Technical Textiles Executive

A narrow fabric is characterized by the use of the selvedges or fabric edges in the end-use application. For example, in a seat belt the woven selvedge maintains the integrity of the structure. Narrow fabrics may be produced in a number of ways including weaving, knitting or braiding.

In addition to seat belts and webbing, applications include reinforcing tapes and cords; and elastic components of garments. Narrow fabrics may also be used for producing structures for implantation into the human body. For example, tubular materials are used for arterial support and tapes are employed as artificial ligaments.

Narrow fabrics in two-dimensional and three-dimensional form are also finding applications in composite materials, especially in automotive and aerospace applications.

	M Wright & Sons have developed an innovative one-piece woven luff tape for the marine industry [more info]