This year we were selected to pilot the innovative Era 50 combing machine by Schlumberger (www.nsc-schlumberger.com/combing/) . While the specialised technician Gabriel Pallavicini was installing this state-of-the-art equipment, we took the opportunity to conduct a brief interview to learn more about its contributions to the industry in terms of quality and efficiency.
Could you tell us a bit about your experience and the work you’re doing with the installation of this new combing machine? My name is Gabriel Pallavicini, and I am a specialised technician in textile machinery. I have been working with Schlumberger for over 30 years. On this occasion, we are installing a new combing machine with a different, more modern concept. It offers significantly greater electronic control of the machine’s functions and a substantial reduction in its mechanical components. Essentially, it’s a more mechatronic machine, equipped with more motors, which simplifies labour requirements and reduces mechanical intervention on the new generation of combing machines.
What does the new Era 50 combing machine represent? This machine is an evolution. This model, called the Era 50, is part of the rectilinear combing machine family, a line of machines whose evolution began in 1848. We are talking about more than a century and a half of continuous development, during which the primary focus has been to progressively enhance productivity, simplicity, ease of operation, and machine performance. It has been a continuous process of improvement, where systems are refined, certain features are added, and others are streamlined.
What makes the evaluation process of this machine with local wools so significant? Obviously, this is not a prototype machine, but one of the first to be launched on the market. The upcoming evaluation will test its performance with local wools, which is very important. Up until now, it has been tested with wools from other parts of the world, but each wool type has its own specific characteristics in terms of strength and fiber length. Therefore, the next phase of testing will be crucial
When you talk about adaptation for local fibers, what exactly is the machine aiming to achieve in terms of those fibers? What are some considerations that cannot be overlooked, so to speak? What is typically considered are factors such as load capacity—essentially, what weight the machine can handle, and with what thickness of fleece it can be loaded. Then there are operational speeds. The relationship between load and speed can sometimes determine, depending on the fiber’s sensitivity, the percentages of NOIL, HM, the average fiber height obtained, and production yields—the overall machine performance. In this case, all these characteristics must be adapted according to the thickness of the wool you’re introducing. At least three different tests need to be conducted: one with thick wool, one with medium wool, and one with fine wool, to make a comparison.
And what are the characteristics of Uruguayan wools that you think should be maintained in the final product? Well, I think primarily it will be the crimp of the wools, as that will give greater cohesion between the fibers. A smooth wool is easier to run or load into a machine than a highly crimped wool. Additionally, the resistance, the tensile strength of each individual fiber—its durability—is also important. These are delicate fibers, so we can’t overburden the machine; we’ll need to work with slower speeds. In general, finer wools should have a lower speed.
What are the main advantages of this model compared to others? The primary advantage is the mechanical simplification. Additionally, if multiple machines were used, all operating under this model, it would allow for an instant change of parameters across all machines due to their networking capability. Generally, with fewer mechanical parts, there is less wear, as a machine with more parts tends to experience higher wear and requires more frequent replacements and individual adjustments. Furthermore, replacing mechanical parts with electrical systems reduces the technician's intervention significantly. This is a smarter machine, resulting in greater efficiency in time and less environmental impact, as it requires fewer replacement parts and lubrication. Today, with the advanced integration of electronics, computing, remote controls, touch screens, and networking systems, machine operation and maintenance have become even more streamlined and user-friendly.
How long has the company been in business? The company was founded in 1808 by the Schlumberger family and I’ve been involved with the brand since 1992, primarily serving the region.
How many of these machines are being tested worldwide today? To my knowledge, this is the third machine being tested.
And in South America? This is the first one in South America.
And if everything goes well, is the plan to launch it? Exactly, in a way, this will be a promotional kickoff.