Nonwoven Cut Parts for Automotive and Industrial Applications


As a leading converter, CRG produces end-use parts from a wide array of materials. An interesting material category we often work with is nonwoven materials. Using nonwovens, CRG manufactures cut parts that service industrial and automotive applications. This blog looks at the nonwovens we work with, the applications we serve, and the methods we employ to produce nonwoven cut parts.

What are nonwoven materials?

Nonwovens are engineered fabric or fabric-like materials that are made from short (staple) and long fibers. Nonwoven materials are made by placing fibers together and then using heat, chemicals, or pressure to bond them into a cohesive material. The bonding process distinguishes nonwovens from materials whose fibers are either woven or knitted together.

Nonwovens include a wide range of fabrics and other materials such as felts and flocks. Nonwoven fabrics offer specific properties and characteristics such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, and filtering, as well as antimicrobial and sterile performance. With a wide range of materials and properties available, a nonwoven can usually be found from which parts can be produced to service the needs of a specific application.

In some cases, different nonwovens can be combined through lamination or bonding to create the desired end-use properties. Parts made from nonwovens can also be supplied with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing.

CRG maintains a wide portfolio of quality nonwovens. These materials are available in a variety of styles and thicknesses which can service the needs of almost any application. Our sales team can provide guidance on selecting the appropriate material for a given application.

What types of applications can parts made from nonwovens service?

Parts made from nonwoven materials can service a wide range of automotive and industrial end-uses. These include the following:

Automotive applications

  • Thermal and NVH parts

  • Dashboards

  • Headliners

  • Insulators

  • Anti-squeak pads

  • Door liners/side panel coverings

  • Covers and hoods

  • Pillar linings

  • Trunk and hood area

  • Main floor carpet base

  • Retainers

Industrial applications

  • Gaskets and seals

  • Thermal and noise insulation

  • Reinforced parts for machinery and equipment

  • Heat-resistant parts

  • Filtration media and products

  • Cable insulation

How are nonwoven parts produced by CRG?

At CRG we employ a variety of production techniques to produce cut parts from nonwoven materials. For small to moderate production quantities, CNC and traditional die cutting techniques are often used. While traditional die cutting can work well with some materials, there can be a small additional cost for tooling. CNC cutting with either waterjet or flex/flash equipment eliminates the need for tooling and is capable of producing parts with high precision and tolerancing.

Rotary die cutting is a high-speed manufacturing process which is a preferred method of production for high-volume orders.  The rotary process ensures tight tolerances and has the advantage of integrating multiple operations within a single pass. Complex cutting operations, such as kiss cutting, can be easily performed using a rotary die cutting process. With rotary die cutting nonwovens, including flocks, felts and adhesive-backed materials, can be easily converted into finished parts.

CRG also has the lamination capabilities needed for applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to nonwoven parts. For specialized applications that require a mixture of two or more materials, we employ lamination techniques to create a composite material from which parts can be produced. Combining lamination with slitting allows CRG to produce nonwoven tapes and parts for many different applications.

CRG supplies nonwoven cut parts in either loose form or kiss cut to permit easy release from a liner. Many nonwoven products we supply are slit to width as required by the customer. For automotive or engineering applications that require total program or project support, CRG offers a full range of services, including: part design; testing and prototyping; kanban-driven supply; inventory management; Production Part Approval Process (PPAP); CAD drawing support; EDI; bar coding; and global logistics management. All production is carried out under controlled conditions in our facility certified to ISO 9001:2015.

To find out more about the nonwoven cut parts which CRG can supply, or for guidance on how we can service your application, please contact our sales team directly at crg@canadarubbergroup.com for more information.