THERMAL FIXATION OF A TUFTING YARN

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tufted textile, in particular configured as a floor covering, such as a carpeted floor or artificial gras. The method comprises the following steps:
- Providing (40) a primary backing (12) with a tufting yarn (14) arranged partially extending through the primary backing (12);
- Thermal fixation (42) of the tufting yarn (14) to the primary backing (12) with electromagnetic radiation, in particular a laser beam (22).
The invention further relates to a tufted textile and a tufted textile manufacturing plant.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tufted textile with a backing and a tufting yarn. Further, the present invention relates to a tufted textile and a manufacturing plant for manufacturing tufted textiles.

Prior art

[0002] Tufted textiles comprise a primary backing and one or several tufting yarns arranged partially extending through the primary backing. On a pile side of the tufted textile, the tufting yarn either forms loops or is cut to have loose ends. The tufted textile those has a very plush and/or shaggy pile side that is comfortable to the touch, provides dampening and insulation. For example, tufted textiles are used as floor coverings.

[0003] For longevity and further use of the tufted textile, the tufting yarn is fixed to the primary backing. A common method of fixation is a coating on a backstitch side opposite the pile side of the tufted textile. For example, a latex coating may be applied to a backside of the primary backing to fix the tufting yarn in place. However, such a coating usually results in a material mix that makes it difficult to recycle the tufted textile. In addition, a lot of energy is required for manufacturing such a coating.

[0004] As an alternative, the tufting yarn may be thermally fixed to the primary backing, in particular when using thermoplastic tufting yarns. For that purpose, the primary backing with the tufting yarn arranged through the primary backing is pulled through hot rollers or a flat hot plate is pressed on the backstitch side of the material. This causes the tufting yarn to partially melt, thus fixing it to the primary backing. However, such a thermal fixation method is not suitable for every material combination. For example, the heating may also cause the primary backing to deteriorate and/or melt, in particular for some material combinations even before the tufting yarn starts to melt. In such cases, the thermal fixation may damage the primary backing or result in a reduced longevity and toughness of the tufted textile. In addition, the fixation may not be secure enough since the tufting yarn is heated from the outside and from an outermost side on the backstitch side.

Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect relates to a method of manufacturing a tufted textile. The tufted textile may be configured as a floor covering, such as a carpeted floor or artificial grass. The tufted textile may be provided in the form of tiles or as a broadloom. The tufted textile may be configured for attachment to a floor. The tufted textile may also be configured as a carpet that is loosely placed on other floor material, such as a wooden floor. A tufted textile may comprise a substrate with yarn attached thereto. A tufted textile may have a backstitch side. On the backstitch side, the yarn may form attachment loops. These loops may be directly arranged on the substrate. The backstitch side is usually the side facing towards the ground if the tufted textile forms a floor covering. A tufted textile may have a pile side. The pile side may be opposite the backstitch side. The pile side may be formed by cut ends and/or loops of the yarn, in particular loops not directly arranged on the substrate. The pile side is usually the side facing away from the ground if the tufted textile forms a floor covering. The pile side may form a plush and soft side of the tufted textile that is intended for contact. The yarn may extend partially through the substrate. Partially may here mean that the yarn is arranged with one or several sections arranged within the tufted textile. The yarn may thus still fully extend through the primary backing from one side to the other, for example so that a section of the yarn is arranged on one side of the primary backing and another section on another side of the primary backing. The tufted textile may comprise or even consist out of plastic materials.

