About Flocking

What is flocking?

Flocking is achieved by attaching millions of synthetic or natural fibers to a surface. Over the years, flocking technology and materials have evolved and today a vast range of effects are achievable. Flocking or fiber coating can enhance the quality of and add value to almost any surface in several ways:

Aesthetic and decorative (color, pile)
Functional (durability, insulation)
Tactile (texture, comfort and dimension)
Informational (logo branding)

There are three main types of flocking:

Roll-to-roll – flocking onto two dimensional substrates.
Object flocking – flocking onto three dimensional substrates.
Graphic/Decorative screen print and heat transfer flocking.

The flocking process can magically transform a plain, flat, surface into a rich, warm, intensely colored, comfortable and visually compelling texture.

This web site provides basic information about this amazing technology. You will find illustrations of the flocking process as well as images showing examples of flocking that add quality and value to many different materials and products. The American Flock Association is managed by flock experts and industry professionals who can provide you with up to date information on flocking.

Characteristics of flocking

Fiber and Adhesive
Flock can be precision or random cut from a wide range of materials, for example our member companies have worked with Teflon and Kevlar. A selection of fiber profiles and a variety of flock adhesives are available to optimize specific applications.

Friction
Flocked surfaces can be designed to either increase or decrease the frictional characteristics of substrates. Flocked products are widely used for buffing and polishing within the optical industry. Flock also provides a protective surface that can minimize scratching.

Increased Surface Area
The dense fibrous coating achieved through flocking can considerably increase the surface area of a substrate, promoting liquid retention or dispersal, evaporation, or filtration. These characteristics can be altered by changing length, denier, and density. Flock fibers can be chemically treated to alter their surface profile before application.

Noise Dampening and Insulation
Flocked products reduce sound distribution in a variety of contexts: music studios, car ventilation units, and vacuum cleaner housings. It can also provide sound and thermal insulation qualities.

Characteristics of flocking

Future Flock

Flock provides a perpendicular fibrous coating to almost any substrate that can be exploited in a variety of contexts. Precision cut flock fibers can be used for the reinforcement of materials such as concrete and paper or processed further to add value to a wide range of surfaces.

In recent years, flock technology has grown in interest internationally and has been used to develop:

Lightweight composite materials
Performance textiles
Military applications
Bio-filtration systems
Tissue engineering

Water and solvent-based flock adhesives are available. These adhesives provide additional properties such as solvent resistance, washability, rigidity or flexibility, color, lightfastness, flame retardancy, and more.

At the University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth Campus) academic leaders are researching and developing new applications for flock. Our member companies give importance to innovating in the field, regularly registering patents and keep up to date with new research in interrelated fields.