Pressed Wool Felt Process
The pressed felt process is the original felt manufacturing method. The process technology is based upon the structure of wool fiber. Short strands of fibers branch off along the main core of the wool fiber. Felt is formed when these strands are intertwined and locked together.
Wool fibers are first layered as a matting or “batt”. The batts are plied based upon the desired felt density. The batts are subjected to steam and pressed in a “hardener”. The mechanical action of the hardening step causes the fiber strands to interlock and the batts are now joined forming the initial stage of wool felt.
The felt is then placed through a similar mechanical process known as “fulling.” The fuller is a series of rollers that continue to work the wool felt to its desired density. The felt is then dried of any moisture retained through steaming or other wet treatments used throughout the process.
US Felt’s process incorporates the most recent advances of this technology. This allows US Felt to efficiently produce felts in roll from and in a wide range of densities and felt grades. These felts conform to established felt specifications set forth by SAE classifications. Being ISO certified and an approved government supplier, US Felt's products are compliant with accepted international standards and military specifications. These standards provide the basis for a variety of applications and end-uses.
