Technology
Millions of short-cut fibres are charged in an electrostatic field by means of high voltage and shot vertically into a carrier material (substrate) coated with adhesive.
The fibre density usually achievable by purely electrostatic flocking is 8 -10 % of the coated surface, with a maximum of up to 14% possible.
On parts with recesses, the electrostatic field can only have a limited effect. The so-called Faraday cage prevents field formation in recesses. This causes the flocking pattern to be less dense than flocking on the outer geometry. Supporting fibre transport by means of air flow helps to minimize these effects. These parts should therefore be flocked electrostatically-pneumatically. Subsequent drying permanently bonds the flock fibre to the adhesive and the adhesive to the substate.
Depending on the application, there is the possibility of subsequent finishing such as printing, airembossing, foil stamping, laser engraving, etc.
The flocking process is divided into the following steps:
- pre-treatment of the substrate (where necessary)
- adhesive application
- flocking
- pre-cleaning
- drying
- final cleaning
- quality control