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Robotic tufting expertise
eTuft – Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the possibilities of EFAB’s robotic tufting solution for custom-made carpets, rugs and artificial turf. Find practical answers about machine selection, tufting heads, automatic cut/loop, 3D effects and production planning.
45 questions in this category.
Choosing eTuft
eTuft is EFAB's robotic tufting machine for custom-made carpets, area rugs and artificial grass. It brings digital designs into tufted production, from individual commissions and development samples to ongoing orders. Together with eDesigner, Robotuft Add-on and eHMI, it forms an integrated EFAB solution from artwork to machine operation.
eTuft brings your creative ideas into EFAB’s distinctive eSolutions ecosystem: design, CAD/CAM, machine control, robotic tufting and carpet shearing from one high-tech company. Designed, developed and made in Germany, this coordinated portfolio combines specialist software expertise with precision machine engineering.
- eDesigner: Creative design and CAD tools for developing your carpet and rug artwork.
- Robotuft Add-on: Dedicated CAM tools to turn designs into optimized robotic tufting paths.
- eHMI: Machine control and an operator interface that connects prepared designs with production settings and monitoring.
- eTuft: Robotic tufting technology to bring your designs, pile structures and surface textures to life.
- eShear: Carpet shearing technology to refine the tufted surface and achieve the intended finish.
The design, CAM and machine-control stages work together seamlessly, while EFAB’s shearing equipment extends the solution into finishing. With one technology partner behind the software and machinery, you gain a coherent workflow, coordinated technical expertise and direct support from the team that develops the solution. It is a strong foundation for turning individual ideas into distinctive products and building a production setup around your ambitions.
One ecosystem. One technology partner. Made in Germany.
eTuft is designed for carpet and rug manufacturers, design-led studios and producers developing custom-made artificial turf. It is especially relevant when flexibility in pattern, texture and order size matters. Share your target products, materials and production volumes with EFAB so the machine and tufting head can be selected around your business.
Yes. eTuft supports individual orders, sampling and ongoing production. A prepared digital design provides a starting point for repeat jobs, while yarn selection and production parameters define the resulting quality. For a new product, a representative sample helps establish the settings before producing the full piece or a repeat order.
EFAB develops the machine, design software and operator interface as connected parts of a robotic tufting workflow. eTuft combines a rigid mechanical structure with dedicated tufting technology, while eDesigner with Robotuft Add-on prepares designs and eHMI manages the machine job. Interchangeable head options extend the creative scope of suitable configurations.
Choose the active tufting area around your largest intended products, then select the structure and tufting head for your materials and production goals. Standard sizes are 2 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 6 m, and EFAB also builds custom formats. The MK-V uses a steel structure; ECP+ and ECM-A models use aluminum structures. Request a configuration proposal and installation drawing for your project. Explore eTuft machine details.
Yes. eTuft is designed and manufactured by EFAB in Germany. Its mechanical structure, tufting technology and software are developed as an integrated production solution. Discuss the proposed model, supplied components and project scope directly with EFAB when comparing equipment.
EFAB offers standard active tufting areas of 2 × 3 m, 3 × 4 m and 4 × 6 m. These measurements describe the working area for tufting. Overall machine dimensions and installation clearances are larger and depend on the selected model. Choose a format around your intended products and discuss the frame and loading arrangement with EFAB.
Yes. EFAB can build eTuft machines with custom active tufting areas to suit specific production requirements. Previous formats include 1.7 × 2.4 m, 3.5 × 6 m, 5 × 6 m and 5 × 10 m, and other dimensions can be discussed. Tell us the largest pieces you want to produce and your available space so the machine structure, frame and handling arrangement can be planned together.
Yes. EFAB offers eTuft models with steel and aluminum structures. The MK-V is the latest model in the steel-structure MK-series, while ECP+ and ECM-A models use aluminum structures. The choice depends on the working area, tufting mechanism, intended products and production requirements. EFAB can help you compare configurations for your application.
