Welcome to IN-LINE with FI-TECH Todd Bassett While 2002 did not bring any surprises like 2001, we certainly expected improvement in the economy by now. Consumer confidence remains shaken by events in Iraq and North Korea and general malaise in the economy, which has offset any positive effects of low interest rates.We hope that once the ìcloudî of Iraq and North Korea is lifted, the economy will respond to the low interest rates and the stock market will reverse its three-year slide. Restructuring and consolidation in the fibers and nonwoven industries have left fewer, but stronger, companies. A weaker Dollar in 2003 should help stimulate the export market for these firms, while easing the pricing pressure from imported goods. Fi-Tech feels well positioned in 2003 with its lineup of suppliers to meet our customersí requirements for quality components and machinery for the production of fiber and nonwovens.We are excited about the development work in new products in which our suppliers have invested as well as the continual improvement being made in existing products. We look forward to exhibiting these new/updated products with our suppliers at these shows in 2003: Exintex - Puebla,Mexico March 4-7 ITMA 2003 - Birmingham,England October 22-29 In this issue of ìIn-Line with Fi-Techî,we will present information on new products from COFPA, Autefa Automation, Purolator, and Zentes Unitex.We will also introduce or give updates on the some of our newest representations such as Heberlein, Hastem, and Ungricht. As always, if you have questions or need further information on any of the products discussed or suppliers we represent, please consult the fax back form included with the newsletter or contact us at sales@fi-tech.com. Todd Bassett Autefa Automation Systems Autefa Automation is known worldwide for their innovative solutions to all kinds of material handling and logistic problems for production facilities. They have been recognized by the leading engineering institutions of Europe for their modular design approach, providing individualized solutions to satisfy each customer’s specific needs. Tray Storage Autefa’s “Total Solutions” approach incorporates the best experience and know-how from various engineering disciplines to develop and manufacture innovative components and integrate them into existing production environments. Autefa Automation’s Modular Method of construction combines well-proven standard subsystems into custommade installations of virtually any size or functionality. In addition, partial solutions with the option for gradual step-by-step upgrades are easily possible. The complete range of services and products allows the realization of fully integrated systems with:    • Raw Material Storing    • Raw Material Supply    • Product Doffing    • Product Transportation    • Product Storing and Sorting    • Product Packing    • Product Palletizing    • Product Warehousing & Retrieval    • Automatic Truck Loading The integration of sub-systems and real-time product tracking is accomplished by the Autefa Automation Logistics System. This can be interfaced to the MRP System. The cooperation of the Logistics and MRP Systems can combine order arrangement, production and product handling into one virtual process. Filament Handling Systems for spinning and texturing yarn plants are a part of Autefaís success story in automation. Since 1995 they have provided automated systems to handle a cumulative total of more than 330,000 bobbins per day. These systems have proven to be economical for plant operations for as few as 4,000 bobbins per day. Autefa Automationís Filament Handling Systems cover the complete material flow for these plants. SDI Doffer The first step in the automation of filament bobbin handling is the doffing of full bobbins from the spinning machines. This is done using either an SD1 Suspended Doffer or a MD1 Multi-Doffer, floorbased doffer and transport unit. Either system offers the automatic donning of empty paper tubes after the full bobbins are doffed. For textured yarns, Autefa offers the MC1 Multi-Collector, series doffer. This unit is an impressive example of the ability of Autefa Automation to design and manufacture innovative and reliable automatic material handling machines. MDI Multi-Doffer The MC1 is able to handle DTY bobbins with outside diameters up to 320 mm, and can be adapted to all leading automatic texturing machines presently available on the market. In each of these applications, the identification and tracking of each individual yarn package is done automatically with AutefaísTransport and Doffing Management System (TDM). Transportation The second step after doffing is the transportation of the bobbins to the intermediate storage area, or in some applications directly to the packing system. There are two different basic concepts in achieving this step. Systems using the SD1, suspended doffer, are coupled with Autefaís Bobbin Railway System (BRS), utilizing overhead rails for