Abstract: A multilayer porous fabric which comprises a porous core fabric provided with hook means, and at least one layer of pre-needled nonwoven fibrous batt attached by entanglement onto the hook means by pressing the core fabric and batt together. The entanglement is sufficient to anchor the batt reliably to the core fabric, so that the multilayer fabric is ready for use without further processing. The porous core fabric may be formed by weaving or as an extruded sheet, with a plurality of suitably located hook means structures on at least one of its surfaces. The hook structures engage with and entangle sufficient fibers from the pre-needled nonwoven batt to provide adequate attachment preventing the batt from separating from the core fabric enabling the multilayer fabric to be handled before use, for example for installation in a papermaking machine press section. The batt is pre-needled to a desired density before attachment to the core fabric.

Abstract: A dewatering fabric for the press section of a paper machine having improved dewatering capabilities. The fabric is constructed to provide long exposed floats of flattened monofilaments on the paper side of the fabric, at a high fill factor. The fabric may be used alone, with a paper side batt, or with a batt on each side.