Filters and felts

SSA Pana offer of felts and filters

• felt
• PUR (polyurethane) types of ester-based sponge filter foams
• PUR types of ether-based sponge filter foams

Felt

Felt is a natural material made from natural fibers. Unlike other natural fabrics, felt is not woven; the fibers are bonded together to create a dense, soft fabric. The process of producing felt is relatively simple: the fibers are placed in warm water and then mixed until they form a thick mass. The mass is then pressed and cooled to create felt. Felt has many applications, from clothing and insulation to flooring and roofing.

What is it used for?

Often the first thing people think of when thinking about felt is that it’s only used for crafting, but this versatile material has a huge range of uses, depending on the type you use. Wool felt can be used for insulation, as it retains heat well. It is also often used to create clothing, as it is soft and comfortable to wear. Acrylic felt is often used to make carpets and rugs because it is durable and stain resistant. Felt can also be used to make projects, such as making pillows or quilts.

Felt properties

Felt is a type of textile material made from animal hair, wool or cotton fibers that is compressed into thin sheets.

• felt made of fire-resistant polyester/polypropylene fibers
• antibacterial composition resistant to mold and fungicides
• the possibility of covering with different types of sponge foams
• intended for thermal formation
• resistant to the water and oil
• conforms to US automotive industry guidelines FMVSS 302
• ideal soundproofing for the auto industry
• available in form rolls, plate, tape, serial die-cut kiss-cut products, as desired and self-adhesive
• ideal for vibration damping, sound and thermal insulation in the auto industry, e.g. internal profile, fulfillment the door cars, insulation engine, roof edge, inside trunk
• is used as insulation for laundry machine drums
• countless possibilities in textile industry, production footwear, industry furniture, production purse and a suitcase
• standard colors: black, gray and white. Other colors available on request

Advantages and flaws

Advantages

• durable
• warm but light
• it doesn’t wear out
• easy to cut and easy to work with
• available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses
• generally affordable
• versatile

Flaws

• minimal elasticity
• rough texture
• potential to accumulate
• gets tangled over time

What is felt made of?

Felt is one of the oldest forms of fabric known to man. It is a textile fabric consisting of wool or other natural raw materials, which generally give it a soft, pleasant texture. The fabric is mainly produced from animal hair, which results in high quality and durability of the material. Felt has been used for centuries in a variety of applications, including clothing, hats and furniture. Today, felt is still widely used for its many benefits, including insulating properties and fire resistance. However, adding synthetic fibers to the mix (such as polyester) can improve the product depending on its intended use. Adding a percentage of synthetic fibers can increase the durability of the felt for certain industrial uses.

How is felt made?

The process of making felt is intensive, but the results are worth it. To make felt, you have to start with a fiber source. It can be wool, cotton or any other natural fiber. The fiber is then cleaned and the resulting mass resembling cotton wool is stacked. Then it is soaked with warm water and soap. It is then put into a special washing machine called a felting machine. The felting machine mixes the material until the fibers come together to form a cohesive sheet of felt.

You can even do it yourself at home with any woolen or knitted products. Put them in the washing machine for a process known as "felting". The same thing happens when you accidentally shrink a woolen sweater in the washing machine!

The history of felt

Wool felt is one of the oldest known textiles. The location of its origin is debated, with many cultures claiming its invention. Nomadic peoples in Asia have been using the tapestry weaving method for centuries. They use it to make tents, carpets and clothes. The process is very time-consuming because they do everything by hand. The fabrics produced by tapestry weaving are very strong and can last for many years.

One common origin story is that during the Middle Ages, men lined their sandals with wool for comfort. Over time, the fibers in the wool became matted and felt as a result of moisture, heat and constant pressure from walking.

Its natural water-repellent properties make it ideal for outdoor use, while its softness makes it a popular choice for baby and home furnishings.

Types of felt

In addition to felt that you can make yourself at home, there are three types of felt:

• Pressed felt is a very old form of fabric known to man. It even precedes knitting. This type of felt is made by pressing wool fibers until they form a dense mat. The mat is then soaked in water, which causes the fibers to swell and bind together. Pressed felt can be used for a variety of purposes, including insulation, padding and upholstery.
• Needle felting is the process of using a specialized needle to pierce the fabric, causing the fibers to fuse together. Machines containing thousands of needles stitch the fibers together to produce this softer, less dense type of felt fabric. It is often used for crafts or pillows.
• Woven felt is made from wool or a wool blend is woven directly into the fabric, and then moisture and pressure are applied. This makes the fibers naturally intertwine, like pressed felt. This incredibly durable fabric is ideal for musical instruments and door seals. It has a much smaller maximum thickness than needle felt or pressed felt.

Properties of PUR types of ester-based sponge filter foams

Ideal for dust and air filters

• are available as a cross-linked and flexible PUR sponge filter foam based on polyester
• weight: 18-40 kg/m³
• homogenized and controlled creation of pores/cells
• excellent resistance to solvents and extreme temperatures
• availability with quantities pores 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80 and 100 PPI (Pores per Inch = pores per inch)
• according from the dimension production is possible die-cut parts
• ideal for dust filters and air in the household (HVAC), code current generators, vacuum cleaners etc.

Characteristics of PUR types of ether-based sponge filter foams

Ideal for filtering water in aquariums, pools, cisterns...

• cross-linked and flexible PUR sponge filter foam based on polyether
• weight: 18-40 kg/m³
• available with pore sizes of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80 and 100 PPI
• depending on the dimensions, the production of die-cut parts is possible
• antibacterial composition resistant to mold and fungicides
• the possibility of reuse after washing and cleaning
• ideal for filtering water in aquariums, pools, tanks, etc.