On the basis of its functioning is the needle individual activation creating an interaction between needles and their respective needle-bed capable of producing patterns, visual effects (bi or three-dimensional) and other interesting functional properties.
The interest in Technical Textiles is growing rapidly along with the development / production / supply of technical fibers and yarns with the most varied functions and properties. However the multifunctional feature of these solutions is very influenced by the production technique itself, in other words the nature/type of the loops used for its overall structural composition. We can find a great example of this dualism (yarn / structure) in, so called, spacers produced by flat knitting technology (three-dimensional structures of limited thickness) for medical, structural, composite and other solutions for various markets. Basically these structures are, created by two internally linked textile surfaces (along the thickness) by N filaments or fibers which impart excellent mechanical strength properties. Spacers are very good impact absorbents dissipating impact energy throughout their surface. When impregnated with resins results in high performance composite structures.
Numerous advantages of weft knitted textiles using flat knitting technology can be found. In a structural point of view, this textiles can integrate several different structures for diverse functions, in the same production batch. Nevertheless different yarn can be used along these structures to enhance any property suitable to be influenced by yarn, structure or combination, of both, and increase some particular property on a specific location in the fabric. In the image bellow you can see three different areas with different functions.
The first is the textile it self (pique lacoste) along with reinforced interlock and at last a tubular structure to allow the insertion of a CFRP rod to act a solid skeleton. Despite this sample only used one type of yarn, this could also be possible with several different yarn natures.
Some other advantage is the fact that weft knitted textiles by Flat knitting technology can be, in some cases, knitted to shape, also visible on the image. In other words, there is no need for cut, sew or any other finishing task, decreasing production time and cost.
Curious? Contact us to know more about this material and how you can use it.
Special thanks to A. Ferreira e Filhos SA for the film and image.
Author Filipa Monteiro
