In the composites industry there is greater optimism for 2004, and for fabric reinforcements manufacturers, the main growth opportunities may be in products specially designed for closed moulding techniques, now more popular. Recent investments in China, North America and Mexico by the Saint-Gobain Reinforcements teams are reported, the Mexican expansion being a 50/50 joint venture with Owens Corning for a glass fibre roving manufacturing facility. Multicore is a new fabric for closed mould technology from Saint-Gobain, and new applications areas have been developed for TWINTEX comingled polypropylene (PP)/glass fibre reinforcement fabrics. The German multiaxial fabric producer SAERTEX Wagener anticipates growth in 2003 of 20%. Non crimp fabric is produced, the benefits of which are explained, and the vacuum assisted process (VAP) technology also employed. UK based composites materials supplier SP Systems specialises in SPRINT products and four main reinforcement types. Marine fabrics from Owens Corning (OC)'s Composite Solutions business and braided fabrics from A&P Technology feature. Braided reinforcement applications are covered, and company contact details included.
