GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG, a market leader in application specific, high-performance mesh made of metal and other industrially weavable materials, says it received a great reception at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, last month. The model of a double-belt dryer with upper and lower belt proved to be a real eye-catcher, according to the manufacturer.

Plant manufacturers and users were particularly interested in V-crimp type belts for textile washing equipment, as well as belts made of glass hybrid fabric with PFA coating. “Because GKD is well-known as a committed and competent problem-solver in the field of process belt technology, many visitors discussed concrete, application-specific challenges directly with the experts,” the company reports.

“Models and exhibits guided visitors at the GKD stand straight to the right contact person. University representatives, as well as technicians and developers, were keen to make the most of this intensive specialist exchange.”

Woven dryer belts

Woven dryer belts with non-stick coating now combine proven characteristics such as high lateral stability, optimum flatness, excellent running properties and robustness with even more process stability through easy product release. As such, they are said to raise the productivity of critical drying processes while maintaining the same level of product quality and reducing downtimes and cleaning costs, the company explains.

Self-tracking V-crimp type belts made of stainless steel are resistant to corrosion and aggressive lyes. Their special design is also said to ensure process reliability even when the bearing weight is uneven. This makes them particularly well-suited for challenging washing and bleaching processes for fibres and textiles.

Glass hybrid fabric

With its innovative glass hybrid fabric, GKD aims to meet demands that are normally mutually exclusive with energy-saving lightweight mesh and robust lateral stability. Glass strands in the warp direction coated with PFA lend this mesh structure a lower weight, while stainless steel weft wires guarantee reliable lateral stability.

At the same time, the high-quality PFA coating of the strands is designed to minimise both adhesion and soiling. Depending on customer wishes, the new mesh type is available in magnetic or non-magnetic form for use in single-belt and double-belt dryers.

Conductive 7690 forming belt

“Nonwoven manufacturers are already enjoying significantly optimised processes thanks to the Conductive 7690 forming belt from GKD,” the company reports. This belt's special monofilaments safely dissipate the electrostatic charges that typically arise in such processes. The coarse belt structure in the running direction is said to guarantee high traction and homogeneous web formation – followed by optimum nonwoven removal.

The increased grip allows the required production speed to be reached more quickly without the need for time-consuming roughening when changing the belt. “However, what particularly impresses users of this belt type are its outstanding cleaning properties. Dirt simply peels off or can be removed effortlessly,” the manufacturers explain.

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