Leading German warp knitting machine builder Liba Maschinenfabrik GmbH has won a Techtextil Innovation Prize 2013 in the ‘new technology’ category for its patented Multi Compact Fabric which uses an innovative weft insertion technology.

Due to the pioneering weft insertion technology the yarn layer sequence changes once over the working width per weft insertion cycle and these changes of layer sequence build a longitudinal axis, which can be freely positioned over the working width. Liba Multi Compact Fabrics are made from high performance yarns such as glass, carbon or glass-carbon hybrid structures.

The innovative technology is based on a new drive unit for the weft insertion units which allows the weft insertion units for the different yarn layers to be positioned very close to each other. This in turn leads to more compact multiaxial weft insertion warp knitting machines such as the Copcentra MAX 4 CNC Multi Compact line.

Advantages of the new weft insertion technology at a glance are:

·        Smaller footprint

·        Lower energy costs

·        Lower air conditioning costs

·        Better logistics

·        Better ergonomics

The following is an overview of Multi Compact Fabric properties compared to standard reinforcement fabrics manufactured with the conventional Copcentra MAX 4 CNC:

·        Same mechanical properties

·        Same drapeability

·        Better infusion in the area of change of layer sequence

·        Better stability, that means higher safety of yarn layer orientation and higher working width without the support of conveyor or similar

·        New optical effects

·        Homogenized yarn loading and thus a homogenized reinforcement textile

·        Running – In before knitting process

Liba Maschinenfabrik GmbH is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of warp knitting machinery with over 60 years experience. Through innovation in customer specific needs, the company provides high quality machines for a wide range of warp knitted textiles. Liba’s solutions offered for challenging applications in the technical textiles sector have proven their quality around the world for decades.

LIBA sells one of the leading technological solutions for the production of textile reinforcements for composites made of glass or carbon fibre yarns - multiaxial weft insertion warp knitting machines like the Copcentra MAX 4 CNC.

“These kind of machines manufacture reinforcement textiles with open and closed surfaces. The textiles consist of uncrossed stacked straight yarn layers, which are fixed by warp knitting (also known as stitch bonding). These machines are highly productive, but require also a huge footprint. Constant research and developments activities lead to a new weft insertion technique and a new textile,” Liba said.

www.liba.de