Valmet sells first production unit of new IFB technology

Published Oct 05, 1999 00.00.00 +2 GMT

Biddeford, Maine USA - Valmet, Inc. - Honeycomb Division has received an order from Flaxlin Oy, Aminnefors, Finland, for a complete line for the production of insulation materials made of natural flax fibers. The delivery will include Valmet’s new dry laid web forming system. Valmet’s proprietary Integrated Forming and Bonding (IFB) technology utilizes a unique nonwoven Air Laid technology with the capability of simultaneously Forming and Bonding a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

The Flaxlin production line will produce 300,000 m³ per year of sheet insulation materials to be used in building construction. Production is planned to start during the second quarter of 2000.

Valmet’s IFB process is especially suited for producing bulky, high loft nonwovens and related products that demand high cross directional tensile strength and uniform Z direction bonding. Unlike card systems with mechanical takeoffs, the IFB process can achieve unique product properties with a variety of natural fibers such as Flax, Wood Waste, Cotton Linters or other recycled fibers.

The IFB process is targeted to meet the increasing market demand for more environmentally friendly products. In addition to building insulation materials, applications for automobile, furniture and construction board end products are also possible.

Valmet is the Fiber and Paper Technology business area of Metso Corporation and the leading supplier for the pulp, paper, panelboard and converting industries. Metso's other business areas are Automation and Flow Control, and Machinery. In 1998, the combined net sales of Metso Corporation amounted to EUR 3.7 billion (FIM 22 billion). The amount of employees was 23,000. Metso Corporation is quoted in the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

For more information contact Elizabeth Belliveau at Valmet Inc., Honeycomb Division, P.O. Box 502 Biddeford, Maine USA 04005. Tel#: +1 (207) 282-1521, e-mail: elizabeth.belliveau@valmet.com.