Curt G. Joa, the custom-engineering design and machine-building company based in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, has filed a patent on a new expandable absorbent core for nonwoven-based disposables such as diapers and femcare products, and the machine process technology behind it.

JOA’s invention allows the core to expand within its containment wrap, regardless of the ratio of fluff and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) it contains. Essentially, the core grows as fluid reaches it and it swells. The expandable wrap allows cores to be designed with higher amounts of SAP which results in thinner products that have higher absorbency.

Chris Nelson, business development manager and co-inventor, explains more: “As SAP designs evolve, products now contain higher quantities, and these new SAP designs absorb more fluid than ever before. The performance of the core depends on allowing the SAP to work and there was a need for accommodating the core swell and expansion of SAP as fluid transfers through the product.”

“JOA machines ensure core integrity by keeping core materials contained, reducing the risk of leakage which decreases skin irritation and improves skin health,” added Scott Roehrborn, machine platform manager and co-inventor of the improvement.

Additional product design features now for Joa absorbent hygiene machines include:

- Core edge definition that rivals die cut.

- Balanced SAP distribution with more consistent core weights.

- Single or dual dusting layer capability with a homogenous blend of fluff and SAP.

www.joa.com