Flock Fusion

Just recently these funny animals have begun to reappear in the backs of cars - nodding dachshunds covered in soft artificial fur. For the most part, however, electrostatic flocking technology is used to make furry surfaces in the building industries, the automobile and cosmetic industries. What is surprising about hard-wearing flock is its many properties: It is suitable as a heat isolator in machines and for sound insulation in a recording studio. And flocked window tracks in cars have optimum sealing and sliding properties. Almost any surface can be flocked, be it the head of a screw, a paintbrush roller or a turntable. The process of flocking involves applying adhesive to the carrier material, which has a positive charge. When the negatively charged flock fibers are distributed over the surface they assume a position at right angles to the surface, thanks to their negative charge, thereby creating a thick pile. Once the adhesive has dried, any superfluous fibers are removed. As it is possible to apply the adhesive in a screen process it is also possible to produce filigree patterns and lettering. The composition of the adhesive, as well as the length and thickness of the fibers can be adjusted to suit the particular product being treated.

Surprising Success
However, is the potential that flocking offers with regard to the design of fittings, ribbons and powder puffs being fully exhausted? Not according to Sybille Fleckenstein, Jens Pohlmann and Thilo Schwer from speziell produktgestaltung, who have devised new and unusual applications for flocking. "To begin with we were looking for a warming covering for a metal bench," explains Jens Pohlmann. "But then we suddenly thought, why not give other products a fluffy surface?" The first model from speziell produktgestaltung was a cup, onto which colored paper was glued in those places that were later to be flocked. The Offenbach-based design team presented the sample to Kahla, the Thuringian porcelain manufacturer. Together Kahla and speziell produktgestaltung developed the tableware set touch!, which, with its velvety covering on cups and saucers is not only pleasant to touch but also keeps the crockery warm, and noise to a minimum. In order to satisfy particular requirements, such as not rubbing off and being safe for food, top-grade adhesives and fibers had to be used. In a lengthy process research institutes assisted in developing the now patented technology for dishwasher-safe flocking. The surprising success of touch! has even meant that Kahla has had to increase its production levels.

New Scope for proven Technology
And thus speziell produktgestaltung came to the attention of the European Flock Industry Association (www.flock.de) and were asked to come up with a campaign that highlighted the potential of the technology in the public eye. In response Fleckenstein, Pohlmann and Schwer produced a chest of drawers, whose units run along flock-coated stainless steel rails, noiselessly and without any additional mechanism. A velvety handle creates every time you open and close the door a tactile sensation, and rings coated with flock on the inside put to the test the fibers' suitability for wearing next to the skin. While the flock-covered rails of a rocking horse prevent scratching and noise, a fleecy saddle provides comfortable, non-slip seating. The speziell designers are of course not the first creative forces to work with flock. Even back in 1995 the fleecy surfaces of the bible illustrated by Friedensreich Hundertwasser were a huge success. Likewise publishers of books and games employ the tactile appeal of flocking to encourage children to play with and learn from velvety puzzles and books. In textile design, fashionable clothing and comfortable furniture are increasingly exploiting the potential of flock printing. And colorful flocked posters have been decorating the walls of youngsters' bedrooms since back in the 1970s. By means of simple yet emotionally charged products, however, Speziell is creating new dimensions, since alongside the sensual pleasure flock always has a range of other uses. And as Jens Pohlmann reports, there has been no lack of positive response. However, the task of finding the right manufacturer is proving to be more difficult. "We need more manufacturers like Kahla, companies with the courage to make extraordinary products," he quotes.

Authoress: Wiebke Lang

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