Flocking (texture)

As flock ( flock fibers ) is called short-cut fibers. In the electrostatic flocking these millions of fibers are applied in an electric field to an adhesive coated substrate. The field lines ensure that all fibers aligned vertically, thus creating a uniform textile surface. Due to the adhesives used today are flocking very durable and resistant to abrasion. Depending on fiber thickness and length can be made according to the desired function, appearance or feel, silky smooth to hard -abrasive surface. Basically, all textile fibers can be processed into flock, their use, however, depends on the application area. For example, polyester is ideally suited for outdoor use, but has a limited buckling stability. On soft surfaces, such as textiles and foams viscose is mostly used due to its beneficial properties is, however, generally polyamide used.

Flock comes in different fiber lengths and thicknesses. The Flock thickness is measured in dtex (grams per 10 000 meters in length ), the length in millimeters. The ratio of fiber length to thickness determines the appearance of the Flockflors - the thinner the fibers are in relation to its length, the softer feel to the surface, but they can also handle worse. In order to use the dispersion adhesives, the carrier material should be painted of paper or cardboard on those points on which the flock adhesive is applied. In this case, one can dispense with solvent-based adhesives. Overall, the surface of the material to be finished must be smooth or only very slightly embossed or grooved. Furthermore, the thinner the lines or per filigree motifs, the shorter the flock should be. A line width of 0.5 mm can be realized, for example, only recently with Flock. Basically Flock is available in every color imaginable. The durability of the flock can be influenced also by the processing plant substrate, adhesive and flock adapts optimally. Polyamide flock holds, for example, also high pressure and the fibers stand up again.

Grid or very thin lines are hard to realize, since the fibers exaggerate and do not form sharp edges, so it is not advisable even at small font sizes. As a rule, flocked in a color that although there are several colors possible, but increase the cost accordingly. Flock can be applied partially or as Ganzflächenbeflockung. Designers, however, should generally be aware that flocked surfaces have influence on further processing of the sheets. Flock of 1 mm or more may cause the machine processing, such as in punching, is impaired. Also, it is not possible to cut several sheets at the same time. Through the flock the paper begins to swim. Only very recently Flock Up to 10 sheets can be cut accurately.

Types of flocking

• Formteilbeflockung. Under Formteilbeflockung refers to three -dimensional parts that are not flat or flat. These have z as curves and recesses.
• Flächenbeflockung. Under Flächenbeflockung refers to all parts that are even and flat.
• Designbeflockung. Under Designbeflockung you will understand patterns, logos, lettering, etc. by means of a template ( similar to screenprint) applied