WOOLLEN FELTS: When natural fibres are compressed with heat and moisture they fuse together to form a solid material without a bonding agent. By repitition and variation of the pressure and with heat and moisture applied, felt can be made harder and thicker as required.
Woollen felts are measured by density in grammes per cubic centimetre as illustrated in the table below.
Where the application demands high qualities of compression, elasticity, resistance to ageing and wear, high absorption and low abrasion, woollen or blended wool felts are ususally specified.
Within each density range, Hardy and Hanson stock many qualities, each has specific features and numerous finishes are available. We will be pleased to advise you on request.
SYNTHETIC FELTS: This describes all felts made using man-made fibres as a base. Polyester, acrylic and other man-made fibres will not naturally fuse together like wool. Hence it becomes necessary to mix and bind them together using barbed needles. Such felts are referred to as 'Needleloom'. Other synthetic felts are fused by chemical impregnations and heat, and these tend to be harder and more rigid than needleloomed felts.
Synthetic felt is measured by weight in grammes per square metre. It can be as light as 20gm2 or as heavy as several hundred grammes per m2. However, unlike woollen felts where density, hardness and thickness are all interrelated to tensile strength, synthetic felts owe their hardness and strength to fibre type, impregnations and finish. Hence, where a very strong, thin felt is required, synthetics offer advantages over wool. The same is true of high/low temperature performance and where pore size is critical to the micron, as in precision filtration.
Synthetic felts cannot match wool's performance in compressibility, elasticity, absorption and abrasion, but they can be harder wearing, and in applications where either can perform, can offer price advantage. Chemical compatibility to application must of course be considered. Wool and synthetic blends offer combinations of both fibre qualities, as in textiles.
The most comprehensive range of felt products
Hardy & Hanson is totally committed to offering the most reliable service available in the UK. Our considerable controlled stock holding keeps us ahead of our competitors in offering a 1-2 day service on all types and parts.
