Developed over many years, fabric is an engineered substrate used throughout a variety of applications ranging from aerospace, consumer, military and industrial applications. Fabrics are designed and constructed to meet the requirements of different applications; however, all fabrics fall into one of two categories: woven or non-woven.
Woven fabrics are the most traditional fabrics constructed by weaving yarns together typically at 90° angles. The vertical fibers are called “warp” threads, while “weft” threads weave through the warp threads along the horizontal width of the textile. Woven fabrics can be created from a wide variety of materials and are most commonly used in clothing and various industrial applications.
Woven materials are usually the most cost-effective textile for a variety of applications. These fabrics can be finished or treated with substances to give them attributes like waterproofing and breathability. They are also readily available and easy to source from a robust and wide-ranging supply chain. Woven fiber comes in a variety of weave types, and custom constructions can be easily engineered to suit various needs. Additionally, woven fabrics provide a wide range of high-performing physical characteristics.
Some industrial applications for woven fabrics include, but are not limited to:
Non-woven fabrics are textiles that have been created through a process of bonding fibers together, either by some kind of chemical adhesion, mechanical or heat treatment, or a combination of those. There is no weaving or manual construction involved. Although woven fabrics are usually stronger because of how they are constructed, non-woven fabric can be strengthened by bonding multiple layers or adding support backing.
Non-woven fabrics are often more cost-effective and can be manufactured more quickly. The many advantages of non-woven fibers include resiliency, enhanced absorbency, improved washability, and bacterial protection. Non-woven fabrics can also be tailored to enhance certain features such as liquid repellency, impact resistance, flame retardancy, electrical insulation, and thermal insulation. Additionally, these soft and flexible fabrics offer improved filtering and sterility.
The versatility of non-woven fabrics makes them suitable for a wide array of industrial applications, including:
Although woven and non-woven materials have several key differences, they are both suitable for a wide variety of industrial uses. At JPS Composite Materials, we are an industry leader in manufacturing high-durability quartz, fiberglass, para-aramid, and specialty woven composite reinforcement fabrics. Our top-quality products serve a diverse range of applications, from satellites to surfboards. For more information, or for help determining the right fabric for your needs, contact us today.
Examples:
The creation of nonwovens that kill dust mites in bedding, repel dirt, and contain antimicrobial qualities.
Wall covering nonwovens are easier to handle than traditional wall paper as the fabric has no seam separation and is simple to remove. In addition, crack-bridging properties make nonwovens perfectly suited for the renovation of problematic ceilings and walls, where exceptional stability is required.
The combination of practicality with safety through blast resistant curtains, burglar-proof blinds and carpet alarm systems may in fact be the future of home living. In the case of blast resistant curtains, the fibre structure in the nonwovens can expand under tension, which allows the material to absorb the pressure shockwave caused by the blast, while simultaneously catching glass and any other debris released by the attack.
Electrically conductive nonwovens fabric, integrated with an under pad, have the potential to heat floor surfaces e.g., wooden floors, ceramic tile floors, walls and ceilings. In such applications, the fabric can replace traditional interior heating systems by inducing heating by radiation.