P. I. Can Humet de Dalt · Antoni Tàpies, 7-9 · Nave F · 08213 Polinyà · BarcelonaView on Google Maps
Contact
Manufactures Cusell
Manufacturers of custom gaskets and washers since 1961
Able to store oil by capillary action, trap suspended particles and reduce wear from continuous mechanical friction, industrial felts and technical fabrics are an indispensable solution for protecting mechanisms. These porous materials offer a unique combination of fabric flexibility and the consistency needed to act as active lubrication reservoirs or thermal barriers in demanding environments.
At Manufactures Cusell we process a wide variety of natural felts and needle-punched synthetic fabrics using die-cutting, pure waterjet cutting and digital plotter technologies. We supply lubricating washers, dust seals, polishing discs, friction strips and custom formats, adapting the composition and blend to the dimensions set out in your drawing.
Properties and technical characteristics
The mechanical response of felts depends on the density of the interlocking fibres and the origin of their filaments. Whether produced by traditional fulling of pure wool or by mechanical needle-punching of synthetic fibres, the internal capillary porosity of these materials allows them to store lubricating fluids and deliver them steadily to passing shafts, while also acting as a porous barrier that traps dust without restricting airflow in the plant.
This structure also allows the material to adapt to small irregularities at the contact surface, maintaining its function even under moderate compression.
At Manufactures Cusell we work with calibrated thicknesses and compaction grades (measured in g/cm³) designed to withstand continuous frictional forces without fraying or losing consistency. The material retains its original structure under severe mechanical rotation and repeated compression cycles, preventing the fibres from breaking apart or leaving residues that could clog the bearings in your equipment, and maintaining its performance over long periods of service.
On request, we supply grades modified at source for projects requiring high stability against direct heat sources, specific flame-retardant treatments or calendered surfaces designed to reduce the outer roughness of the component, which also promotes more uniform contact with the mating surfaces.
How is the right material selected?
The in-service performance of the part depends on correctly specifying the wool percentage and the compaction density of the felt. An error in the proportion of pure fibre (70% versus 90% blends) or a density unsuited to the shaft rotation speed will cause the material to mat prematurely under friction, cancelling its capillary porosity and stopping the steady metering of lubricant.
When specifying the conditions of your order, these two variables are the technical starting point, together with compatibility with industrial fluids and the required level of particle retention. The nature of the mounting surface in your workshop also matters, as the rough texture of felt may call for specific high-tack technical adhesives as a positioning aid during assembly.
The characteristics of textiles call for precise allocation of technology on our lines, according to the hardness provided by the selected density and blend. Because of the inherent flexibility of fabric, complex geometries or considerable thicknesses require cutting processes that do not stretch or drag the fibres, preventing frayed edges or dimensional deviations from the dimensions on your drawing.
We manufacture to drawing or technical specification.
We adapt materials and processes to the real requirements of your application.
Common types and variants
Natural wool felt (70% to 90% purity)
A classic material formed by pressure, moisture and heat, without chemical binders. We supply different grades defined by their percentage of pure wool (typically from 70% for general mechanical applications up to 90% for high-absorption requirements). It stands out for its exceptional elastic resilience, very high oil retention and natural heat resistance, making it the standard for shaft lubricating washers, grease seals and industrial scrapers.
Needle-punched synthetic felt (polyester / polypropylene)
A technical material made by mechanically interlocking synthetic fibres. It offers excellent tensile strength, high stability against ambient humidity and superior chemical inertness to moderate acids and solvents, making it a functional and very cost-effective solution for air filters, dust seals and mechanical protection strips.
Aramid felts and fabrics (Nomex® / Kevlar®)
High-performance textile structures designed to withstand severe continuous temperatures and extreme abrasion. They withstand direct exposure to heat sources and cut wear without losing their physical consistency, making them the materials of choice for conveyor belts in foundries, dry thermal seals and spark protection screens.
Technical textiles and coated fibres
Formats made from carrier fabrics (such as glass fibre or polyester) surface-laminated with silicone, PTFE or polyurethane films, or with aluminised finishes. Depending on the type of coating, they provide a waterproof, heat-reflective barrier and are commonly used in rigid thermal insulation screens and textile gaskets for process furnaces.
