Quality assurance in the flocking process

Quality control and quality assurance are an essential part of the flocking process and various criteria can be tested and checked. The reproducibility of the conditions and tests during the quality inspection is important. In addition to the test procedures, the quality of the individual materials to be processed can be checked on receipt of goods, in the course of storage and during the ongoing process.

Before flocking, the flock fibres can be tested for various properties.

With the help of a conductivity meter, the fibres are measured with regard to their conductivity and moisture. This control serves to ensure ideal flocking by guaranteeing the quality of the flock fibres used. The more conductive the flock fibres, the easier the flocking and the better the end result.

In addition to conductivity, the pourability of the flock can be checked. This is used to assess the trickling behaviour and the dissolving capacity of the flock during processing. The flock is sieved through screens with different mesh sizes and then weighed and visually assessed.

With the help of a jump tester, the jumping and dissolving capacity of flock fibres can be tested. The device simulates the practical conditions of a flocking machine and can assess the quality of the flock fibres under the influence of tension. Important variables are the lift-off time, the jumping characteristic, residual quantities and the tension.

Before flocking, the DC voltage of positive and negative polarity can be measured and checked with the help of a high-voltage meter.

The tear-out test checks the adhesion of the flock fibres in the adhesive as well as the adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate. In addition, the test of the adhesion force effect from the substrate takes place.

In the context of quality assurance after flocking, one of the most important criteria is abrasion resistance. With the help of an abrasion tester, the abrasion intensity of a sample or a flocked object can be tested. This is done by pressing a test chisel and moving it sideways onto the sample. This reveals the quality of the adhesive in combination with the flock fibres, their stability and durability. In addition to abrasion resistance, a scuff and scratch test can also be performed with an abrasion tester.

In the context of quality assurance after flocking, one of the most important criteria is abrasion resistance. With the help of an abrasion tester, the abrasion intensity of a sample or a flocked object can be tested. This is done by pressing a test chisel and moving it sideways onto the sample. This reveals the quality of the adhesive in combination with the flock fibres, their stability and durability. In addition to abrasion resistance, a scuff and scratch test can also be performed with an abrasion tester.

Here you can download the checklist for quality control & assurance in the flocking process free of charge: