Needlepunch Technology

From INDA's Nonwoven Glossary:


Needlepunched or Needlepunching
Mechanically binding a web to form a fabric by penetrating the web with an array of barbed needles that carry tufts of the web’s own fibers in a vertical direction through the web.

Needle
In the context of the nonwoven industry, the term refers to the barbed needle used by the needlepunched technology. The needles hook the fibers and perform the interlocking function. There are many variations in needle design, barb placement, barb angle, and barb shape depending upon the fiber and desired product outcome.

Needle beam
The component of the needlepunched technology that supports the needle board. The needle beam oscillates generally in an up and down movement penetrating the needle board into the web.

Needle board
In the needlepunched technology, the needle board is the part of the needle loom to which the barbed needles are anchored. The needle board is fastened to the needle beam.