Nonwovens are growing in significance within the design sector. They are finding increasing application as wall coverings, upholstery and furnishing fabrics. The potential to laser cut and mark nonwovens for design purposes adds to their appeal within the sector. This paper reports on techniques used to engineer nonwovens specifically for laser marking to achieve novel surface effects. Lasers are used to remove layers of web in selected areas to achieve colour contrast, texture and relief effects. The resulting fabrics are of interest to the interior, fashion and automotive textile industries. This paper focuses on interior applications.

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