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Technologies

Innovative, versatile, reliable: Our nonwovens production

Everything from a single source

The TWE Group offers a comprehensive range of technologies for the production of nonwovens and can therefore respond flexibly to a wide variety of requirements and customer requests. The use of various bonding techniques - including mechanical, chemical and thermal bonding - benefits both our customers and ourselves. The result: maximum versatility, top quality, increased efficiency, greater innovative strength and maximum flexibility, adaptability and reliability.

TECHNOLOGIES

Our processes in detail

Needlepunch
Needlepunch
Thermobond
Thermobond
Chembond
Chembond
Spunlace
Spunlace
Multiknit
Multiknit

RAW MATERIALS

Diverse fibres for superior quality and sustainable production

Various types of fibres are used in the production of our nonwovens. The three most commonly used fibre types are: Synthetic fibres, recycled fibres and natural fibres. The variety of fibre materials gives us the opportunity to develop customised nonwovens and specifically adjust quality values such as strength, softness and breathability.

We have also been using recycled fibres for many of our products for years. These come from recyclable materials such as PET bottles, which are recovered in a recycling process, cleaned and processed into new fibres. The use of recycled fibres reduces the need for new raw materials and reduces waste.

One of our specialities is the use of natural fibres made from renewable raw materials such as hemp, flax, jute, kenaf or bamboo. They are biodegradable and versatile.

TECHNOLOGY

Finishing and further processing

To increase the added value of our nonwovens, TWE offers a wide range of finishing and refinement processes.

THERMAL FINISHING

Calendering and Laminating

Through calendering and calibration using heated rollers, our nonwovens achieve an even better thermal bonding of the surface fibers, resulting in a smoother surface finish.

ADDITIVE FINISHING

Laminating

By laminating with materials such as films or tricot fabrics, our nonwovens can be enhanced with additional properties depending on the application. Using hotmelt, adhesive powder, or heat, the film and nonwoven are bonded together, resulting in increased strength, stiffness, dimensional stability, and a smooth surface finish.

WET FINISHING

Spraying and Padding

Our nonwovens can be finished using various aqueous chemical applications such as spraying, full-bath impregnation, or foam padding. This wide range of technologies allows us to offer functional finishes – for example, flame retardant properties or odor control – as well as water- and dirt-repellent coatings that protect the material from moisture, stains, and soiling.

DRY FINISHING

Powder Application

In this method, adhesive powder is applied to the nonwoven. Thermoplastic or thermoset powders can be used. The powders give the nonwoven various properties, such as antimicrobial, antistatic or flame-retardant effects, and create adhesive or tacky surfaces.

PRINTING

Transfer Roller Printing and Inkjet Printing

Printing allows for the visual appearance of the nonwoven to be individually customized according to customer specifications. Using transfer roller printing and inkjet technology, images, logos, or text can be applied to nonwovens or films.

CONVERTING

Rewinding, Cutting, Folding, Stacking, and Packaging

If a short roll is required, the nonwoven is rewound to the desired length. Through our converting capabilities, the nonwovens can be individually cut, folded, and stacked. Whether in roll form or as cut pieces, customer-specific packaging – such as shrink-wrapping – is carried out afterward according to individual requirements.

LABORATORIES

Worldwide expertise in
modern in-house laboratories

All our sites are equipped with test laboratories that put our products through their paces during ongoing production in order to fulfil the high quality requirements of our customers. At some locations, our R&D and laboratory teams also have the opportunity to carry out special tests on our products using state-of-the-art technology and measuring equipment. These also help our development specialists to develop new products and continuously improve existing ones across all sites.

TEST METHOD

Fiber Analysis

We use high-precision fiber analysis equipment, stereomicroscopes, and electron microscopes to examine fiber structures and nonwovens in detail. These tools allow us to analyze cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles, determine fiber characteristics, and assess the fiber distribution within the nonwoven – enabling us to evaluate and, if necessary, optimize the material’s structure and performance.

TEST METHOD

Filtration analysis

To regularly test and further develop our filter nonwovens, we offer a wide range of testing capabilities in our laboratories. In addition to pore size analysis equipment, we measure air permeability and determine the filtration classes of our products using our state-of-the-art filtration test rig.

TEST METHOD

Acoustic Measurements

We use an impedance tube to determine the sound absorption properties of our acoustic nonwovens. A loudspeaker generates a standing sound wave that travels through the tube and enters the nonwoven material. Part of the sound is absorbed by the material – defined by the absorption coefficient – while the remaining portion is reflected.

TEST METHOD

Liquid Absorption

Using anatomically shaped test mannequins, we are able to evaluate the liquid absorption capacity of incontinence products and baby diapers. These test mannequins replicate human anatomy, enabling us to conduct performance testing under realistic and application-oriented conditions.

TEST METHOD

Abrasion Resistance

We use the Martindale abrasion test to evaluate the durability of our nonwovens under mechanical stress. This method is commonly applied to materials subjected to significant friction during use – for example, in furniture applications. The test provides detailed insight into the wear behavior and abrasion resistance of the nonwoven material.

COMPANY

We are represented worldwide: 
Discover our 12 TWE locations in 
6 countries on 3 continents

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