Hot melt adhesives play a key role in the manufacture of many products, including non-woven fabrics. But what, exactly, are non-woven fabrics, and how does the right hot melt adhesive system help to streamline product assembly for these fabrics?
In the broadest sense, non-woven fabrics are engineered fabrics consists of fibrous materials bonded through some method other than weaving. In most cases, these fibers are bonded in a sheet or web form through mechanical, chemical adhesive or thermal bonding processes. Of these three processes, thermal bonding (using a hot melt adhesive) is often considered the least expensive and safest option when possible.
Benefits of Non-Wovens
Non-woven fabrics provide a wide range of versatility across a number of applications compared to their woven counterparts. For example, non-wovens can be designed to be single-use or biodegradable, limited in scope or highly durable, depending on the need. They can be designed to resist tearing under piercing or high pressure; they can also be flame retardant, temperature-resilient, water absorbent or water repellent, stretchable, washable, anti-bacterial and so much more. Effectively, non-woven fabrics give us much more control over what we need these fabrics to do.
Examples of Non-Woven Fabrics
Non-woven fabrics can be found in nearly every aspect of our lives, from industrial applications to home-use products. Examples of non-woven products include:
- Disposable diapers
- Carpeting
- Upholstery
- Jacket lining
- Household wipes
- Insulation
- Automotive coverings
- Roofing
- Laundry aids
- Hygiene products
- Medical use products
- Fiber envelopes
How Hot Melt Adhesives Help with Product Assembly for Non-Woven Fabrics
Hot melt adhesives are made up of thermoplastic resins that become pliable under heat and pressure, yet are also able to cool quickly after application. These properties make hot melt adhesives an excellent option for manufacturing non-wovens because:
- They create the necessary bonding without affecting the properties of the material itself (e.g., the product retains its softness, flexibility, etc.).
- They accelerate the manufacturing process because there no drying, curing or cooling stage is necessary.
- They are more economical than other bonding options.
- They are safer and more eco-friendly than other bonding options.
Whatever your non-woven manufacturing needs, Sure Tack hot melt adhesive systems are designed for the fast, efficient and uniform application of just the right amount of adhesive to help you maximize productivity with minimal downtime. Contact Sure Tack Systems to learn more about which our systems and tools are right for you.
