The G6300 rapier machine is the first product from Sulzer Textil formed from the merger of Sulzer Ruti and Nuovo Pignone. It is an impressive first offering, combining the features from two rapier machines: Sulzers G6200 and Pignones FAST. Apparently textile manufacturers agreed. Sulzer Textil has reported more orders taken for the G6300 than for any other weaving machine at ITMA 99. Powerful And EfifcientThe machine reflects the current state of the art and includes numerous new features including a high-speed main drive, direct drive for the rapier tapes, a built-in weaving terminal and electronic warp let-off and cloth take-up.The main drive acts directly on the sley and rapier motions, minimizing the machines energy consumption.The gripper clamps are moved in such a way that yarn loading is also minimized. This is accomplished by optimizing the motion sequences and the speed of the gripper clamps during thread take-up, transfer and draw-off.The G6300s main drive also gives it high torque for rapid acceleration and a powerful braking torque for quick stops. A torsionally rigid machine frame ensures vibration-free operation even at high speeds. Exceptionally Versatile Versatility is definitely the G6300s strong suit. Its features include quick style change, simple control, options of up to eight weft colors, gripper clamps for fancy yarns or double weft insertion, machine speed control and independent control of leno and auxiliary selvedges.The G6300 can process an exceptionally wide range of yarns, including spun and filament, fancy and industrial yarns, natural and man-made blends. Command And ControlThe electronics of the G6300 are based on multiprocessor architecture with 32-bit technology. A CAN bus ensures rapid and reliable data interchange between the various components of the machine. The weaving terminal allows the operator to easily and clearly program machine functions including warp let-off, cloth take-up and weft feeder settings. So far the G6300 and the M8300 multi-phase machine are the only Sulzer Textil weaving machines to be equipped with this man-machine interface. The Showroom FloorSulzer Textil showed four G6300 machines in Paris. The range of products woven on these machines was clearly intended to show their versatility.The first machine was shown weaving a cotton shirting fabric (Ne 50 cotton yarns for both warp and filling) with a working width of 172.3 cm at 700 rpm. The weft insertion rate was 1,206 meters per minute.The second G6300 was shown producing a wool suiting fabric with a working width of 179 cm at 540 rpm. The weft insertion rate was 966 meters per minute. This version of the G6300 was equipped with a 72-hook Staubli Jacquard.The third machine was shown weaving a polyester/cotton bedspread fabric (polyester warp and cotton filling) with a working width of 297 cm at 430 rpm. The weft insertion rate was 1,277 meters per minute.The fourth G6300 was shown producing a nylon/Lycra womenswear fabric with a working width of 190 cm at 700 rpm. The weft insertion rate was 1,330 meters per minute.Filling yarns on this machine included cotton/Lycra, nylon/Lycra, silk and Lurex.Three of the four G6300 machines were equipped for quick style change.

November 1999