Technical Data Sheets Reinforcement Fabrics Fibres Yarns and Fabrics Some Common Terms: Fibre A material from showing high length-to-diameter ratio, and normally characterised by flexibility and fineness. Filament A single fibre. Yarn An assembly of fibres, of similar or variable length, held together by twisting. Tow A loose bundle of fibres, having little or no twist; normally associated with carbon fibre materials. Roving An assembly of compact fibre bundles, or strands usually with no twist. Usually heavier (higher tex) materials, term often used for glass fibres. Denier The weight in grams of 9,000 meters of a yarn, tow or roving. Often used with aramid materials. Tex The weight in grams of 1,000 meters of a yarn, tow or roving (9 × tex=denier). End A thread, yarn, tow etc. running along the length of a fabric (the warp). Pick A thread, yarn, tow etc. running across the width of a fabric (the weft, or fill). Some General Descriptions: 'E' Glass The most common fibrous reinforcement. Available in a wide range of tex values from fine yarns to heavy weight rovings. Glass fabrics are non-conductive and easy to cut. A variety of special finishes can be applied after weaving to enhance fibre compatibility with the designated resin matrix (see separate data sheet). Aramid Light weight, strong organic fibres, capable of producing very tough composites, with excellent impact resistance. Fabrics based on aramid fibres can be made in a range of styles and weights. Generally, aramid materials are more difficult to cut than fabrics based on other fibres. Carbon Carbon fibres offer the highest stiffness amongst the more common reinforcements, making them suitable for use in stiffness-critical applications, notably in aircraft control surface components. Black in colour, carbon fibres are electrically-conductive and carbon fabrics are easy to cut. Carbon fibre is commonly available in 1,000 (1K), 3,000 (3K), 6,000 (6K) and 12,000 (12K) filament tows. General Fabric Descriptions: Woven fabrics are generally defined by the following characteristics: Fibre Type Usually glass, aramid, carbon, or hybrid - mixes of these. Size Of Yarn/Tow Tex or denier, sometimes twist or ply level. