An Australia based V-LAP, a specialist vertical lapping nonwoven machinery manufacturer, will unveil the latest enhancements to its vertical lapping system for nonwovens at the ITMA 2015 trade fair that takes place from 12-19 November in Milan.

The company will demonstrate a 2.5 metre-wide production machine, with a redesigned and patented drive system that comes with independent forming comb and pusher bars, controlled with servo technology. The new frame design has added more bulk to provide dynamic stability at high speeds. In Milan, it will be coupled with the latest in oven technology.

“Both machines have the latest designs, enhancing productivity and performance,” said V-LAP CEO Jason Cooper. “We welcome visitors to our stand, where they can view both the machines and a range of finished goods samples. It will be an ideal opportunity to discuss the full benefits of vertical lapped nonwovens machinery.”

Success in automotive industry

V-LAP materials have bulk and an almost spring-like feel and appearance, but with less overall weight, due to the vertical orientation of the fibres in their structures, the manufacturer reports.

Their initial success has been in the automotive industry and Tier One automotive companies are now using the technology to produce parcel shelves, headliners, bonnet protectors, dashboards, components for driver and passenger doors, and wheel arch liners. Car brands employing them include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota.

The materials are said to have a good inherent acoustic absorption ratio compared to other more traditional trim – again due to the 90-degree fibre and web form, coupled with the uniformity created in a the product, both of which are critical in acoustic testing.

Foam-like performance

The V-LAP process is said to produces an even and consistent density throughout the material. And because of these qualities, the materials lend themselves extremely well to the moulding process, the company reports. 

Bedding manufacturers have also appreciated the benefits of being able to make a fibrous nonwoven material that performs like foam in resilience and recovery, but does not discolour, has excellent flammability results and is completely breathable, for enhanced sleep comfort.

Materials can also have a foam-like performance, with complete breathability. V-LAP materials are being used in both bedding and seating as PU foam replacement. Due to the even compression pattern and cross-structural stability, they are said to offer recovery properties close to that of a PU foams.

Cooperation with Teijin

V-LAP also has a very strong relationship with Japan’s Teijin, which is heavily promoting its new line of futons made from V-LAP materials, which are being sold domestically in Japan, as well as being exported to neighbouring countries.

“Futons which can be rolled up and stored away are extremely important in Japanese culture,” said Cooper. “Our materials provide this versatility while also offering support and comfort, as well as importantly maintaining the shape and form of the futon. This business has proved a great success for Teijin.”

Recycled materials

V-LAP is also able to utilise waste fabrics from clothing and carpet waste, such as regenerated synthetics like PET/PP.

“We now have several companies looking at methods for using recycled materials in a process and transforming them into value-added finished goods,” commented Cooper. “In many cases, these assist in selling their current ranges of products. They can be recycled again after the life of the garment/carpet/bed and made into further materials, almost in a closed loop, and creating little need for landfill.”

www.v-lap.com