[0006] The method comprises a step of providing a primary backing with a tufting yarn partially arranged extending through the primary backing. The tufting yarn may be a yarn that forms the pile side and/or backstitches. The tufting yarn may extend through the primary backing multiple times, such as at least two times to form a backstitch. The tufting yarn may only be loosely held by the primary backing and/or may not be additionally fixed at this step. The tufting yarn may project from the primary backing, in particular at least on the pile side. The tufting yarn may be made from a plastic material, such as polyamide, polyester or polypropylene. The tufting yarn may comprise one or several fibers. The tufting yarn may be essentially limp at this step, in particular along its entire length. The primary backing may, for example, form one layer of a substrate of the tufted textile or even the complete substrate. The primary backing may be the only backing or there may be additional backings present. The primary backing may be a textile. The primary backing may be limp or essentially rigid. For example, the primary backing may be configured as a woven fabric, for example with large open spaces. The tufted textile and/or the primary backing may have the form of a flat sheet. For example, the primary backing may have a net-like structure and/or may have a continuous textile layer. The step of providing the primary backing with the tufting yarn arranged through the primary backing may comprise a step of tufting the tufting yarn into the primary backing, for example with a tufting gun or other tufting device. There may be multiple tufting yarns arranged extending through the primary backing. Each tufting yarn may form one or several backstitches and/or one or several loops and/or projecting loose ends on the pile side. Both the tufting yarn and/or the primary backing may be made from a plasticizeable and/or meltable material. The primary backing material may also be subject to decomposition and/or getting set on fire if heated up to high. The primary backing may, for example, have a lower melting temperature than the tufting yarn.

[0007] The method comprises a step of thermal fixation of the tufting yarn to the primary backing with electromagnetic radiation, for example in the form of a beam. Electromagnetic radiation may comprise one or several electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic radiation may impart energy into the tufting yarn, for example thus heating up the tufting yarn to cause fixation. For example, the electromagnetic radiation may weld the tufting yarn to the primary backing. The electromagnetic radiation may be emitted, in particular as a targeted beam, for example from an electromagnetic radiation emitter. The electromagnetic radiation may be configured to be at least partially absorbed by the tufting yarn. The electromagnetic radiation may be configured not to be absorbed or to be absorbed by the primary backing. For example, the electromagnetic radiation may be a laser beam. A laser beam may be a beam of coherent light. The emitter may be configured as a laser. The electromagnetic radiation may allow targeted heating of the tufting yarn while completely or at least to a high degree avoiding imparting energy directly into the primary backing. This allows material combinations in which the melting temperature of the primary backing is lower than the tufting yarn and still only melt the tufting yarn for fixation. The electromagnetic radiation may be directed towards the tufting yarn and/or primary backing from the backstitch side, which may form a backside of the tufted textile. Multiple electromagnetic radiation beams may be used for the thermal fixation, for example each directed to the backside of the primary backing opposite the pile side. For example, one electromagnetic beam may be directed on each backstitch in one row or an area during thermal fixation. Alternatively, there may be only one electromagnetic beam used during thermal fixation. For example, the single electromagnetic beam may consecutively be directed to each backstitch. For directing electromagnetic radiation, a mirror, such as a moveable micro mirror, or a mirror array, such as commonly found in video projectors, may be used. This offers flexibility to thermal fix differently arranged tufted textiles. The electromagnetic radiation may also always be directed in a fixed direction and/or to a fixed area. The manufacturing may of identical tufted textiles be very cost-effective in this case.

