Non-woven fabrics are an essential component of many industries, from medical to automotive. But creating high-quality non-woven fabrics is a challenge - one that requires the right combination of materials and processes. Looking into the steps required to make high-quality non-woven fabrics in this blog, so that you can create the perfect product for your needs.
Non-woven fabrics are made from a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and fiberglass, which are usually used in applications where durability and strength are not required, such as disposable diapers and medical gowns. Non-woven fabrics can be produced using a variety of methods through a nonwoven machine, including needle punching and thermal bonding.
Differences Between Non-Woven Fabrics and Ordinary Fabrics
There are several key differences between non-woven fabrics and other types of fabrics.
Glass, metal, plastic, and natural fibers are the main materials for producing nonwoven fabrics, using chemicals or other treatments to improve their properties.
Non-woven fabrics are usually stronger and more durable than other types of fabrics. They can also be more absorbent, making them ideal for use in health care or industrial applications so non-woven fabrics are generally more expensive than normal types of fabrics.
Non-Woven Fabrics Rolling & Cutting
Besides the raw material and processing treatments, rolling and Cutting are 2 essential steps of control the quality of nonwoven fabrics, which directly affect the shape and surface of nonwoven fabrics.
To make high-quality non-woven fabrics, we need to roll the fabric correctly, firstly, we need to make sure that the fabric is tight and smooth before start rolling it; Rolling the fabric from one end by adding gentle pressure during the rolling process to avoid wrinkles and crease generation; then it needs to be checked whether a band or tape can keep the fabric roll in place. That is the whole rolling process of nonwoven fabrics, all these steps can be proceeded by a fabric rolling machine fast and steadily.
Cutting nonwoven fabrics is to cut along the selvage (edge) of the fabric, which requires a sharp pair of scissors if it is manually cutting, or requires a durable fabric cutting machine equipped with a durable cutter. We need to be careful to not fray the edges, and when cutting a straight line, a rotary cutter and cutting machine will perform better than manual work.
Non-Woven Fabric Sewing（Crosslinking）
High-quality non-woven fabrics are made using a process called crosslinking. Crosslinking is a process where the fibers in the fabric are bonded together using heat, pressure, or chemicals. This process gives the fabric strength and durability.
There are 2 main types of crosslinking: thermal and chemical. Thermal crosslinking uses heat to bond the fibers together, while chemical crosslinking uses chemicals such as resins or adhesives.
The type of crosslinking you use will depend on the type of fabric you're working with and the desired results. For example, thermal crosslinking is often used for synthetic fabrics like polyester, while chemical crosslinking is better suited for natural fibers like cotton.
Few Steps of Crosslinking
1. Prepare your fabric by cutting it into the desired shape and size. If you're using a patterned fabric, be sure to cut along the grainline so that the patterns line up correctly when the fabric is assembled.
2. Apply the chosen crosslinking method to your fabric. This can be done using a commercial machine or by hand, depending on your preference and skill level.
3. Allow the crosslinked fabric to cure for 24 hours before handling or sewing it. This will give the bonding time to set and ensure that your fabric is strong and durable.