Glossary of Flocking Terms

Abrasion Resistance - The ability of the fiber to withstand wearing due to friction. Flocked floor mats, for example, must be able to resist constant wear and tear.

AC/AC Finish - Refers to a type of electrostatic flock application that uses an alternating current power supply to create an electrostatic field. An AC Finish is a type of finish applied to the fiber that is optimized for such an application.

Adhesive - The material used to attach the flock fiber to the substrate (see FAQ page)

DC/DC Finish - Similar to the AC, which is described above, but uses a direct current power supply to generate an electrostatic field. A DC Finish is a type of finish applied to the fiber that is optimized for such an application.

Denier - Refers to the diameter of the fiber, which is also known as “decitex” in Europe. Denier is defined as the weight in grams of a single filament 9000 meters long.

Electrostatic - A system by which electrical energy is used to generate a field between a positive point and a negative point (also called the ground) by which flock can be charged and oriented by the field, and propelled from the positive point to the negative point.

Finish - The chemistry applied to the surface of the fiber to enhance flow characteristics, softness, electrostatic properties, moisture retention properties and other behaviors.

Luster - The reflectance and scattering of light on the surface of the fiber. For example, nylon with a dull luster is very flat and dull looking, with a maximum of light scattering behavior. Nylon with a bright luster is shiny and sparkly, with a minimum of light scattering behavior.

Light Fastness - The ability of the fiber to resist the deterioration of color and fiber properties due to the action of ultraviolet light.

Mechanical - A type of flocking system that uses mechanical (air, vibration, or gravity) means of applying flock to the substrate. This also refers to the type of finish applied to the fiber used in this application – Mechanical Finish.

Substrate - The surface on which the flock and adhesive are applied.

Washfast - The ability of the fiber to withstand repeated machine laundering, hand washing, or exposure to water without the color bleeding or deteriorating.