Types of Flocking
Electrostatic Flocking
Electrostatic flocking utilizes an electric charge to orient fibers and promote their perpendicular alignment. This technique optimizes the results obtained with longer fiber. In this method, the adhesive coated substrate passes through a high voltage electrostatic field. An electrode is utilized to give the flock fiber a charge. The charged fibers become aligned with the electric field lines of force and are attracted to the grounded electrode. The flock moves towards the adhesive coated substrate and becomes embedded. Fibers are adhered perpendicular to the surface to create a dense, pile finish. The electrostatic flocking method can be enhanced with pneumatic techniques for good coverage on three dimensional objects.
Mechanical Flocking
Mechanical fiber-coating on flat surfaces is usually achieved using the beater-bar method. This technique involves the passage of an adhesive coated substrate over a series of polygonal rollers that rapidly rotate to vibrate the substrate. The vibration is used to drive the fiber into the adhesive. Fibers are applied by gravity onto the substrate.
Pneumatic flocking applies to flock in a directed airstream. This method is most commonly used to coat three dimensional objects such as automotive glove boxes.
