In a joint development
project with other partners, Barmag and Object Carpet have successfully tested
BICO BCF yarn in the carpet manufacturing process. The results show that this
innovative yarn technology offers significant performance advantages and opens
up new possibilities for recycling-oriented carpet constructions.
These trials marked an
important developmental milestone for the carpet industry. For the first time,
the bicomponent technology, already known from other synthetic fibre
applications, was successfully transferred to the BCF process and validated
across the entire carpet value chain. The trials demonstrate the potential of a
new class of yarn that combines improved performance characteristics with new
possibilities for modern carpet constructions.
More volume, elasticity,
and performance
“The tests show that a BICO
BCF carpet offers more volume, high elasticity, and proven heavy-duty
performance compared to standard carpet yarn. The PET-based material
combination also enables recyclable carpet concepts,” says Product Manager
Markus Reichwein, summarizing the test results.
Proven technology meets new
applications
The yarn was manufactured
on a Neumag S8 BCF line equipped with a BICO spinning beam. The principle of
bicomponent yarn is already well-established in other synthetic fibre spinning
processes. What is new, however, is its successful integration into the BCF
process. Due to the differing shrinkage and elongation properties of the
polymers used, the unique material combination causes the yarn to self-crimp,
thereby creating its characteristic voluminous structure.
The successful trials on a
Neumag S8 BCF system now demonstrate that this approach can also be implemented
on an industrial scale for the carpet industry. Likewise, all subsequent
process steps, from cabling and heat setting to tufting and coating,
consistently yielded good results.
Impressive results
throughout the entire process chain
After heat setting, the
yarn exhibited pronounced bulk combined with high elasticity. The material also
performed well in the tufting process: despite the increased titer, the yarn
could be processed without any problems. Thanks to the yarn’s elasticity, it
was also possible to produce more running meters of raw fabric than initially
anticipated.
Furthermore, the yarn is
characterized by its good coverage of the substrate. Process reliability was
further confirmed during the coating process - both woven and knitted fabrics
could be processed.
Successful quality testing
for continuous use
The developed carpet
constructions were extensively tested, including chair-castor and Vettermann
tests in accordance with DIN EN 1307.
Result: All constructions
are suitable for continuous use in commercial settings and achieved a wear
class of up to Class 33, depending on the carpet construction. “The results
impressively demonstrate that BICO BCF technology can not only be reliably integrated
into existing production processes but also offers significant advantages in
product performance,” said Markus Reichwein.
A future-proof solution for
a wide range of applications
The overall conclusion of
the tests is clear: BICO BCF yarn impresses with its high opacity, excellent
processing properties, and strong performance. The technology thus offers a
promising solution with new options for developing high-performance and differentiated
products for carpet manufacturers—in both the residential and commercial
sectors. The successful industrial validation demonstrates that BICO BCF is not
only technically feasible but also has the potential to shape future carpet
constructions in a sustainable way.
The overall conclusion of the tests is clear: BICO BCF yarn impresses with its high opacity, excellent processing properties, and strong performance. The technology thus offers a promising solution with new options for developing high-performance and differentiated products for carpet manufacturers—in both the residential and commercial sectors. The successful industrial validation demonstrates that BICO BCF is not only technically feasible but also has the potential to shape future carpet constructions in a sustainable way.
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