Through-Air Bonding Ovens for Nonwovens
topic
Through-air bonding ovens circulate hot air at 120 to 200 degrees Celsius through the web thickness on a perforated conveyor belt at air velocities of 1 to 5 metres per second, melting the sheath polymer of bicomponent fibres or the lower-melting component of polymer blends to create bond points at fibre intersections while preserving web bulk through absence of pressure, producing soft, lofty thermally bonded nonwovens for hygiene cover stocks and insulation.
Role
Enables pressure-free thermal bonding that preserves web loft and softness by using hot air circulation rather than calender pressure to deliver bonding heat, with through-air bonding producing softer, bulkier fabrics than calender bonding for hygiene cover stocks, filtration, and insulation applications where maintaining web thickness and open structure is essential for the function of the finished nonwoven product.