IDEA 2001 : Emphasis on industrial applications

The largest North American nonwovens event ever held attracted 7000 visitors and delegated from 60 countries, and almost 400 exhibitors. A wide range of polyester fibres was on view with news from KoSa ( Freshloft , Loftguard Xtra ), Wellman ( Fortrel ), Fiber Visions ( Hy-Strenght ) and Ems-Griltech ( Griline ). Eastman Chemical Co won a..

IDEA 2001: Carded nonwovens gaining ground

Carded nonwovens are in demand with spunbonds rather stagnant this was the overall impression from IDEA 2001 held from 27-29 March 2001, Miami Beach, FLA. American nonwovens consumption statistics are supplied with strong growth in filtration and wipes. Interviews were conducted with Elizabeth Belliveau, Metso Corp; Dr Alessandro Celli, A..

Suture market trends in technical textiles in Europe

The European market for nonwovens and technical textiles is growing and in a healthy position. Customer demand for specific solutions to problems is leading technological innovation rather than responding to new technologies and creating end uses. Annual growth of 9% pa is exceeding previous forecasts with automotive demand strong through..

Focus on the spunlace market

Spunlace technology is claimed to be the fastest growing nonwovens technology process, representing 10% of all sales in 1999. Key advantages such as personal care, style flexibility and environmental benefits are contributory factors. The role of Rieter Perfojet in this expansion is profiled. Focus on machine maintenance and ease of use f..

Nonwovens research A new initiative at the ITC

Production cost advantages and widening nonwovens end-use applications have contributed to 10% annual growth over 20 years in nonwovens. A recent research program at the International Textile Center is reported. The development of protective fabrics against hazardous agents is the objective. A Fehrer II technology needle loom and a Willia..

German nonwoven fabric machine construction (German) (Der deutsche Vlivesstoffmaschinenbau)

The Specialist Association for Textile Machines in the UDMA held a symposium on nonwoven fabric machines and development just before the Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt. Some of the topics covered in the papers included: Chute feeders: a comparison between needled, thermobanded and air-laid webs: control systems: use of recycled materi..

Flame-resistant nonwoven

BBA Nonwovens Simponville Inc has developed a nonwoven that it claims is flame-resistant (FR), halogen-free and stable when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The company says that the materials can be used in medical garments, drapes and fire fighting suits. BBA Nonwovens’ development uses a non-halogenated compound that it can melt proc..

Visionary nonwovens

The Comfortemp nonwoven products manufactured by Frisby Technologies Inc., Winston-Salem, NC, have been nominated for consideration for the 2002 visionary Awards presented by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. The awards are for the best new consumer products utilizing nonwoven fabrics or related technology. Other nom..

Technology and added value - Optimize don't compromise

Added value in the Colbond range of products is important and is achieved by linking technical, market and business developments in a co-ordinated manner, working closely with the customer. Colbind Nonwovens are polyester-based nonwovens for industrial uses. Colback is one of the key products - a unique thermally bonded spunlaid made from..

Testing nonwovens: How and why?

Two methodologies for testing nonwoven materials are examined. The first, termed here ‘quick and dirty fabric testing; has been in use by the textile industry for many years. It involves hands-on examination and simple tests such as pulling and creasing the fabric, washing and ironing, etc. The second category is technical testing of tex..