Other industrial fibrous materials
We have access to a wide range of blended and needle-punched felts in different thicknesses and industrial hardnesses to suit your specifications, adapting our cutting tools and workshop speeds to the density of the batch requested.
This family includes materials from recognised manufacturers in the sector, commonly used in felts and technical textiles for different service ranges.
Felt and technical textile solutions by sector
Cutting methods for fibre materials and fabrics
These raw materials are processed using clean technologies chosen according to the consistency of the fibre. While impact die-cutting is the fastest option for large volumes of washers or small discs, digital knife plotters and cold waterjet cutting are ideal for complex shapes or considerable thicknesses, as they do not alter the original properties of the filaments.
Machinery, gearbox and transmission system manufacturers
We supply elastic elements designed to keep bearings constantly lubricated and to prevent solid contamination from entering moving mechanisms.
- Use of materials with high capillary absorption and resilience (pure wool felt).
- Typical applications: oil-retaining washers, continuous lubrication wicks, mechanical guide scrapers and shaft wiper discs.
Filtration, extraction and industrial air treatment
We meet the needs of process plants requiring dust collectors, ventilation sleeves and flat filters capable of trapping suspended solid particles.
- Use of needle-punched fibres with controlled permeability (polyester and polypropylene felts).
- Typical applications: die-cut gaskets for air filters, dust filtration discs, sealing strips for extractors and mechanical ventilation sleeves.
Heavy industry, foundries and thermal machinery
We produce flexible insulation components and mechanical barriers designed to operate close to high heat sources.
- Selection of aramid textiles and coated fibres with high thermal inertness.
- Typical applications: protective textile seals for furnaces, thermoset friction bands, insulating strips for conveyors and deflector screens against incandescent spatter.
Automotive, transport and capital goods
We provide technical fibrous solutions designed to eliminate friction noise between plastic or metal parts, act as soft mechanical stops and insulate engine compartments.
- Use of synthetic felts and calibrated-density wool for acoustic damping.
- Typical applications: self-adhesive anti-squeak strips, light impact cushioning pads, soundproofing felts and flexible spacer washers.
Looking to have components made in felt or technical textiles?
Send us your design drawing, specifying the type of fibre required (natural or synthetic) and the order volume; our team will assess the feasibility of die-cutting or digital cutting processes to offer you the best production solution.
Technical feasibility analysis from your drawing
Tailored configuration (individual parts, strips or self-adhesive formats for assembly)
Industrial quotes optimised to your delivery requirements
Manufacturing and supply lines
The Manufactures Cusell machine park is set up to adjust pressure and speed parameters to the inherent flexibility of each fibre compound. To prevent elastic variations from affecting final dimensions, thin or low-compaction felts are processed strictly with fast-impact tooling or automated oscillating knives. Conversely, large thicknesses or extra-hard grades (such as high-density wool felts) are routed to cold hydrodynamic cutting systems, ensuring good perpendicularity of the part walls and absolute repeatability from batch to batch.
Processes
Die-cutting
Fast impact for long runs of washers and discs.
Pure waterjet cutting
Ultra-fine jet without abrasive; complex shapes cut cold.
Knife plotter
Oscillating knife for clean, fray-free contours.
Supply formats
SheetsMatsRollsStripsSelf-adhesive
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is natural wool felt used for shaft lubrication rather than synthetic felts?
How does the wool percentage (70% or 90%) affect the technical performance of the die-cut part?
Is abrasive waterjet cutting recommended for industrial textile felts?
What are the technical limitations of applying self-adhesive backings to natural or needle-punched synthetic felts?
Why do some synthetic felts tend to fray at the edges after cutting on the plotter or die-cutting press?
How does a technical wool felt respond to continuous contact with water, ambient humidity or chemicals?
Manufacturing tailored to each case
Drawing
Sample
Technical specification
✓ Manufacturing from a sample is assessed according to the characteristics of each project.