The MK-series 4 × 6 m steel machines were introduced in 2016 and have become EFAB's top-selling machine range. The latest MK-V combines a rigid steel structure with modern German laser-cutting technology, supporting high-speed tufting while minimizing harmful vibration. This sturdy platform is well suited to demanding carpet and custom-made artificial turf production.
The eTuft ECM-A series offers a practical entry into robotic tufting for small businesses. Standard 2 × 3 m and 3 × 4 m configurations combine an aluminum structure with a mechanical tufting head featuring automatic, non-stop cut/loop changeover. The mechanical tufting mechanism works without compressed air and is particularly suited to detailed, dense, low-pile designs. Discover the ECM-A configuration.
The eTuft ECP+ combines an aluminum structure with a pneumatic tufting head. It is an option for producers seeking the creative scope of pneumatic tufting, including supported cut/loop and pile-height effects. Discuss the required active area, head accessories and software functions with EFAB when defining the configuration.
Tufting heads, cut/loop and 3D effects
The mechanical head is well suited to detailed, dense, short-pile work and deliberate over-tufting, and its tufting mechanism works without compressed air. A pneumatic head offers a broader pile-height range and, with the appropriate equipment, variable-height 3D effects and J-tuft structures. Both head types offer automatic cut/loop changeover in supported configurations. Choose the mechanism around your yarns, backing and desired surface.
EFAB's Easy Docking System allows compatible eTuft configurations to switch between mechanical and pneumatic tufting heads. This lets a producer use the strengths of each mechanism within one machine platform. The head change is an operator task; it is separate from automatic cut/loop changeover during tufting. Ask EFAB which heads and accessories are included in your proposed configuration.
Yes. On an appropriately equipped eTuft, automatic cut/loop changeover enables non-stop transitions from cut pile to loop pile and vice versa within the prepared design. You may also see this described as auto cut/loop or Smart Cut/Loop. The design data, tufting head and controller must support the intended combination. EFAB can demonstrate the effect with representative designs and materials.
Yes. A suitably equipped pneumatic tufting head can vary pile height to create relief and sculptural 3D effects. The height information is prepared in the supported EFAB design workflow and processed at the machine through eHMI. The available heights and their combination with cut/loop structures depend on the head, accessories, yarn and production settings.
EFAB publishes these P25 ranges: loop pile 5–100 mm, U-tuft cut pile 10–70 mm and J-tuft cut pile 10–100 mm. These are head specifications, not a guarantee that every yarn, backing and accessory combination covers the full range. Low cut-pile examples are described at approximately 10 mm before shearing. Confirm the required structure, accessory setup and finished height with EFAB, ideally through a sample. See the P25 head specifications.
Yes. The mechanical tufting head is particularly suited to fine details, high-density work and short cut pile of approximately 9–10 mm before shearing. The P25 pneumatic head also offers low-pile possibilities with suitable accessories and settings. Yarn size, needle, backing, stitch arrangement and finishing determine the achievable detail and final surface. A representative motif helps establish the right setup.
U-tuft and J-tuft describe different tuft constructions. EFAB offers pneumatic head configurations for both, with different pile-height capabilities. The choice should follow the intended surface, yarn, primary backing and finishing process. Include the requested tuft construction in your enquiry, or ask EFAB to recommend a suitable approach using your target sample.
Over-tufting adds tufted material into an area that already contains tufts, allowing selected areas to gain additional density or layered detail. EFAB lists deliberate over-tufting among the capabilities of its mechanical head. The result depends on the backing, yarn and tufting sequence, so a sample is useful when developing a new construction.
Yarns, backing and artificial turf
eTuft works with a broad range of yarns, including wool, viscose, bamboo, polyester, nylon, linen, cotton, polypropylene, polyethylene, fancy yarns and blends. Suitability depends on the particular yarn construction and the selected needle and tufting head. Provide yarn specifications and representative material when developing a new product.
