Flame lamination is a process in which a soft foam is passed over an open flame to create a
thin layer of molten polymer, which then is used as an adhesive to bond foam, film or fabric to the
substrate. Fabric or film can be adhered to one or both sides of the foam in a single pass. The
strength of the bond depends upon the film, fabric and foam selected; and the processing
conditions. Some of the variables in the process include gas type, flame height and spread, foam
burn-off, and nip pressure. The most commonly used foams are open-cell polyester and polyether
urethanes, and cross-linked polyethylene.
A major supplier of urethane foam for flame lamination is High Point, N.C.-based Vita Inc., a division of British Vita plc, England. Vita combines Vitafoam Inc. with the Olympic Products Division - producer of fiber webs and polyurethane foam - acquired from Cone Mills in 1996. Vita's foam and highloft nonwoven products are used in automotive products such as headliners, door panels, seats, sunvisors, headrests, carpets and trunkliners.
A major supplier of urethane foam for flame lamination is High Point, N.C.-based Vita Inc., a division of British Vita plc, England. Vita combines Vitafoam Inc. with the Olympic Products Division - producer of fiber webs and polyurethane foam - acquired from Cone Mills in 1996. Vita's foam and highloft nonwoven products are used in automotive products such as headliners, door panels, seats, sunvisors, headrests, carpets and trunkliners.
