Flock material is today considered the most popular upholstery material. Flock won great sympathy on the part of consumers due to its high performance and properties along with low-cost production and low cost of the fabric itself.
What kind of material is this?
Flock is a non-woven fabric with a fleecy surface on the front side. Most often flock fabrics are used in the furniture industry (upholstery of upholstered furniture), in the automotive industry (upholstery of car interiors), in the production of soft toys, home goods and decorative products.
How is it made
- At the initial stage, cutting of the pile occurs. For this, various technologies are used.
- The pile is stained. However, they can stain it before cutting.
- Pile is processed and activated. Thanks to the use of reagents, each villus receives a certain electrical conductivity. This is done to ensure that the villi lie correctly on a grounded textile base in the next step.
- The villi are sprayed onto the base. To do this, a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the fabric base, the material moves along the machine, and particles of pile are evenly poured on it. The electrostatic field allows electrified villi to fall onto the base in a strictly vertical position, snuggling tightly against each other.
- Fastening. The obtained flock material is treated with a special composition to improve operational properties and give shine.
What are the varieties
There are various types of flock tissue, which differ in the height and density of the pile, density and thickness. The scope of the material depends on the qualitative characteristics.
- Cotton flock. It has low wear resistance, that is, it is quickly worn out and loses a presentable appearance. In addition, it absorbs moisture well. Therefore, this flock material is not used for furniture. Its use as a packaging material is most acceptable, since the price of such a fabric is very affordable.
- Viscose flock. It has a thin and soft structure. In addition, the material lends itself well to coloring, which makes it possible to obtain various patterns and tones. However, it is practically not used in furniture production, except for sewing interior pillows.
- Polyamide flock. Great as upholstery material. It is soft to the touch and instantly restores its appearance after exertion. It has a high degree of wear resistance, is well painted and attractive in appearance. The only drawback of this material is its tendency to burn out. Therefore, furniture upholstered in polyamide flock is recommended to be placed away from the window.
- Polyester flock. In its characteristics, it is similar to the previous representative. The difference lies in the fact that such a fabric is difficult to stain, has high water-repellent properties and is resistant to fading.
- Flock made of carbon fibers. Its innovative production technology has several advantages, but has not yet been fully explored.
- Mix flock. To date, the optimal ratio is nylon pile and a base consisting of a mixture of 35% cotton and 65% polyester. This kind of flock has high operational properties, so it is used quite widely.
The use in the production of flock fibers of different lengths allows you to get bulk and embossed fabric, which is characterized by increased strength and wear resistance. Such material is called “flock on flock”.
Why flock is so good
- Flock fabric is one of the most practical and durable. It is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and is not afraid of temperature differences. The material does not wipe with time and does not lend itself to deformation. Some collections of flock fabrics are so strong that they are not inferior to natural leather in durability, and sometimes even surpass it.
- It has unique anti-vandal properties, thanks to which upholstered furniture will be reliably protected from the claws of pets.
- Not afraid of moisture. Drops of water falling onto the fabric from the flock will be retained on the surface and will not be absorbed. This feature is valuable not only for upholstered furniture, but also for the interior of the car, because such things are difficult to dry.
- It is well cleaned. Any stains without a trace can be removed with detergent. Therefore, flock, material for the sofa, will be an excellent solution if children live in the house.
- It allows air to pass through.
- Pleasant to the touch. The material has a soft texture and remains warm at any room temperature.
- Easy to care. Caring for flock furniture is no more difficult than for genuine leather furniture.
- It is convenient to work with upholstery. Due to the fact that the flock upholstery material fits well on the furniture, it is to the liking of many craftsmen.
- Affordable price. With such significant advantages, the flock remains at an average price level among other upholstery materials.
A bit about the flaws
Flock material has the ability to accumulate static electricity, so such upholstered furniture tends to attract dust and debris. Afraid of exposure to alcohol-containing substances.