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.
