Oerlikon expands laboratory nonwovens production capacity

The laboratory system at the R&D Center is normally used solely for research and development purposes and customer trials. It was never conceived for continuous operation in its original form. Now, Oerlikon Nonwoven has made further investments in order to enable continuous operation in the laboratory.

“Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, we have received more than 500 inquiries that we are progressively dealing with. To be quite honest, we had initially not anticipated such tremendous interest. But the demand is there and we quickly further adapted to the challenge,” said Andreas Frisch, head of operations at Oerlikon Nonwoven.

The laboratory has meanwhile run out of raw materials and new orders for replacement materials had to be placed before Easter – with current delivery times of approximately 3 weeks. This will allow production to be resumed, and even considerably expanded, in May.

The laboratory system is now once again being deployed to produce nonwovens that will be used to make more than million face masks / oronasal masks a month, nonwovens of the very highest quality.

“We will not be manufacturing the masks ourselves. We have meanwhile found both corresponding partner companies and also private individuals demanding nonwovens,” added Frisch.

Furthermore, Oerlikon Nonwoven has also fired up the production of the machines and systems used for its melt blown technology. The demand from Germany, Europe and the rest of the world has quickly secured the company a boom in orders.

“In the meantime, we have been able to sign orders in the mid-range double-digit millions. We have adapted our delivery times as much as possible and will – this is our objective – start delivering the additional orders for nonwovens systems from the fall,” said Rainer Straub, head of Oerlikon Nonwoven. “We will be commissioning the first melt blown system at the site of leading Western European nonwovens producers in the second quarter of 2020. This system will be deployed exclusively in the manufacture of nonwovens for respiratory masks.”

The Oerlikon Nonwoven melt blown technology – with which nonwovens for respiratory masks canal so be manufactured, among other things – is recognised by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibres. The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems.

The Oerlikon Nonwoven melt blown technology is recognised by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers.

Oerlikon develops modern materials, systems and surface technologies and provides specialised services aimed at securing high-performance products and systems with long lifespans for customers. Supported by its technological core competencies and its strong financial footing, the corporation continues its medium-term growth plan by implementing three strategic factors: focusing on attractive growth markets, ensuring structural growth and expanding through targeted M&A activities.

Oerlikon is a globally-leading technology and engineering corporation, operating its business in two segments (Surface Solutions and Manmade Fibers) and employing around 11,000 members of staff at 182 sites in 37 countries worldwide.

With its Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven brands, the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment is one of the leading providers of manmade fibre filament spinning systems, texturing machines, BCF systems, staple fiber systems and solutions for the production of nonwovens and – as a service provider – offers engineering solutions for the entire textile value added chain.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)