Features

Niki Tait reviews the latest computer numerically controlled cutting techniques available from some of the world’s key suppliers, and discovers a vibrant industry engaged in continual development of machinery. In addition, she reveals that new companies are entering the market, including some from China.

The nonwovens industry is just one field in which Germany’s economic growth contradicts the claim that manufacturing must inevitably continue to move to low-cost regions in the wake of globalization, according to Adrian  Wilson.

On the eve of JEC – which will take place in Paris, France, on 11–13 March 2014 – the Editor of Advanced Composites Bulletin, James Bakewell reviews what is being done to recycle the textile components of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics.

The chemicals industry is rapidly introducing new polymers based on renewable feedstocks that will have a dramatic impact on the fibres, textiles and nonwovens, as well as the plastics, industries, according to Adrian Wilson.

A booming global market should ensure brisk business for suppliers of raw materials and manufacturing technologies at Index14, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 8–11 April. Adrian Wilson previews the highlights.

As the market for carbon fibre-reinforced composites seems poised for spectacular growth in the next decade, close attention is being paid to how best to recover post-use the valuable fibres and fabrics they contain, according to Adrian Wilson.

There is high value in much of the abandoned fishing industry waste that lies at the bottom of the world’s oceans. Now, a polyamide fibre manufacturer has built a plant that is equipped to exploit it. Adrian Wilson reports from Slovenia.

Niki Tait reviews the use of ultrasonics to bond fabrics, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the technology compared with traditional sewing, and the growing range of machinery now available to manufacturers.

Gluing and welding fabrics together can result in process speeds much higher than those achieved with sewing⁽¹⁾, while making seams that are strong, and water-, wind- and air-tight. Niki Tait reviews the machinery available.

Nonwoven wipes made the news headlines for all the wrong reasons this year, even as the industry was responding with its own tighter guidelines with respect to the disposal of these products according to Adrian Wilson.