transport and temporary storage of the full bobbins. The MD1 and MC1 floor mounted doffers also serve as AGVís to transport the full packages after doffing. Autefa also offers an intermediate stop for visual inspection at their Visual Inspection Terminal. The VI Terminal utilizes a color touchscreen, which can be operated by stylus or fingertip. The next step of an automatic filament handling line is the intermediate storage. This area is the heart of the automatic handling system. Its design strongly influences the flexibility, efficiency, reliability and operation of the entire automation line. Autefa Automation invented the Multi-Tray Storage system for this purpose. Today these successful systems are operating in plants around the globe. Multi-Tray Storage provides some significant advantages in comparison with other types of intermediate storage:    ï ìJust in timeî packing    ï Implementation of any packing scheme    ï Automatic packing of down-graded doffs    ï Supplementary grading of bobbins in storage      without influencing the store-out performance    ï Integration of yarn testing or sampling stations      into the storage system This system is controlled by the Storage & Packing Management System (SPM), to ensure fully reliable data storing, tracking, processing and inventory management. Automatic packing is the final step in the automation of a filament handling system. This area usually requires the highest degree of customization, thus it benefits the most from Autefaís modular design concept. The end-userís needs regarding bobbin packing and box palletizing are extremely variable. Autefaís Automatic Packing robots can accommodate all packing requirements. This flexibility is achieved through the use of proven strategies and concepts designed into highly customized systems. The most distinctive features are:    ï Multi Function Gripper Concept    ï Multi Robot Concept    ï Wing Pad Covering Concept    ï Box Array Palletizing Concept Here again, the Storage & Packing Management System ensures the ìjust in timeî packing of boxes or pallets. The packing orders are executed in precise quantities and sequences, according to the instructions of the operator. Bale Warehouse Autefaís willingness to take on the most difficult motion and logistic problems has provided an invaluable base of knowledge to bring to bear in solving new product handling applications. They offer robots that can be floor or ceiling mounted, use multi-function gripper heads, have automatic guidance systems, and can be adapted to many different product sizes and types. In todayís round the clock production systems, reliability and machine availability are two critically important factors. Autefaís machine designs are renown for their robustness and quality of construction. Whether itís picking up a 700 pound bale of synthetic fiber, or an empty PET bottle weighing a fraction of an ounce, you can count on Autefa Automation to provide equipment that gives the optimum in performance and reliability. HASTEM Slats and Repair Parts Are Now In Stock Fi-Tech and Hastem Transportb"nder are pleased to announce the creation of a Richmond, Virginia based inventory of slats and repair parts for Hastem slat transport aprons. Most all slat types such as CC25VT, CC25CO knurled and smooth and CH25 are inventoried in our Richmond warehouse in lengths up to 6.6m. In addition, replacement drive belts, splice kits, teeth repair kits and any other required hardware for the repair of your slat aprons are maintained in inventory for immediate delivery. New at Ungricht Ungricht GmbH & Co KG is pleased to announce increased capacity for roll engraving for all nonwoven processes including anvil rolls for untrasonic bonding. Included are:    ï Two new laser technologies for engraving    ï Additional services for complete reworking      engraved or smooth rolls    ï Additional capacity for complete roll      manufacturing    ï Two new grinding machines for expanded      grinding services    ï Strategically placed repair kits, including      microplasma welding equipment (One located      at Fi-Tech)    ï New designs and patterns ITMA 2003 - Birmingham, UK October 22-29, 2003 The ITMA is the worldís most prestigious exhibition of machinery and supplies for the Textile Fiber and Fabrics Industries. Many of Fi-Techís principals will showcase their new and exciting technologies at ITMA 2003. Companies exhibiting include: Autefa Automation GmbH - Cason SpA - Enka tecnica GmbH - Hastem Transportb"nder GmbH - Heberlein Fiber Technology - Idrosistem Energy Srl - Mozart AG - Nuova Protex Macchine Tessili - Reifenh"user GmbH & Co. - Zentes Unitex GmbH - Zimmer AG. Please note room reservations and flight arrangements should be made well in advance, as available space is booked very rapidly. For more information about the show, including tickets, maps, recommended hotels, etc., contact the ITMA Exhibition in Birmingham, at telephone number 011-44-121-780-2003, or visit www.itma.com.

