mittekudumine

Mittekudumine, also known as nonwoven fabric production, is a textile manufacturing process where fabrics are formed directly from fibers or yarns, without weaving or knitting. This method bypasses the traditional interlacing of warp and weft threads. Instead, fibers are arranged in a web or mat and then bonded together through various mechanical, thermal, or chemical means.

The process typically begins with the formation of a fiber web. This can be achieved through methods like carding, where fibers are aligned in a parallel or random orientation, or airlaying, where fibers are dispersed by an airstream. Once the web is formed, it undergoes a bonding stage. Mechanical bonding involves entangling the fibers using needles (needle punching) or high-pressure water jets (spunlace). Thermal bonding utilizes heat to melt and fuse thermoplastic fibers together. Chemical bonding uses adhesives to bind the fibers.

Nonwoven fabrics possess a wide range of properties depending on the raw materials used and the manufacturing method. They can be strong, absorbent, elastic, permeable to air or liquid, or act as barriers. This versatility makes them suitable for numerous applications. Common uses include disposable products like baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and medical masks, as well as durable goods such as carpet backing, geotextiles for civil engineering, filters, and insulation materials. The production of nonwovens is a significant sector within the textile industry, offering cost-effective and customizable fabric solutions.