CARE ASSISTANT
SVOur laboratory: measure, adjust, repeat
Every combination of materials is tested before production, every material is checked on arrival, and batches are followed during manufacturing. Three main tests, one method, comparable figures.
Three tests
Maximum absorption capacity, Rothwell method to ISO 11948-1, says how much a product holds. Rate of absorbency, ROA, measures the time to absorb a given volume, up to the third void. Rewet measures the liquid that comes back toward the skin under a standard pressure after absorption. We publish these values with their test liquid: pure water and 0.9 % saline do not give the same results.
Optimise, not maximise
A core can absorb more by getting slower, or faster by holding less. Our job is to find the setting that gives the best whole for the intended use: cellulose proportion, superabsorbent blend, ADL type, film basis weight. Each change is measured, compared, then validated on a pre-series.
Incoming control: from SAP to the carton
Before entering production, every raw material is tested separately on arrival to check that it meets our standard: superabsorbent, cellulose, nonwovens, ADL, film, adhesives, elastics, tabs, indicator ink, down to the quality of the bags and shipping cartons. A material outside the standard is refused before it touches a machine.
In-production control: specification and DUPRO
During manufacturing we follow the general technical specification of the product: layer basis weights, mat formation, elastic tension, tab hold, dimensions. On top of that, a DUPRO check, that is during production, regularly measures three parameters on sampled products: rate of absorbency ROA, rewet and maximum absorption capacity. An out-of-tolerance batch does not ship. The absorption values on the sheets are indicative; they may vary up or down from one batch to another, within a range we monitor.
An in-house laboratory, every material checked on arrival, three reference tests published with their test liquid, settings validated on pre-series, regular DUPRO control of speed, rewet and capacity in production.
- Every material is tested on arrival, from SAP to the carton.
- In production: general specification plus regular DUPRO control of ROA, rewet and maximum capacity.
- An absorption value is indicative, and monitored.
These pages describe materials and test methods in general terms. The exact characteristics of each product are on its technical sheet; they evolve with our laboratory work.