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bematic® push nonwovens production technology forward with help from Siriotek and Fraunhofer ITWM
5 February 2024
As part of ongoing collaborative efforts focusing on development and optimisation of production technologies for nonwovens, Fraunhofer ITWM and Siriotek have completed feasibility investigations on bematic® latest airlay design “AioLos”. Results are very encouraging and bematic have now committed fully to the new design by confirming manufacturing of a full scale unit, with procurement of parts currently in progress.
The study aimed at simulating fibre dynamics inside the airlay to provide insights and data useful for optimising productivity and efficiency of the production process. It consisted of two sequential stages:
- Analysis of the airflow across the web forming cavity
A detailed CFD model was developed by Siriotek engineers which includes moving boundaries to simulate rotation of the main carding drum as well as linear motion of the porous belts designed to promote web formation and transport of nonwoven fabric
- Simulation of the fibre deposition process
Results from the CFD analysis were passed to Fraunhofer ITWM for use with their proprietary software FIDYST (FIberDYnamics Simulation Tool). Using material data, density and size for polyester fibres scientists at Fraunhofer ITWM were able to predict motion of the fibres inside the airlay forming vane under the effect of turbulent airflow resulting from the CFD analyses performed at Siriotek, effectively simulating the deposition process on porous moving belts. A detailed technical description of the dynamic model predictive capabilities can be found at the following links: [Article 1], [Article 2].
The feasibility study also included further investigations covering process speeds as well as optimal design for the carding wire to be installed on main drum and worker/stripper rollers operating upstream of the airlay aerodynamic vane. Results have been very encouraging and bematic have now committed fully to the new design by confirming manufacturing of a full scale unit, with procurement of parts currently in progress.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Founder and Chief Engineer at Siriotek:
“The collaboration with ITWM and bematic has showcased the benefits of a joint technical/scientific approach to optimise airlay production processes for nonwovens. We are delighted that bematic have now committed to the new airlay concept by confirming a manufacturing and testing programme and we look forward to seeing the unit in operation”
Dietmar Hietel, Head of the Transport Processes Department at Fraunhofer ITWM:
“ITWM’s contribution to this programme was possible thanks to our unrelented efforts in developing advanced methodologies and tools for process simulation, to which we remain fully committed. We are proud and pleased to collaborate with Siriotek and bematic to develop the next generation of production technology for nonwovens”
Giovanni Bettarini, Partner and Commercial director at bematic®:
“Thanks to the collaboration with Siriotek and ITWM the feasibility study for the new airlay concept has been successful and bematic is ready to venture into manufacturing and assembly of a full scale unit. We look forward to delivering significant improvements in productivity and efficiency in nonwovens processing to our clients”
About bematic®
Founded in 1974 in Prato, Italy, Bettarini & Serafini, trading as bematic® have been pioneers in the development of processing lines for nonwovens, with an established reputation for reliability and innovation. Today bematic carding machines operate daily across the globe at leading production companies within diverse industries. bematic® provide highly customised turnkey solutions with a product portfolio covering both traditional carding systems as well as aerodynamic forming lines.
About Siriotek
At Siriotek we blend passion and creativity with specialist engineering knowledge to help innovative Companies deliver on their most ambitious projects. We have a track record of providing practical and efficient solutions to complex problems in product and technology development across F1, Aerospace, Renewables, Marine, Robotics as well as other industries and we pride on customer satisfaction. .
About the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM
The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in Kaiserslautern is one of the largest research institutes for applied mathematics worldwide. We see our task in further developing mathematics as a key technology and in providing innovative impulses. Our focus is on the implementation of mathematical methods and technology in application projects and their further development in research projects. The close interaction with partners from industry guarantees the high practical relevance of our work.
Its integral components are consulting, implementation and support in the application of high-performance computing technology and the provision of customized software solutions. Our various competencies address a wide range of customers: automotive industry, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, energy and finance. This also benefits from our good networking, for example in the Simulation and Software-based Innovation Performance Center.
About the Fraunhofer Society
The Fraunhofer-Society, based in Germany, is the world's leading organization for application-oriented research. With its focus on key technologies of relevance to the future and on the exploitation of the results in business and industry, it plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and stimulus for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it helps shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the organization currently operates 76 institutes and research facilities in Germany. More than 30,000 employees, most of them trained in the natural sciences or engineering, produce the annual research volume of 2.9 billion euros. Of this, 2.5 billion euros is spent on contract research
Press contacts
bematic® – Bettarini & Serafini Srl
Via Schio 59100
Prato PO Italy
Siriotek GmbH
Technoparkstrasse 1
8005 Zurich Switzerland
FRAUNHOFER ITWM
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Nonwoven fabrics play today a central role in a number of industries, including automotive, healthcare, medical, construction, and filtration. As demand for these versatile materials continues to grow, Bettarini&Serafini S.r.l (trading as bematic®), Siriotek GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM are now joining forces to enhance and develop air-lay technology for production of nonwovens. The joint project will be presented for the first time at ITMA 2023, the trade fair for textiles technology, materials and innovation.
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