Owens Corning, a global residential and commercial building products leader, has begun production on its high performance glass nonwoven production line in Fort Smith, TX. The machine includes the most extensive layout machinery supplier Voith has ever created for a glass nonwoven production line. The scope of delivery includes the forming, binding and drying sections.

The technological highlights include the world’s largest inclined wire former HydroFormer, the FiberDry glass mat dryer and a comprehensive Papermaking 4.0 and automation package to increase efficiency, product quality and machine availability. Voith also supplied two IntensaPulper machines based on the Process Line Package (PLP) concept, which has set industry standards in the field of pulping with its energy-efficient technology. The HydroFormer covers a width of 5.5 meters and enables exceptionally uniform forming of fibers up to 40 mm in length with extremely low stock consistency. Sustainability and efficiency were important factors for Owens Corning when deciding on the individual components.

The potential design speed of the line is 510 m/min, which will enable the production of 90,000 tons of glass nonwovens per year. Already two months before the target date, the line is achieving a speed of around 300 m/min.
 

“The start-up of the glass non-woven production line in Fort Smith is a huge milestone for us. Our customers expect high-quality, consistent products that are delivered on time. This new facility is best-in-class and employs highly sustainable practices that are the result of strong partnerships,” says Rachel Marcon, Vice President of non-wovens business at Owens Corning. “The fact that we can now produce at a speed of 300 m/min has been a positive outcome and shows the success of the trusting partnership between both teams.”

“We are proud that this project can demonstrate our expertise as the leading global full-line supplier. Not only did we deliver customized solutions according to Owens Corning’s specific requirements, but we also provided the customer with intensive support until the machine was successfully taken over and beyond – a truly unique selling point for Voith,” says Guenter Meuser, Senior Project Manager at Voith Paper.