[0008] The pile side may form loops or may be cut before, after or even during the thermal fixation. The method may comprise a step of cutting the final tufted textile in pieces, for example for use as a floor covering. The manufacturing method of a fixation step with glue and/or of coating the backstitch side for fixation of the tufting yarn. The resulting tufted textile may therefore also be free of a coating and/or glue. The tufted textile may thus be easy to recycle. Further, the thermal fixation may avoid weakening the primary backing. Moreover, the electromagnetic radiation may be directed precisely to sections of the tufting yarn that provide a particular good fixation, resulting in a very rugged tufted textile. In addition, in particular as compared to large area heating for thermal fixation, energy consumption may be low for thermal fixation with the electromagnetic radiation. The plasticizing and/or melting of the tufting yarn may cause a change in the polymer and/or crystalline structure of the tufting yarn, for example resulting in an increase of rigidity. For example, a section of the tufting yarn may not be limp anymore but rigid after the thermal fixation.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic radiation may plasticize and/or melt the tufting yarn for fixation to the primary backing during thermal fixation. Plasticizing may allow permanent deformation of the tufting yarn for fixation. Melting may allow different and/or additional fixation, for example due to material of the tufting yarn migrating into the primary backing, for example anchoring the tufting yarn between fibers of the primary backing. The plasticizing and/or melting of the tufting yarn may not cause the primary backing to plasticize and/or melt. The primary backing itself may retain its original shape, crystal and/or polymer structure and flexibility.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the method, the thermal fixation may comprise a focusing of the electromagnetic radiation on the tufting yarn, in particular on selected sections. For example, a focus point or focus volume of the electromagnetic radiation may be directed on a certain section of a surface or interior of the tufting yarn. Focusing on the interior may even allow to retain surface characteristics of the tufting yarn while plasticizing and/or melting only an interior section for thermal fixation. The focusing may be provided by changing a mirror shape, adjusting a lens or other focusing means. The focusing may also maximize the amount of energy of the electromagnetic radiation that is imparted into the tufting yarn. The focusing may also allow to easily avoid imparting energy into the primary backing.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic radiation may be focused during thermal fixation onto a section of the tufting yarn in contact with the primary backing. Said section may thus confirm to or even partially migrate into the primary backing, resulting in a very strong fixation of the tufting yarn to the primary backing. For example, the section of the tufting yarn in contact with the primary backing may be at least part of the section extending through the primary backing, such as pile side section extending through the primary backing. For example, the section of the tufting yarn in contact with the primary backing may be a section at least partially on the backstitch side.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic radiation may be focused during thermal fixation onto a section of the tufting yarn extending between two sections of the tufting yarn extending through the primary backing. For example, said section may be the full extension between the two sections of the tufting yarn extending through the primary backing. For example, said section may be part of the backstitch extending between the sections of the tufting yarn extending through the primary backing. For example, said section may be a whole loop or just a peak section of the loop extending between the sections of the tufting yarn extending through the primary backing. Focusing the electromagnetic radiation on this section may allow to flatten the backstitch very well in a subsequent pressing step.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic radiation may be focused during thermal fixation onto a backstitch formed by the tufting yarn. Plasticizing and/or melting of the backstitch may allow the manufacturing of a very flat backside of the tufted textile and large area thermal fixation of the tufting yarn to the primary backing.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the method, the electromagnetic radiation may be focused during thermal fixation onto a radially inner section of the tufting yarn. A radially inner section may be a core of the tufting yarn. For example, only some radially inner fibers may be melted and outer fibers may remain below their melting temperature during thermal fixation. A surface accessible to the touch may thus remain soft and pliable while a core section is thermally transformed to be rigid. The tufting yarn may have different hull and core material in each fiber or may have different fibers in the radial center than in a radial exterior section. The tufting yarn, in particular some or all of its fibers, may allow the used electromagnetic radiation to at least partially pass therethrough. Focusing in a certain section may still cause heating in that section even without substantially absorption of the electromagnetic radiation, for example due to color properties of the tufting yarn and its fibers.

