Author Description

Narrow fabrics are defined as those which are less than 52 cm in width. As such, they are employed in a wide range of end uses. Applications range from delicate decorative ribbons on Swiss chocolate boxes and theatrical costume embellishments to the heavily-reinforced harnesses used to raise heavy machinery. They also include clothing labels, handles and straps for bags and luggage, car seatbelts, and industrial machine belting. Narrow fabrics perform a number of specific functions. Some are decorative such as ribbons and bows. Others are informative, as in the case of labels. However, many are functional, including a broad range of webs and straps with specialist performance functions. As far as technical textiles are concerned, David Rigby Associates (DRA) has identified 14 specific areas in which narrow fabrics are widely used. Collectively, these areas were estimated to have had a combined value of US$2.4 bn in 2005, and were projected to grow by 3.6% a year between 2005 and 2010. Many narrow fabrics are manufactured on specially designed weaving or needling systems, while others are produced using knitting, braiding or embroidering technologies. Some of the machines in use today were developed a long time ago and are used erratically to turn out small runs of specific items. Modern machinery builders include Jakob Müller, which is acknowledged to be the global specialist in off-the-shelf multiple-use narrow fabric production machines. As well as building machines, the company has a dedicated Narrow Fabrics Institute at its headquarters in Frick, Switzerland, and has held five specific narrow fabrics conferences around the world to date, the last being in Singapore in October 2005.