How does foam flocking work?

At Vibraplast AG, flocking is carried out in an electrostatic field. This process is carried out manually and purely electrostatically.

1

Introduction

Firstly, adhesive is applied to the carrier material. This is done by spraying with a spray gun. Care must be taken to ensure that the adhesive layer is applied in sufficient thickness so that the flock fibres are perfectly anchored in the adhesive bed. The flock fibres only adhere where adhesive has been applied. If you only want to flock a partial area, this must be masked (covered) before the adhesive is applied.

The different coloured flock material is then applied with an electrical charge. The electrical charge causes the flock fibres to align themselves vertically in the field and thus fix themselves in the adhesive. After flocking, the product is dried and then excess flock is removed by suction or blowing. Before the product or component can be used, the excess flock must be removed after drying.

2

Flocking operations

At Vibraplast AG, flocking involves the following operations:

Thorough cleaning of the surface
Removal of soiling such as dust, oil, grease, etc.
Application of the adhesive using a spray gun
Application of the flock material using a flocking device
Dry the adhesive at room temperature
Removal of loose flock fibres by suction or blowing off

3

Areas of application

Flocking is carried out on surfaces or three-dimensional parts made from a wide variety of materials such as foam, plastic, textiles, glass, wood, paper, cardboard, etc. Surfaces can be flocked in the same way as three-dimensional objects made of textile, paper, metal, plastics, glass, ceramics, wood, foil and much more. There are almost no limits to the possibilities.

4

Advantages of flocking

Improved appearance
The flocking of the surface improves the appearance and aesthetics, resulting in a higher value of the product.

More pleasant to the touch
Flocking makes products that come into contact with the skin or body more pleasant to the touch.

The flocking creates an elastic, decorative or functional surface that adapts to any contour. It serves as an insulating layer on hot or cold surfaces to protect against contact or condensation. Depending on the material, it can act as a sliding or adhesive surface and provides a sealing surface with a good sliding effect, for example against glass. It also provides an absorbent or receptive surface, which is advantageous for gloves or paint rollers, for example. Finally, the flocking contributes to noise reduction and reduces rattling or noise reflections.