[0015] The electromagnetic radiation may be focused simultaneously and/or consecutively on several of the above-mentioned sections for thermal fixation. Electromagnetic radiation may be focused so as to at least not directly impart any energy into the primary backing and/or to not heat the primary backing at all.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the method, the step of thermal fixation may comprise a step of capturing a position of a backstitch of the tufting yarn, in particular with an optical detection device. For example, a camera may detect where the backstitches are located. For that purpose, a camera and image evaluation may be used. The position may be captured in a predefined plane. Alternatively or additionally, the position may relate to a distance of the tufting yarn, in particular the backstitches, from the emitter of the electromagnetic radiation. For example, the thermal fixation may occur at a location in which the primary backing with a tufting yarn arranged partially extending there through is pulled as band, for example by rollers. Depending on speed, rigidity, tension and other factors, the material may swing or vibrate and thus move towards and away from the emitter. The focal point distance may be adjusted accordingly. For measurement of the distance of the tufting yarn, in particular the backstitches, from the emitter of the electromagnetic radiation, a laser distance measurement device may be used. Alternatively or additionally, the emitted electromagnetic radiation itself may be used for distance measurement, for example by capturing a reflection and measuring a phase of a reflected wave as compared to the emitted wave, such as by interference. The focusing, wavelength(s) and amplitude(s) of the electromagnetic radiation may also be controlled to compensate for and/or adapt to other factors that may be captured, such as temperature in the plant, ambient humidity or measured temperature of the tufting yarn during thermal fixation. For example, an infrared camera may be used for capturing such parameters.

[0017] The method may comprise a step of controlling a direction and/or focal point distance of the electromagnetic radiation, in particular to set a focal point location, depending on the previously described parameters. For example, the method may comprise a step of controlling the direction of the electromagnetic radiation depending on the captured position of the backstitch of the tufting yarn. This may allow to automatically direct the electromagnetic radiation. The method may thus be self-adapting to different tufted textiles with different tufting yarn locations. For example, no manual adaptation may be necessary if changing the design of the textile.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the method, the step of providing the primary backing with the tufting yarn may comprise a forming of a backstitch with the tufting yarn in the primary backing at a predetermined position. The forming of the backstitch may comprise insertion of the tufting yarn through the primary backing at predetermined locations correspond to the predetermined position of the backstitch. For example, a tufting device may be programmed to manufacture backstitches in certain positions along the primary backing. The step of thermal fixation may comprise controlling the direction of the electromagnetic radiation depending on the predetermined position of the backstitch, for example to set a focus of the electromagnetic radiation on a certain section of the backstitch. For example, the programming of the tufting device may be used to correspondingly control the electromagnetic radiation emitter. Control of the electromagnetic radiation direction is thus easy and adapted to backstitch locations.

[0019] The electromagnetic radiation may be controlled depending on both the programming of the tufting device and depending on the captured parameters. For example, the predetermined backstitch position may be used to control an angle of the electromagnetic radiation emission and the measured distance of the backstitch may be used to control a distance of the focal point from the emitter. The capturing may also be used to verify the programming or the programmed positions may facilitate fine localization of optical capturing of the backstitch position. The step of thermal fixation may comprise controlling the direction of the electromagnetic radiation, for example depending on the predetermined locations of the tufting yarn insertion into the primary backing.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the method, the method may comprise a step of pressing the tufting yarn against the primary backing. For example, the pressing may involve pressing the backstitches against the primary backing. The backside may thus be very flat, in particular if the pressing is performed during or after thermal fixation before the tufting yarn has cooled below its plasticizing and/or melting temperature. The pressing may be done while the tufting yarn is still plasticized and/or melted. The pressing may result in a permanent deformation of the tufting yarn in certain section. For example, the pressing may be done with one roller on the backstitch side or two opposing rollers sandwiching the fabric in-between.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the method, the method may comprise a step of attaching a secondary backing to the primary backing. For example, the secondary backing may be glued, welded, sewn or thermally attached to the primary backing. The secondary backing may provide additional floor dampening while the primary backing keeps the tufting yarns in place. The secondary backing may be attached, for example, after thermal fixation of the tufting yarn. The secondary backing may be made from the same material or be made from a different material than the primary backing. For recycling, the secondary backing may be removable from the primary backing without removal of the tufting yarn. The secondary backing may be attached to the backstitch side of the primary backing. The secondary backing may cover the backstitches formed by the tufting yarn.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the method, the method may comprise a step of cutting loops of the tufting yarn. For example, the method may comprise cutting the tufting yarn on the pile side to form free strands on the pile side. The cutting step may be performed before, during and/or after the thermal fixation.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the method, the tufting yarn may comprise an electromagnetic radiation absorbing additive, in particular of certain selected wavelengths. For example, when manufacturing the tufting yarn, the additive may be added to the fibers. The additive may be a component of the material of tufting yarn material, for example as one component added in an extrusion process. The additive may also be provided as a coating, similar or instead of a regular sizing. The method may thus comprise a step of coating the additive on fibers of the tufting yarn. The electromagnetic radiation absorbing additive may increase energy absorption from the electromagnetic radiation as compared to a similar tufting yarn without the additive, such as a tufting yarn having the same components except the additive. One example for such an additive is carbon black, which may provide the additional benefit of flame retardation. The additive may be chosen according to a property of the electromagnetic radiation, such as its wavelength(s). The electromagnetic radiation absorbing additive may increase energy absorption as compared to a similar tufting yarn without the additive, for example by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 100% or even more.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the method, the tufting yarn and the primary backing may be selected to be incompatible during recycling, for example when providing the tufting yarn and the primary backing. For example, different classes of plastic material may be incompatible during recycling. Materials that require different recycling processes and/or that need to be separated for recycling may be considered as incompatible for recycling. For example, the tufting yarn may consist of a PA or PP plastic material and the primary backing of a polyester plastic material. Due to the thermal fixation and the possible lack of coating and/or gluing, the primary backing and the tufting yarn can easily be separated for recycling. Alternatively, the tufting yarn and the primary backing may be selected to be compatible during recycling, such as being the same kind of plastic material.

