Technologies That Inspire

Fiber Marks the Beginning

Norafin produces high quality spunlaced or needlepunched special nonwovens.

The beginning of the respective process technology is the fiber preparation. Norafin processes a wide variety of staple fibers in various lengths (20-70 mm / 0.8-2.8'') and gauges (1-15 Dtex) as well as in different surface weights between 15 g/m² and 1.000 g/m² [0.4 osy - 29 osy]. These are homogenized via opening and mixing devices and fed as a fiber mat for carding. The carding machines open the fiber tufts through a variety of clothed rolls to single fibers and form a uniform fibrous web. Thereafter, Norafin follows two different processing routes to the finished nonwoven.

Processing

Thanks to our own flexible production technologies, we are able to process a large variety of staple fibers.

New fibers can be tested and verified in cooperation with our Research & Development department.

Spunlace Technology (Hydroentanglement)

At this point in time two production lines in Germany and one in the USA are solidifying the carded fibrous web via water jets. Through the second carding machine, we are able to produce a four-layered material construction in one process, instead of only two. By means of high pressure, a homogeneous entangled textile fabric (nonwoven fabric) is created. This nonwoven can be embossed or perforated via different structured drums.

As a result of the wet processing, the solidified material contains a lot of moisture and is then dried in a perforated drum dryer.

Process opportunities with spunlace

  • basis weight range: 15 – 750 g/m² [0.4 osy - 22 osy]
  • width upon request: max. 2.80 m [110'']
  • Capacity: 6,000 tones/year

Product options:

  • flat, apertured and structured (3D) materials
  • spunlace lamination
  • multilayered and double sided
  • reinforcement through scrims, weaves, etc.
  • antistatic or conductive
  • different colors, according to RAL

Needlepunch Technology

At our facility in Mildenau, Germany we are using needlepunch technology to produce needlepunched nonwovens. An autonomous needlepunch line is processing the fibrous web ‘dry‘. The fibrous web provided by the carding machine is mechanically strengthened via vertically moving needles. In a second process, more layers can be added. A thermal fixation in the dryer is possible if required.

Process opportunities with needlepunch  

  • basis weight range: 60 - 1,000 g/m² [1.7 - 29 osy]
  • width upon request: max. 2.40 m [94'']
  • Capacity: 1,000 tons/year

Product options:

  • reinforcement through scrims, weaves, etc.
  • antistatic or conductive
  • different colors, according to RAL

Digital cutting table for precision die cuts

In a matter of seconds; the new digital plotter can create complex shapes precisely and efficiently - entirely in line with individual customer requirements. Previous textile die-cuts can be flexibly replaced by individual formats in the future, without the need to invest in new cutting dies. Starting from small quantities - with potential for optimization - up to large volumes, we are open to the ideas and requests of our partners, including contract work. Small cuts with a few square millimeters up to a maximum of 5 m² [6 sy] in size, all possible contours and variants can be realized thanks to our automatic machine.

Processable materials

  • all hydroentangled or needled Norafin nonwovens - due to the given nonwoven properties without fraying

  • cutting service for material provided by the customer and technical textiles up to a thickness of 15 mm [0.6'']

  • multi-material - composite of different textile fabrics (woven, knitted, nonwoven,...)

  • our modern technology enables a sustainable working process due to high material utilization and low wastage

Process possibilities

  • Cutting window of 1,800 mm x 1,900 mm [70'' x 75'']

  • Material feed directly from the roll - extra long cuts up to multilayers possible

  • Cutting data compatibility in DXF format

You have questions?

Mr. Marc Jolly will be happy to assist you with any concerns regarding our cutting service.

Norafin Marc Jolly

Marc Jolly
Head of Research & Development

T:+49 3733 5507239
M:marc.jolly@norafin.com

Internal Aftertreatment Capabilities

At our headquarters in Mildenau, Germany, Norafin has an autonomous finishing line with a stenter frame. This allows us to provide our technical textiles, as well as other supplied textiles with the following features:

  • water and oil repellent
  • flame-retardant
  • reinforcement/stiffening
  • antistatic
  • insect protection
  • high-visibility
  • hydrophilic
  • surface modifications (anti-slip, smooth, etc.)
  • foam application (stable, unstable)
For these aftertreatment options, we have the following technologies available:
Padding

The nonwovens are fully impregnated, and the desired function is imparted throughout the material.

Coating and Printing

A variety of functional coatings, including stable or unstable foams, can be applied to one side of the material. Likewise, single color patterns, logos, or images can be applied using rotary screen aftertreatment line printing technology.

Kiss-roll Coating

Low add-on chemical treatments can be applied to one side of the material using kiss-roll application. It is possible to finish each side of the nonwoven to impart a different function.

Lamination

Two materials are bonded together during lamination using a variety of adhesives (nonwovens + nonwovens/fabric + nonwovens/nonwovens + film).

Further aftertreatment options:
  • calendering
  • quilting

Process and Aftertreatment Capabilities

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Do you have questions about our products? We are happy to assist you!

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