Stiffening
Stiffening is a key step in defining the structure, rigidity, and shaping behavior of the felt body.
Through the controlled application of specific stiffening agents (“goma”), FEPSA adjusts the material to meet different performance requirements, from soft and flexible to highly structured and rigid forms.
Application Areas
Stiffening can be applied to different parts of the felt body:
- Overall – provides uniform stiffness across the entire felt body
- Crown – defines structure and shape retention
- Brim – controls flexibility, firmness, and final silhouette
Application methods include machine spray, immersion, or manual techniques, depending on the product and desired result.
Stiffness Levels
The degree of stiffening is carefully controlled to achieve the desired performance.
- Low stiffness – softer hand feel, more flexibility
- Medium stiffness – balanced structure and comfort
- High stiffness – strong shape retention and rigidity
The level is adjusted according to factors such as material type (fur or wool), weight, and finishing.
Technical Considerations
Stiffening is influenced by multiple parameters:
- Fiber composition (fur vs wool)
- Color and dyeing process
- Surface finishing (e.g. velour, suede)
- Final application and design requirements
Certain combinations require specific formulations or restrictions to ensure optimal results and avoid visual or structural defects.
Process Control
FEPSA applies strict internal guidelines to ensure consistency and performance:
- Defined concentration ranges depending on material and finish
- Specific application methods (immersion, spray, manual)
- Controlled drying and shaping sequences
- Adjustments based on customer specifications
These controls ensure repeatability and reliability across all production batches.