[0025] A second aspect relates to a tufted textile. The tufted textile may be configured as a floor covering, such as a carpeted floor or artificial grass. The tufted textile may be manufactured with the method according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples and features of the first aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of the second aspect and vice-versa.

[0026] The tufted textile comprises a primary backing and a tufting yarn arranged partially extending through the primary backing. For example, one section of the tufting yarn may be arranged on the pile side, one section of the tufting yarn may be arranged on the backstitch side and one section of the tufting yarn extends through the primary backing. The tufting yarn was thermally fixed to the primary backing with electromagnetic radiation. Such a thermal fixation can be distinguished from different thermal fixations, such as by heated rollers. The thermal fixation by electromagnetic radiation does not heat the primary backing or only heats the primary backing by a small amount during thermal fixation, which can be recognized in the tufted textile with an appropriate analysis. Further, thermal fixation by electromagnetic radiation may only heat selected sections of the tufting yarn, such as a radial inner section, which is also recognizable in the tufted textile after its manufacturing.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the tufted textile, the tufted textile is free of a coating that is configured to fix the tufting yarn to the primary backing, such as a latex coating. The tufted textile may also be free of glue and/or other additional means for fixing the tufting yarn to the primary backing. The tufted textile is thus cost-effective to manufacture, lightweight and easy to recycle.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the tufted textile, the primary backing is free of a section that has been plasticized and/or melted, in particular during thermal fixation of the tufting yarn to the primary backing. The tufted textile may thus be particularly robust, flexible and smooth to the touch.

[0029] A third aspect relates to a manufacturing plant for manufacturing tufted textiles. For example, the manufacturing plant may be configured to tuft tufting yarn into a primary backing with a tufting device. The manufacturing plant may be configured to attach a secondary backing to the primary backing, in particular on the backstitch side. The manufacturing plant according to the third aspect may be configured for using a manufacturing method according to the first aspect and/or to manufacture a tufted textile according to the second aspect. Embodiments, examples and features of the first and second aspect constitute embodiments, examples and features of the third aspect and vice-versa.

