The Production Process of Wet Wipes In This Industry

Dec 25, 2023 | News, wet wipes machine

Wet wipes have become an integral part of our daily lives, serving a multitude of purposes such as cleaning hands and faces, sanitizing surfaces, and handling spills. But have you ever wondered how these convenient and disposable wipes are made? The manufacturing process of wet wipes entails several steps that transform raw materials into the final product we use.

Selection and Unwinding of Raw Materials

The first stage of wet wipes manufacturing involves carefully selecting the appropriate raw materials. Two essential components are required: the substrate and the liquid solution. The substrate typically consists of a nonwoven textile made from fibers like pulp, polyester, polypropylene, or rayon. High-quality substrates ensure that the wipes are both durable and soft. The substrate is then saturated with a liquid solution, which can include water, antiseptic liquids, or moisturizing lotions. The raw material fibers and substrates are unwound from large rolls and prepared for further processing.

Converting and Slitting

Next, the nonwoven fabric substrates undergo conversion and slitting to achieve the desired dimensions of the wipes. Slitting machines are employed to cut the fabric into the desired width. During the converting process, the fabric may also undergo calendaring or embossing using rollers to provide it with texture. Embossing helps control the liquid absorption properties of the wipes and enhances their strength. Finally, the fabric is slit or cut into the appropriate wipe size, typically ranging from 6 to 9 inches.

Liquid Addition

Once the fabric substrates have been cut to size, the liquid solution is added. Different types of wipes, such as those for cleaning, baby care, or cosmetics, require specific liquid formulations. Various techniques are employed to add the liquid to the substrate:

• Spraying: The liquid is sprayed over the substrate using nozzles, which evenly distribute it.
• Gravity Feeding: The liquid is poured onto one end of the moving substrate, allowing it to be absorbed as it progresses along the line.
• Roller Coating: Rollers coated in liquid transfer it onto the substrate.
• Impregnation: The substrates are immersed and saturated in a liquid bath to ensure complete absorption.

Folding and Packaging

After the liquid has been added, the wet wipes undergo folding to fit into the packaging. Different fold patterns, such as C-fold, Z-fold, and Accordion fold, are utilized depending on the desired presentation. The folded wipes are then introduced to high-speed packaging lines, where they are placed into tubs, canisters, or stand-up pouches. Automatic machinery precisely counts and loads the packaging with the appropriate number of wipes, which are then sealed. Finally, labels with product details are applied.

Quality Control and Testing

Quality control plays a vital role throughout the entire production process of wet wipes. Various tests are conducted on the raw materials and finished products to ensure they meet performance and safety standards. These tests assess factors such as liquid absorbency, wipe strength and durability, bacterial counts, and residual chemical levels. Only wipes that pass all the rigorous tests are deemed suitable for the market.

Conclusion of the Wet Wipes Manufacturing Process

In summary, the manufacturing process of wet wipes encompasses the selection of raw materials, the conversion of nonwoven fabric substrates, the addition of liquid formulations, folding, packaging, and rigorous quality control and testing. Advanced automation, strict quality control measures, and the utilization of specialized coating, folding, and packaging machinery enable companies to efficiently mass-produce wet wipes on a large scale. Wet wipe manufacturers continuously innovate substrates, liquid formulations, and packaging to enhance wipe performance and cater to the evolving needs of consumers.

The manufacturing process of wet wipes

Dec 4, 2023 | News, wet wipes machine

Wet wipes are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from cleaning hands and faces to disinfecting surfaces and handling spills, everything is included. But how are these convenient disposable wet wipes made? The manufacturing process of wet wipes involves multiple steps of converting raw materials into finished products.

Raw material selection and unwinding

The first step in the wet wipes manufacturing process is to select suitable raw materials. Wet wipes have two key components – matrix and liquid solution. The substrate is usually a non-woven fabric made of fibers such as pulp, polyester, polypropylene, or artificial silk. The high-quality base ensures that wet wipes are durable and soft. Next, add water, anti-corrosion liquid, moisturizing lotion and other liquid solutions to saturate the matrix. The raw material fibers and substrates are unfolded from the large roll, ready for conversion.

Conversion and slitting

Then use a slitting machine to convert the non-woven fabric substrate and cut it into the desired wiping size. During the conversion process, a roller can be used to roll or emboss the fabric to give it a sense of texture. Embossing helps to control liquid absorption characteristics and improve strength. Then cut or cut the fabric into the desired wiping size, usually between 6 and 9 inches.

Liquid addition

After cutting the fabric substrate into a certain size, add a liquid solution. Liquids such as water, cleaning solution, baby wipes, and cosmetic wipes require different formulas. According to the type and application of the wiping material, use various techniques to add liquids:
Spray coating – The most common method is to use a nozzle to spray liquid onto the substrate.
Gravity conveying – liquid is poured onto one end of a moving substrate, which absorbs the liquid as it moves.
Roller coating – transfer the liquid coated roller onto the substrate.
Immersion – The substrate is immersed in a liquid bath and saturated.

Folding and packaging

After adding liquid, the wet wipes are folded to fit the packaging. Use different folding modes, such as C-fold, Z-fold, and accordion fold. Then, the folded wet wipes enter the high-speed packaging line and are placed in barrels, cans, or standing bags. The automatic machine loads accurately counted wet wipes on the packaging and seals them. Finally, apply labels with detailed product information.

Quality control and testing

Quality control is crucial at every stage of wet wipes production. Various tests were conducted on raw materials and finished products to ensure that performance and safety standards were met. Test and measure liquid absorption, wiping strength and durability, bacterial count, and residual chemical substance levels. Only wet wipes that have passed all tests can enter the market.

Summary of Wet Wipe Production Process

In summary, the manufacturing process of wet wipes includes selecting raw materials, converting non-woven fabric substrates, adding liquid formulas, folding, packaging, and testing to deliver finished products that consumers use every day. Advanced automation, strict quality control, and the use of professional coating, folding, and packaging machinery enable the company to efficiently produce wet wipes on a large scale. Wet wipes manufacturers constantly innovate substrates, liquid formulas, and packaging to improve the performance of wet wipes and meet the ever-changing consumer needs.