Technical textiles are increasingly used in automotive safety systems, industrial filtration, wind energy, aerospace and other demanding applications. Manufacturers face growing pressure to combine high fabric quality with flexible production, cost efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

“In Shanghai, we will demonstrate how our air-jet and rapier weaving machines can help textile manufacturers in Asia's demanding markets to produce fabrics flexibly, reliably and with the lowest possible energy consumption,” says Yvonne Schuberth, Head of Product Line Weaving Machines at DORNIER.

A2 air-jet weaving machine targets high-speed airbag production

A central focus of DORNIER's exhibition programme is the production of flat and seamless airbag fabrics, where process reliability and consistent fabric quality are essential.

“At our stand, we will demonstrate the production of a flat airbag fabric on our A2 air-jet weaving machine,” says Schuberth.

The A2 uses pneumatic weft insertion to accelerate yarns to speeds of up to 280 km/h. With operating speeds of up to 1,000 rpm, the machine is designed for high-volume production of technically demanding airbag fabrics.

“This helps airbag manufacturers to consistently implement their zero-defect strategy,” says Schuberth.

DORNIER will also address the production of seamlessly woven One Piece Woven (OPW) airbags. For this application, the A2 combined with Jacquard technology is established among leading international airbag manufacturers.

P2 rapier weaving machine for high-density precision filters

Another focus is the production of technical filter fabrics used in solid-liquid separation, air pollution control and water treatment, as well as ultra-fine wire meshes for specialised applications.

“Stricter environmental regulations and emission standards, together with increasing demands on the purity and efficiency of industrial processes, are driving up global demand for high-performance filters,” explains Product Line Manager Schuberth.

The DORNIER P2 rapier weaving machine is designed to manufacture high-density filter fabrics with tight tolerances and uniform pore sizes.

Its shed geometry has been optimised for technical textiles, enabling the processing of demanding materials and fabric constructions.

The P2 is available in three variants with reed beat-up forces of 2.3, 3.7 and 5.0 tonnes. This allows manufacturers to produce a broad range of fabrics, from heavy-duty industrial filters to ultra-fine precision filters.

TRITOS FLEX supports flexible production of 3D composite preforms

Fibre-reinforced composites represent another important application area, particularly in China's wind energy, automotive and aerospace industries.

DORNIER will present solutions for manufacturing customised composite semi-finished products from glass, carbon and aramid fibres, including unidirectional tapes and complex three-dimensional fabrics.

Among the technologies featured is TRITOS FLEX, a further development of the company's TRITOS 3D weaving system.

“TRITOS® FLEX enables companies with small and medium-sized production runs to enter the production of complex 3D preforms flexibly and cost-effectively,” says Josef Klingele, Head of the Composite Systems product line.

To support the development and industrialisation of fibre-reinforced components, DORNIER has expanded its Composite Systems Technology Center at its Esseratsweiler site. The facility enables manufacturers to conduct trials and tests under confidential, industry-relevant conditions, from initial product development through to preparation for series production.

Retrofits and expanded service network in Asia

Beyond new machinery, DORNIER will highlight retrofit solutions designed to extend the productive life of existing air-jet and rapier weaving machines.

The upgrades allow manufacturers to modernise equipment, improve cost and energy efficiency and adapt older machines to changing production requirements.

The company is also strengthening its regional service organisation. Its Shanghai-based subsidiary ChinDO is responsible for sales and service throughout Southeast Asia, while the regional sales team in China has been significantly expanded to improve customer support and reduce response times for maintenance, repairs and spare parts.

“Our Weaving Technology Centre in Lindau will, of course, continue to be available to our customers – including remotely – for weaving trials, product development and the determination of suitable machine settings,” says Schuberth.

With its combination of weaving machinery, composite technologies and lifecycle services, DORNIER aims to support manufacturers of technical textiles in maintaining production flexibility and competitiveness.

Visitors can meet DORNIER in Hall 3, Stand E02.