WCA March 2020

Technology news

Glass hybrid fabric oven belts in the production of non-wovens

quality and product quality, even for products with large weaving widths or strong shrinkage forces. In the upper belt, magnetic steel weft wires, which are more than 0.8mm thick, reliably hold the belt on the magnetic strips. The resulting absolute flatness ensures exact calibration and compression. When used as a lower belt, a stainless steel weft wire guarantees similar transverse stability. Highly voluminous and significantly compacted products obtain a constant thickness and density over the entire width, with minimal tolerances. Glass hybrid belts by GKD are characterised by an even mesh opening with high air permeability. The fibreglass strands are temperature-resistant up to 250°C, preventing belt elongation. In addition, the intricate PTFE edge coating makes the belts more durable: the smooth and straight cut edge makes reliable belt control easier. The sewn, non-marking pin seam ensures impression-free production of non-wovens. Compared to glass gauze belts, which often only last for a few months in wide thermal bonding plants, the years of runtime provided by glass hybrid belts compensate for the higher procurement price. Gebr Kufferath AG www.gkd.de

FOLLOWING three years of practical application in thermal bonding processes, glass hybrid fabric belts from Gebr Kufferath AG (GKD) have exceeded expectations, according to the manufacturer, offering process performance and product quality. This type of belt was initially used as a magnetic upper belt in double-belt dryers, as well as a lower belt. Its completely PFA-coated construction of glass strands in the running direction and metal wires in the weft prevents adhesion of adhesive products. This minimises cleaning intervals and downtime, while the production speed and tool life exceed conventional benchmarks. Weighing just 1.8 kg per square metre, the belt construction is energy-efficient in dryer operation. At the same time, the material combination of metal and fibreglass increases process efficiency thanks to its resistant PFA coating. Even when using BiCo fibres, it protects the wires and the intersections between the chain and weft against adhesion. Neither fibres nor binders are deposited in the fibreglass strands or between the wires. This minimised soiling means production speeds can be increased. The high transverse stability of this type of belt allows the optimising of process

❍ Glass hybrid belts by GKD are characterised by an even mesh opening with high air permeability

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2020