Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond commonly referred to as SMS Fabric, is a three-layer laminated nonwoven fabric that can be found in numerous personal protective equipment products.
It is composed of a top layer of spun-bond polypropylene, a middle layer of melt-blown polypropylene, and finally a bottom layer of spun-bond polypropylene.
How is it made?
SMS fabric involves two parts, spun-bond polypropylene, and melt-blown polypropylene. The processes of one another are distinctively different.
Let’s look at it in the simplest form possible.
Spunbond
Broadly speaking, there are various steps: extrusion, cooling, filtering, spinning, drawing, web formation, and bonding. The main bonding processes are chemical, thermal, hydro entanglement, or mechanical for nonwoven fabrics.
When the polypropylene is bonded the fibers are calendered through heated rollers that bond the fibers together. The spun-bond polypropylene can also be pinsonically welded using ultrasonic energy to form quilted products.
Melt blown
The process starts with thermoplastic chips that are melted and then extruded in special machines. The extrusion is then filtered constantly and metered to produce the filament. High-velocity air stretches the filaments to a fine diameter and ensures the thickening process occurs.
When we combine both methods of processing polypropylene a tri-layer fabric is obtained and is ready to be manufactured into PPE for all kinds of activities.
What benefits does it have?
SMS fabrics have many benefits to the user:
- Splash-proof– keeps the user clean and dry from any liquids or fluids.
- Lightweight– the fabric is light and easy to transport.
- Breathable– the user can breathe through the material without feeling suffocated.
- Protective– the fabric protects the user from dust, fluids, and dirt at all times.
What is it used for?
SMS nonwoven fabrics are used for all kinds of products in sanitary and medical areas.
In DTE we use this magnificent fabric to create tri-layered face masks, coveralls, shoe covers, boot covers, procedure gowns, and bouffant caps.
Our products can be used in various activities such as gardening, hostelry, light-duty cleaning, DIY, salons, nail technicians, and more.
