Composite materials are versatile and suited to a wide range of applications. They are formed by combining materials together to form a structure that has different properties from the sum of the individual components. These components remain separate and distinct in the final structure, so must combine together smoothly.
The standard methods of nonwoven manufacture – thermal and chemical bonding, mechanical or spinning – can all be used for composite manufacture, so the same possibilities of surface flaws exist. A flaw in one component of the composite material can affect performance of the entire product.
A precise and accurate monitoring solution is essential to detect flaws in the components of the composite, and also in the final product. An automated inspection system supports product quality and process efficiency.