In the shape of standard VN 3260/TN 0790, Voith Paper (Germany) and Trützschler Nonwovens (Germany) have developed a new safety standard for wet-laid spunlaced (WLS) Nonwovens machines. The standard will help producers of Nonwovens to ensure safe and reliable operation of their machines. It also provides the basic prerequisite for meeting expectations in respect of production and quality.

Voith and Trützschler jointly developed the manufacturing process for wet-laid and hydroentangled Nonwovens. The machines on which the materials are produced consist partly of paper machine components and partly of components from Nonwoven machines. The manufacturing process for wet-laid Nonwovens is similar to that for producing paper: A suspension consisting of water and fibers up to 40 mm long is passed over a wire on which a homogeneous fiber mat forms. The hydroentangling or spunlacing process produces bonded Nonwovens that can be textured if required. Drying and winding of the Nonwovens are done on other machine components.

The newly developed standard combines various Voith and Trützschler safety standards for paper and textile machines in a new document, and thus defines the safety requirements for new hybrid machines.

The safety standard has already been incorporated by the International Standardization Organization (ISO) as the basis for developing an international standard, so as to achieve greater impact at global level.

With about 3000 employees, Trützschler is one of the world's leading textile machinery manufacturers. Trützschler specializes in machines, installations, and accessories for spinning preparation, the nonwovens and man-made fiber industry. The headquarters of the more than 125 year old company is based in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Its main sites are located in Germany, India, China, Brazil, U.S., and Switzerland.

Trützschler Nonwovens is part of Trützschler Nonwovens & Man-Made Fibers and was created through the merger of the long-established Fleissner, Erko, and Bastian companies. The company provides solutions along the entire nonwovens process chain from bale opening, fiber blending, bonding down to finishing and winding, as well as for man-made filament spinning plants.