With their innovative WLS (wet-laid/spunlace) technology, Voith and Trützschler ensure flexible and efficient production of wet-laid and hydro-entangled nonwovens from 100 percent cellulose at Albaad’s new WLM1 production line. The client for the project in Dimona, Israel, is Albaad, one of the three largest manufacturers of wet wipes and feminine hygiene products in the world. Already in the first phase after start-up, the WLM1 completely met Albaad’s expectations: the nonwovens manufactured at a speed of over 200 meters per minute exhibited an extremely high product quality.
Accordingly, Gadi Choresh, plant manager of Albaad in Dimona, is satisfied with the work by Voith and Trützschler: “The installation and start-up of the machine went very well. With their professionalism and high level of commitment, the team has ensured the success of the project. Albaad appreciates the long term commitment and support to achieve the line properties even when things were not as expected”.
● Production of nonwovens from renewable cellulose and from 100% biodegradable products.
● Consistent sheet formation for high-quality end products.
Voith and Trützschler machines for optimum quality
For the wet-in-wet production of its nonwovens, Albaad uses exclusively fibers from cellulose. In the first step, web formation, a suspension highly diluted with water is produced and fed into the Voith HydroFormer. A homogeneous fiber mat forms on the inclined wire of the machine. In many respects, this process is similar to the manufacturing process of paper. Voith has carried its extensive competence in paper machines over into the HydroFormer concept and thus makes it possible to produce high-quality nonwovens in this segment too.
Voith and Trützschler Nonwovens collaborated once again to implement the project. Trützschler was largely responsible for the machines for web bonding and drying. The AquaJet technology is leading the world in the bonding of nonwovens. Directed high-pressure water jets interweave the individual fibers together solely through the momentum of the water.
The material thus obtains a high tensile strength and the desired textile feel without the use of any binding agents or bi-component fibers. In Albaad’s WLS plant, Trützschler’s innovative high-performance Streamliner dryer carries out the bulk of the drying of the nonwoven material. The spiral dryer section significantly increases the air speed and thereby achieves optimal drying performance.
With the second drying step comes another component of the system by Voith, the contactless MCB drying system. Its uniform and stable web run ensures the efficient residual drying of the nonwoven material. Moreover, Voith has equipped the WLM1 with a comprehensive process and quality control system. It monitors all the relevant parameters of production and thus reliably ensures a high product quality.
As a system vendor we aim to support our customers throughout the entire value creation process