EFAB recommends the following primary backing fabric for eTuft:
- Type: 100% polyester fabric
- Construction: 60/60
- Weight: 225 g/m²
- Width: 515 or 490 cm
Yes. eTuft can produce custom-made artificial grass and artificial turf with a suitable tufting head and material setup. EFAB has extensive experience in this field and maintains long-term cooperation with prominent market participants across Europe, the USA and the Middle East. This experience helps turn individual turf concepts into practical tufting projects, supported by material selection, configuration advice and representative sampling.
With the appropriate accessory setup, the P25 pneumatic head can tuft on thick, double-layered primary backing, including configurations for custom-made artificial turf. Backing construction, yarn, needle and penetration settings need to work together. Send EFAB the actual backing specification and a sample so the proposed setup can be assessed for your application.
Contact EFAB to discuss a representative sample or demonstration using your target materials and artwork. Define the desired pile structure, height, density, dimensions and finish, and provide yarn and primary-backing information. A practical evaluation helps align expectations for appearance, production settings and machine configuration. The scope and commercial arrangements can be agreed for your project.
Design-to-production workflow
Create or edit artwork in eDesigner, prepare robotic tufting paths with Robotuft Add-on, and transfer the prepared job to eHMI. The operator uses eHMI to set the supported production parameters, position the work and monitor eTuft during tufting. This connected workflow keeps creative preparation and machine operation within the EFAB product family. Read the Robotuft Add-on FAQ or eHMI FAQ.
Yes. eDesigner with Robotuft Add-on can prepare raster artwork and vector designs for robotic tufting. A dedicated professional Import Wizard supports DXF and SVG files. Imported artwork still needs to be prepared as a suitable tufting job; an image or drawing is not automatically a machine-ready production file. The related software FAQs explain supported formats and design preparation. Read about DXF and SVG import.
Gradient Wizard in Robotuft Add-on helps prepare gradient designs, while supported pile-height and cut/loop tools extend the range of surface textures available on eTuft. The tufted appearance depends on your yarn palette, tufting head, density and finishing. Review a sample when developing a gradient, relief or mixed-texture design. Explore Gradient Wizard.
The eTuft system offers a synchronized laser pointer, a head-mounted camera and a graphical eHMI touchscreen interface. These tools support positioning, job review and monitoring. eHMI can display progress and remaining-time information. Confirm the included equipment for your machine and use the supplied operating procedures for alignment and production.
Tufting creates the pile in the primary backing. Depending on the product, subsequent work may include backing or bonding, drying or curing, shearing, carving, trimming and edge finishing. Plan these stages together with the machine investment. EFAB also offers carpet shearing equipment and can discuss how tufting fits your intended finishing workflow. Explore eShear.
Productivity and installation
eTuft production output depends on the target quality, density and stitch rate, row distance (gauge), pile height and design complexity. Indicative examples include:
- High-quality 3D or auto cut/loop designs: Around 2 m²/hour.
- High-quality regular designs: Around 1 m²/hour.
- High-quality complex designs: Output can fall to around 0.5 m²/hour.
- Artificial grass with a low stitch rate: More than 4 m²/hour with approximately 40 mm pile height and a wide gauge of 3/8 inch.
Each example reflects a particular combination of design, materials and production settings. Allow for setup, color changes and handling when planning total job time. EFAB can help assess a representative design with your yarn, backing and target quality.
Tufting time depends on the target quality, tufted area, density, stitch rate, row distance (gauge), pile height and design complexity. Yarn consumption, color sequence and finishing also influence production cost. Setup, material handling and interruptions affect total job time. Robotuft Add-on production estimates and eHMI job information can support planning, while a sample run helps establish figures for your own product and quality level. See indicative production-rate examples.
The overall machine dimensions depend on the model and active tufting area. As a planning reference, EFAB lists the eTuft 4 × 6 MK-V at approximately 8.42 m long × 1.45 m wide × 5.50 m high. The complete installation also needs space for the frame, creel, loading, operation and maintenance. Obtain the current installation drawing for the exact configuration, especially for a custom-sized machine. Explore eTuft machine details.
For an eTuft equipped with a pneumatic tufting head, the customer should provide an air compressor capable of supplying 600 l/min (21.2 cfm) at 10 bar (145 psi).
