurate and controllable build up of the layers. One can adjust the speed of the carriage at the edges of the batt to avoid distortions and maintain the required density across the entire width.

All parameters can be adjusted from the latest touchscreen operator interface. The batt density can be adjusted across its width to suit the product requirements with coefficient of variation (CV) values of around +/-1 per cent. It is also possible to shape the batt to any required profile. Essentially the accuracy of the ABB high performance machinery drives mean the TSX system can provide precise control of web delivery to achieve the required batt profile.

Retrofitting a TSX to an existing crosslapper will bring considerable savings. The TSX is very energy efficient, before a recent installation the crosslapper used 60 A peak which was cut to 15 A afterwards. With fibre costs increasing it is essential to control the product thickness to minimise fibre wastage.

By monitoring the final product with a suitable measuring system Tatham can offer a ‘closed loop’ control system to automatically adjust the batt profile to the pre-set requirements. It can also be extended to link with Tatham’s own TS weight control system if required.

Tatham has become a worldwide specialist in upgrading existing crosslapper drive systems. Having completed numerous installations worldwide the TSX has become a benchmark for leading edge design and operational performance. Recent installations include a geotextile manufacturer in Malaysia, Papermakers felt in China and an automotive textile producer in USA. The technology can be applied to all makes of crosslappers.

As a centre of excellence for system design and implementation, Tatham’s team of highly trained engineers offer a wide range of expertise to deliver the right solution. Their experience is backed by the very latest design and production facilities, enabling them to match engineered solutions to customers’ requirements.