The DKTE Centre of Excellence has installed a complete needling line. DKTE aims at advancing the development of the nonwovens industry. With a working width of 1,800 mm, the system is considerably larger than standard laboratory equipment. Production of functional nonwovens made of polymers such as polyester, polyamide and polypropylene is growing in India. The DKTE installation is designed for the processing of these fibers for light-weight to medium-weight needled webs.
Trützschler Nonwovens and Man-Made Fibers supplied all the components, from bale opening, roller cards and crosslappers all the way to the two needling machines and a winder. For technicians, the aim was to realise a hybrid installation for research and industry.
The installation is mainly optimised in terms of complex product development. The components are flexible enough to accommodate the various tests and experiments conducted in a research institute. The installation is fitted with machines that can also be used in industrial production. This gives students the opportunity to study the operation, maintenance and behavior of state-of-the-art machines that they will encounter again later in their working life.
The nonwovens industry in India is still at an early stage of development, although some well-known companies have invested in nonwovens. The needling line was formally commissioned in Ichalkaranji.
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