[0030] The manufacturing plant comprises a fixation device configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, in particular as a beam such as a laser beam, onto a tufting yarn arranged partially extending through a primary backing to thermally fix the tufting yarn to the primary backing. For example, the fixation device may comprise an electromagnetic radiation emitter device, such as a laser. The fixation device may also comprise means to control the direction and focus of the electromagnetic radiation. The fixation device may be configured to emit the electromagnetic radiation onto the backstitch side. The fixation device may comprise several emitter devices and/or each emitter device may be configured to simultaneously emit several electromagnetic beams. For example, the fixation device may be configured to thermally fix several sections of the tufting yarn, in particular spaced apart sections such as backstitches, simultaneously to the primary backing. The manufacturing plant may comprise a cooling device to cool the primary backing and/or sections of the tufting yarn during thermal fixation. For example, the cooling device may be configured to direct a cool air flow onto the primary backing from the pile side. The additional cooling may prevent sections not focused by the electromagnetic radiation to heat up above a threshold temperature by heat dissipation from adjacent sections in the focus of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the manufacturing plant, the fixation device may be configured to selectively focus the emitted electromagnetic radiation on certain sections of the tufting yarn, such as preselected sections and/or captured locations of sections such as backstitches. According to an embodiment of the manufacturing plant, the manufacturing plant may comprise a capturing device configured to capture a position of a backstitch formed by the tufting yarn, in particular comprising a camera. Further, the manufacturing plant may comprise a control device configured to control a direction of the electromagnetic radiation emissions depending on the captured position of the backstitch formed by the tufting yarn.

Brief description of figures

[0032] 

Fig. 1

schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing a tufted textile.

Fig. 2

schematically illustrates a manufacturing plant for manufacturing tufted textiles.

Fig. 3

illustrates the effects of thermally bonding a tufting yarn to a primary backing with a laser.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing a tufted textile, for example configured as a floor covering. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a manufacturing plant 10 that is configured to use the method of Fig. 1.

[0034] In step 40, a primary backing 12 with several tufting yarns 14 arranged partially extending through the primary backing 12 is provided. To that end, the primary backing 12 is provided as a band on a roll 16. The primary backing 12 is pulled from the roll 16 by two additional pressing rolls 24 that sandwich the primary backing 12. Further, the manufacturing plant 10 comprises a tufting device, of which the needles 18 are shown. Each needle 18 stitches a corresponding one of the tufting yarns 14 through the primary backing 12. The sections of the tufting yarns 14 visible on top of the primary backing 12 in Fig. 2 form backstitches. The upper side is thus the backstitch side. An opposite underside forms the pile side. On the pile side, the tufting yarns 14 form plush loops loosely protruding from the primary backing 12.

[0035] In step 42, the tufting yarns 14 are thermally fixed to the primary backing 12 with an electromagnetic radiation emitted by a fixation device configured as an electromagnetic radiation emitter 20. In the shown example, the emitter 20 is configured as a laser and the electromagnetic radiation as laser beams 22. The laser beams 22 are focused on the backstitches to plasticize and/or melt that section of each tufting yarn 14 protruding from the backstitch side of the primary backing 12. Each loop formed on the pile side by the tufting yarns 14 is fixed to the primary backing 12 by laser bonding. The laser beams 22 are directed and focused so as to not heat the primary backing 12 above its plasticization and/or melting temperature.

[0036] In step 44, the previously plasticized and/or melted backstitches are pressed flat against the primary backing 12 by the pressing rolls 24. Said flattening may occur while the backstitches of the tufting yarns 14 are still above their plasticization and/or melting temperature and may contribute to the thermal fixation. After this pressing, the tufting yarns 14 and the primary backing 12 already form the tufted textile. Alternatively, additional steps may occur, such as an attachment of a secondary backing and/or cutting the loops on the pile side to finalize the tufted textile. Moreover, the tufted textile may be rolled on another roll or may be cut into appropriate pieces for further use.

[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates the effects of the thermal fixation with the laser beams 22. On the left of Fig. 3, the backstitch side is shown with the backstitches formed by the tufting yarns 14 on the primary backing 12. The right of Fig. 3 shows the backstitches after being heated by the laser beams 22 for thermal fixation and optionally after being pressed flat by the pressing rolls 24.

