{"id":15819,"date":"2020-03-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.engineernewsnetwork.com\/blog\/?p=15819"},"modified":"2020-03-12T12:19:25","modified_gmt":"2020-03-12T12:19:25","slug":"advanced-textiles-create-materials-that-improve-performance-structure-and-strength","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.engineernewsnetwork.com\/blog\/advanced-textiles-create-materials-that-improve-performance-structure-and-strength\/","title":{"rendered":"Advanced textiles create materials that improve performance, structure and strength"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New materials increase part functionality, utility and product differentiation. Joe Melcher, Patty Berghardt and Shawn\u00a0Benfield report<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advanced technical textile industry uses science, information technology, and specialised materials to provide material solutions to a broad range of niche markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The industry distinguishes itself from the standard textile industry by its adoption of new ideas and processes to create materials to meet specific requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used primarily for performance, structure, and strength, innovative advanced textiles can improve customer products at a competitive cost, while contributing superior properties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced textiles experiencing fast growth\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), a trade association representing the international specialty fabrics marketplace, the overall growth for advanced textiles is estimated to be about 9% and is currently valued at $71 billion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The protective textiles contribution to this sector is 6%, while other important contributors include high performance clothing, composites, coated textiles, and smart textiles1.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0A general trend is the use of high tech\/specialty fibres with properties designed to bring added value and increased performance to the end use application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These typically include fabrics made with aramids and meta-aramids (Kevlar, Nomex), graphite, Vectran, Teflon, Dyneema and Spectra, as well as composites or other specialty fibres.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) has found that customers are looking to use advanced textiles to differentiate themselves from their competitors. They want to make their product last longer, or make it lighter, or imbue it with other characteristics that give them an advantage. In the personal protection arena, advanced textiles are being used to make products stronger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, one BRM customer wanted to eliminate elongation in a belt used in a manufacturing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By adding low elongation para-aramid and UHMWPE fibres to the existing substrate, the belt was able to maintain its integrity much longer and stay in service 10 times longer than the prior version.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The push in recent years has been toward fabrics that are lighter and stronger and let users do more with less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While advanced textiles can be found in a wide variety of applications, sectors that support quality of life would \u2013 or should \u2013 use the most advanced technical textiles. This may include medical applications, along with some industrial, and military \u2013 like parachutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The properties they are looking for vary by industry. Some continue to seek out stronger and lighter fabrics, while the medical industry is looking for materials that are less invasive and promote faster healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be noted that other markets are also looking for innovation and advancements, even on products that have been on the market for decades. Just because an item has been used for a long time does not mean it cannot benefit from a design review. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, BRM has done design work for dog collars to make them stronger. In advanced design, customers want to differentiate themselves from a million other companies making dog products (and baby products!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another good example of the use of advanced fibres in long-established products is sun awnings, where manufacturers are developing new methods to weave fibres that wear better and can last 50 years instead of 10. Wherever manufacturers are seeking an edge, advanced textiles have a role to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for customers looking for advanced or technical textile for unique applications\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those looking for an advanced or technical textile should begin by discussing the application, the specific material properties they are looking for, the material specifications, and any special requirements, certifications, and testing requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At BRM, we begin by advising customers of our capabilities and experience in weaving two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs and discussing the company\u2019s quality management system and its effectiveness in meeting customer specific requirements. We request a sample from the customer if one is available, and then work with our R&D group to provide examples of materials we have already woven that can be tweaked to meet the customer\u2019s requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BRM gathers as much information as possible on the application, the location within the product that the material will be placed, and any properties the customer is specifically trying to address. Typical information gathered from customers includes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n