D fabrics - a new dimension for the composites industry

3D fabrics are made of fibres of 0 and of 90 degree orientation. The important feature is the additional reinforcing fibres in their entire thickness, called Z fibres. These hold the layers arranged from 0 to 90 degrees together and offer major benefits: protection against separation, time savings when inserting in a moulded body, quicker infusion rates due to better flow characteristics, weight savings and improved capabilities.

3D fabrics are available in thicknesses from 1.5 to 3 mm. Another new SAERTEX product is 3D billets - these also feature Z fibres and are available in thicknesses from 3 to 50 mm. 3D fabrics and 3D billets are even better suited to the high mechanical demands made in boat building, the offshore and sports article industries, in making commercial storage containers and in manufacturing vehicles for public transport use than standard composites.