Reference signs

[0038] 

10

manufacturing plant

12

primary backing

14

tufting yarn

16

roll

18

needle

20

electromagnetic radiation emitter

22

laser beams

24

pressing rolls

40

step of providing a primary backing

42

step of thermal fixation

44

step of pressing tufting yarns to primary backing

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a tufted textile, in particular configured as a floor covering, such as a carpeted floor or artificial gras, the method comprising the following steps:

- Providing (40) a primary backing (12) with a tufting yarn (14) arranged partially extending through the primary backing (12);

- Thermal fixation (42) of the tufting yarn (14) to the primary backing (12) with electromagnetic radiation, in particular a laser beam (22).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein

the electromagnetic radiation plasticizes and/or melts the tufting yarn (14) for fixation to the primary backing (12) during thermal fixation,

in particular without plasticizing and/or melting of the primary backing (12).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the thermal fixation comprises a focusing of the electromagnetic radiation on the tufting yarn (14).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein
the electromagnetic radiation is focused at least on one of the following areas during thermal fixation (42):

- A section of the tufting yarn (14) in contact with the primary backing (12);

- A section of the tufting yarn (14) extending between two sections of the tufting yarn (14) extending through the primary backing (12);

- A backstitch formed by the tufting yarn (14); and

- A radially inner section of the tufting yarn (14).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the step of thermal fixation (42) comprises the following steps:

- Capturing a position of a backstitch of the tufting yarn (14), in particular with an optical detection device, and

- Controlling a direction of the electromagnetic radiation depending on the captured position of the backstitch of the tufting yarn (14).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the step of providing (40) the primary backing with the tufting yarn (14) comprises a forming of a backstitch with the tufting yarn (14) in the primary backing (12) at a predetermined position and

the step of thermal fixation (42) comprises controlling the direction of the electromagnetic radiation depending on the predetermined position of the backstitch.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the method comprises at least one of the following steps:

- Pressing (44) the tufting yarn (14) against the primary backing (12);

- Attaching a secondary backing to the primary backing (12); and

- Cutting loops of the tufting yarn (14).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the tufting yarn (14) comprises an electromagnetic radiation absorbing additive.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the tufting yarn (14) and the primary backing (12) are selected to be incompatible during recycling.

10. A tufted textile, in particular configured as a floor covering, such as a carpeted floor or artificial grass,

the tufted textile comprising a primary backing (12) and a tufting yarn (14) arranged extending partially through the primary backing (12),

wherein the tufting yarn (14) has been thermally fixed to the primary backing (12) with electromagnetic radiation.

11. The tufted textile according to claim 10,
wherein the tufted textile is free of a coating that is configured to fix the tufting yarn (14) to the primary backing (12), such as a latex coating.

12. The tufted textile according to claim 10 or 11,
wherein the primary backing (12) is free of a section that has been plasticized and/or melted, in particular during thermal fixation (40) of the tufting yarn (14) to the primary backing (12).

13. A manufacturing plant (10) for manufacturing tufted textiles,
the manufacturing plant (10) comprising a fixation device configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, in particular a laser beam (22), onto a tufting yarn (14) arranged partially extending through a primary backing (12) to thermally fix (40) the tufting yarn (14) to the primary backing (12).

14. The manufacturing plant (10) according to claim 13,
wherein the fixation device is configured to selectively focus the emitted electromagnetic radiation on certain sections of the tufting yarn (14).

15. The manufacturing plant (10) according to claim 13 or 14,
wherein the manufacturing plant (10) comprises a capturing device configured to capture a position of a backstitch formed by the tufting yarn (14), in particular comprising a camera, and a control device configured to control a direction of the electromagnetic radiation emissions depending on the captured position of the backstitch formed the tufting yarn (14).

Drawing