The first thing to understand is that nonwovens are fiber components designed to a structural integrity level by physical and / or chemical means (excluding weaving, knitting or papermaking).
This is the essence of the ISO definition - there is no spinning stage, no weaving or weaving stage.
However, there are several nonwovens, which are different from textile manufacturing and papermaking.
One set of processes uses staple fibers, which are separated and aligned to form a cushion on the moving belt, and then bonded mechanically or chemically. Another group of processes is to melt and extrude the resin into fibers, then lay the fibers on the moving belt and bond them together when cooled, usually with the help of roller pressure.
The wet paving process for forming fiber mats begin
s in a manner similar to papermaking. However, papermaking involves hydrogen bonding of cellulose fibers, while wet laid nonwovens involve man-made fibers and mineral fibers, which require different forms of bonding, whether mechanical bonding, chemical bonding or thermal bonding.
versatile
These nonwovens have a wide range of applications in the use of materials and the development of required properties.
This versatility - facing unlimited and continuous material challenges and demand supply - ensures that the industry has always been a dynamic material industry that can meet the needs of the times.
In the past few years, the explosive use of Nonwovens in vehicle manufacturing is a good example.
Lighter weight, higher strength, stronger acoustic and vibration absorption properties and stronger touch are the materials required by modern vehicles, and nonwoven technology can meet these requirements in various component structures.
Nonwovens are also a key component of the filtration system to provide the world with cleaner air and water. They are not only an essential stabilizing layer under the road, but also a vital thermal insulation layer and ventilation layer in buildings. To cite just three other examples of their durable uses. Normally invisible nonwovens are equally important in these roles. At the same time, in terms of disposable products, they bring comfort and convenience to modern life.
automation
It should be noted that nonwovens production has been highly automated and much less labor-intensive than traditional textile manufacturing, in part because fewer process steps were involved at the beginning.
However, over the years, integrated manufacturing lines have also been provided by a single supplier, making high automation a prerequisite.
Due to the progress of industry 4.0 closed-loop feedback system and process control technology, it has made advantages in process control, stricter tolerance, less waste, better key performance indicators, faster start-up and level change.
Due to the general shortage of nonwoven masks and PPE, the nonwoven industry learned a lot in 2020. At that time, the demand for speed was crucial. New technologies and the whole supply chain were established in just a few weeks, which usually took several months.
Restricted travel has led to the expansion of teleconference and communication to service, installation and assistance, and digital tools have emerged.