Polymer Filtration Technology from Purolator Facet, Inc. Purolator Facet, Inc., a manufacturer of sintered metal filter products, a name well known in the polymer filtration technology, is one of the many companies that Fi-Tech represents. Polymer Filtration Technology For over 30 years Purolator Facet, Inc., has been designing and manufacturing polymer filter elements (filter candles) to meet the growing needs of polymer producers worldwide. Purolator Porofelt® and Poromesh® elements feature the most advanced media technology and manufacturing techniques in the industry. These features provide the user with reliable and consistent filtration, and extend the life of the filter well beyond that of competitive filter, with features such as Electron Beam Welds, Diffusion-bonding, a wide range of micron ratings and media, as well as in-house core manufacturing. Electron Beam Welding, a Purolator exclusive, permanently joins the filter media, end fittings and core in one clean process, thus eliminating leaks, oxidation. It fuses two or more materials using a beam of highvelocity electrons in a very strong vacuum. An electromagnetic lens focuses a beam on a minute spot, while the kinetic energy of the electrons is transferred into thermal energy, melting the material to form a fusion weld. Features of Electron Beam Welding are a very narrow fusion zone, zero oxidation, pure welds (no flux or backing gases required), and welds are made at tremendous speeds, with very low energy input and excellent repeatability. Diffusion-Bonding is the process whereby each layer of filter media is metallurgically bonded at every point of contact. This helps ensure stable pore size and structure at high pressures, with no media migration or wire loss. Additionally, the stress-relieved wires enhance the filterís corrosion resistance. This diffusion-bonding is a furnace sintering process at over 1100oC in a controlled atmosphere, which causes metal molecules to migrate across contact points of the various layers. During cooling recrystallization takes place to form a completely integrated structure that offers locked in pore geometry in the PoromeshÆ media. Wide ranges of micron ratings and media are available. PorofeltÆ diffusion-bonded fiber metal felt depth media are available from 3µ - 60µ absolute. PoromeshÆ diffusion-bonded wire mesh surface media are available from 10µ - 200µ absolute. In-house core manufacturing is another feature that Purolator incorporates. The two-stage cold forming process results in maximum uniformity and strength. In addition, electropolishing is used to remove all burrs and provide a smoother surface for polymer flow. Air Quench Media PoroplateÆ air quench media are a proprietary media design featuring multiple layers of diffusion-bonded wire mesh. These precision-woven wire mesh media are aligned at calculated angles to produce thousands of microscopic pores. The result is a uniform flow pattern for quench cabinet air. The rigid PoroplateÆ media retain their uniform pore structure during virtually any quench operating conditions. Pore sizes and structures are maintained, resulting in a predictable flow profile throughout the life of the media. PoroplateÆ air quench media are available in flat sheets for cross-flow quenching, or tubular form for radial quench applications. They can also be custom fabricated to incorporate end-fittings and flanges. Three standard porosity grades are available, as well as custom flow profiles for more demanding applications. Constructed of 304L stainless steel, it provides a corrosion-resistant media capable of operating at high temperatures without distortion or change in porosity. The media is easily cleaned for repeated life, unlike disposable products. All this leads to improved fiber consistency and quality, with reduced fiber breakage. It suppresses flow surges and is unaffected by temperature and humidity changes while operating at temperature ranges in excess of 1000oC. Standard sheet size is 600 mm x 1200 mm (2ft.x 4ft.). Standard material is UNS S30403 (304L) Other sizes, configurations and materials are available upon request. Heberlein is Dedicated to Your Splicing and Aspirating Needs Heberlein AG has completed the restructuring of their vast product offering after their acquisition of Enka tecnica, and has now incorporated a portion of the Enka tecnica product line into their own. Primarily, the Aspirating and Splicing product lines will now be built and supported through the Heberlein facility in Switzerland, with Fi-Tech continuing to act as the Heberlein distributor for these products throughout the USA and Canada. Regarding aspirating needs, the Heberlein product line has two different types of components: stationary (Lufanstat) and handheld (Lufan). All Heberlein aspirators work on the principle involving the generation of negative gauge pressure in the suction tube by means of compressed air. Here is an overview of the Lufan product line: HS-High Speed Series-Capable of aspirating yarn speeds up to 8000 m/min. HS/5- maximum 1600 dtex HS/7- maximum 3000 dtex HS/10-maximum 10,000 dtex HS/18-maximum 20,000 dtex LC-Low Consumption Series-Capable of speeds exceeding 5000 m/min. LC/5- maximum 1600 dtex LC/7- maximum 3000 dtex LC/10-maximum 10,000 dtex Lufan® 200 Lufan 100 and Lufan 200- Capable of speeds up to 2000 m/min. - A