Added value through nonwovens fabric finishing

Amply illustrated with colour photographs this review of fabric finishing techniques shows what can be achieved using calender machines. Eight possible options are covered under the heading calender finishing. The first is compaction, which apart from reducing thickness also reduces air pockets and is a pre-bonding process in itself. The second calendering process is called calibration, used for fine-tuning of a final product. The third is embossing patterns into the surface for functionality improvement or appearance improvement. The fourth is a smoothing process to produce an ironed surface or to confer required characteristics. The fifth is transfer printing for coloured embossing. The sixth is perforation to give designed permeability and barrier effects. The seventh is calender lamination using heated steel rollers. The eighth option is heat treatment, similar to the lamination process using heated rollers, and carried out for a variety of reasons. Dyeing and impregnation treatments aerospace also discussed.