If other devices share the same compressor, add their air consumption to the capacity required for eTuft. For a shared supply, EFAB generally recommends a 1000 l/min compressor; the selected capacity must cover the combined demand of all connected equipment.
Compressor type is flexible, but a screw compressor is generally preferred for its efficiency.
The customer must have the compressed-air supply installed and ready for use by the third day of machine installation.
The mechanical tufting mechanism operates without compressed air. See the electrical-connection FAQ for voltage, protection and installation requirements.
eTuft is available in three electrical configurations. Prepare the supply specified for your machine:
| Version | Electrical supply |
|---|---|
| 230 V | 230 V, single phase, 50 Hz |
| UL-208 | 208 V, three phase (3 × 120 V), 60 Hz |
| UL-480 | 480 V, three phase (3 × 277 V), 60 Hz |
Requirements for all three configurations:
- Permanent connection: The customer must provide a permanent electrical connection with separate C25 A protection.
- Maximum apparent power: 3.5 kVA for each configuration.
- Installation schedule: Power must be available by the second day of machine installation.
- Voltage stability: If the site supply is unstable, the customer must install a 3.5 kVA stabilizer on the machine power line.
- Earthing: The electrical cabinet must be connected to earth.
Use the EFAB installation specification for the electrical configuration supplied with your machine.
EFAB offers options including additional frames, creel arrangements, head accessories and finishing equipment. Additional frames can support preparation and handling between jobs, while the right creel arrangement helps organize yarn supply. Ask for an equipment proposal based on your intended product mix, handling sequence and available space.
The eTuft mechanical structure is designed for installation without special floor preparation. The machine can also be relocated when your production layout changes. Plan the move with suitable handling equipment and confirm the access, available height, floor suitability and utility connections for the new position with EFAB. This flexibility helps the installation adapt to your production needs.
Investment, training and support
EFAB supplies eTuft as a coordinated machine and software solution. Depending on the model and agreed scope, a package can include a tufting frame, the selected head, installation, operator training and a lifetime eDesigner software licence. A limited spare-parts kit is included with specified configurations. Ask EFAB to confirm the exact equipment, software edition, accessories and services included in your proposal.
Build a calculation using your product mix, realistic throughput, selling prices, yarn and backing costs, labor, energy, finishing and maintenance. Include installation and working-capital needs as well as machine cost. A representative production evaluation provides a stronger basis than a universal payback promise. Discuss your assumptions with EFAB when defining the configuration.
Discuss these services with EFAB as part of the project proposal. Agree the responsibilities for site preparation, equipment delivery, commissioning and operator training before ordering. Training should cover the supplied tufting head, the eHMI workflow, job setup and the operating and maintenance procedures for the installed machine.
For technical support, email support@efab.de with the machine model and serial number, eHMI version, head type and a clear description of the issue. Include the alarm text and relevant photos where useful. For spare parts, identify the component or provide a photo and machine details so EFAB can check the correct part for your configuration.
Explore the eTuft video clips, tufted-sample collection and photo gallery to see different products, textures and machine configurations. You can also arrange a visit to EFAB in Krefeld to see a demonstration machine working. Share your target yarns, backing and design in advance so the discussion can focus on the results you want to achieve. Watch eTuft videos, browse tufted samples or view the photo gallery.
Tell us about your target products, maximum dimensions, expected order sizes and production volume. Include the intended yarns, backing, pile heights, density, cut/loop or 3D effects, representative designs and installation location. Let us know whether you are starting a new operation or expanding an existing line. These details help EFAB recommend a suitable machine, software and accessory package.
Yes. You are welcome to arrange a visit to EFAB's facility in Krefeld, Germany, to see a demonstration machine working and discuss your production requirements. The facility is conveniently located near Düsseldorf International Airport. Contact EFAB in advance to agree a suitable date and tell us which designs, yarns, backing and tufting effects you would like to explore. Arrange your visit.
Let’s discuss your eTuft project
From a signature rug to a custom-made artificial turf collection, the right setup starts with your product. Tell us about your designs, materials and production goals.
For technical support: support@efab.de