light and efficient aspirator, for slower types of processes such as draw texturizing, draw-winding, low speed spinning, or converting. K600/579-For tapes and monofilaments, in cases where the aspirator should not impart any twist. The Heberlein stationary aspirator, Lufanstat, is capable of aspirating yarns up to 45,000 dtex. Twist-free models are also available, able to aspirate up to 2,000 dtex. Please contact your Fi-Tech sales engineer to fit the correct model to your requirements. Splicer The Heberlein Splicer line continues to be a reliable, workhorse in a variety of splicing applications, producing high quality splices with consistent mechanical qualities again using compressed air. Here is an overview of their Splicer product line: III-25 For synthetic/cellulose filament yarns, Carbon fiber yarns, glass fiber - 470-8000 dtex III-40 For synthetic/cellulose filament yarns, Carbon fiber yarns, glass fiber -3000-17,000 dtex III-70 Aramids - 420-8,400 dtex III-80 Aramids, glass, fiber tow up to 30,000 dtex IV-25 Cellulose filament yarns - 470-2,500 dtex V-17 Synthetic/cellulose filament yarns - 20-500 dtex VI-22 Assorted This is only an overview of the previous Enka tecnica products that are now being sold and supported by Heberlein. Other products such as spinnerets, Fraytec, and all other testing equipment continue to be sold and supported through Enka tecnica in Heinsberg, Germany. Fi-Tech will continue to represent in the USA, Canada and Mexico and locally support all Enka tecnica products; offering our customers a single source for the entire product line. Contact your Fi-Tech sales engineer with your aspirating or splicing application today! Splicer Automated Spinneret Inspection Microscopes An important part of making top grade filament, staple fiber, and nonwovens fabric, is to make sure that dirty or damaged spinnerets do not get into production to spin low-grade fiber. Zentes Unitex of Hanau,Germany manufactures fully automated and manual spinneret inspection devices. The Promik series of inspection microscopes are utilized around the world, with over 300 units in fiber pack rooms worldwide. The fully automated Promik 400 IMS and Promik 700 IMS are the premier inspection microscopes of the Promik series. Promik 400 IMS The Promik 400 IMS is capable of inspecting round and profile/trilobal holes on round spinnerets up to a 250 mm diameter and rectangular spinnerets up to 250x150 mm. An optional rotating table allows inspection of round staple spinnerets up to 405 mm diameter. A picture of the spinneret hole and the software measurement process are displayed on a monitor and the results are displayed in graphs and tables that can be printed, stored and archived. Cleaning and damage history can be maintained over the lifetime of the spinneret. The working function of the 400 IMS and 700 IMS is the same. Round Holes:The system measures the area of the hole. If the area measurement is not within the established tolerance, the hole fails and no additional measurement is taken. If the area of the hole is correct, the software then measures from the center to the edge every one-degree (360 times) to detect dirt. If no dirt is detected, the hole passes. If dirt is detected, the system moves an automatic blowing and suction unit to the hole to attempt cleaning. The system then tests the hole again to see if it is clean. Profile/Trilobal:The software measures the area of the hole. If the area is out of tolerance, then the hole has failed and no further measurements are taken. If the hole passes, then a measurement of the profile/trilobal is taken to detect dirt. The system measures each degree in the lobe length, every micron in the lobe width, and then measures the radius of the lobe leg (rounded end). If it detects dirt, the blowing and suction unit is activated. If there is no dirt, the hole passes. The Promik 700 IMS has all of the functionality of the Promik 400 IMS plus: ï Inspection of the counterbore at the same time is performed via a color CCD camera using a special dark field illumination. This allows examination for dirt and damage on the walls of the bore and capillary. ïThe video display is a split screen showing both sides of the spinneret during inspection. ï Pictures, as well as measurement data of the holes may be stored. There is much more to the system capabilities than the basic details described above. For more information, please contact us at Fi-Tech. New Installation Seaming Device for COFPA Forming Fabrics Beginning last fall, all COFPA forming fabrics are now being supplied with the new Seamprotech device. Seamprotech is a Velcro device to assist in seaming the fabric during installation. It replaces the former Zipmatic and Speedy devices. The advantage of the new Seamprotech is that it better protects the loops from damage, thus making the seaming easier. Contact Fi-Tech for your European Spare Parts needs. We can assist you with all of your foreign parts needs including part identification, ordering, importing, customs clearance and delivery. Contact Keith Wise for: Motors, Pneumatics/Hydraulics Photo Optics/Proximity Switches, Therm Cutters, Electronic Components, Gear Boxes,Vacuum Pumps,Thread Guides www.euro-spares.com Toll Free 888-822-EURO Fax 804-794-9514 e-mail: sales@euro-spares.com

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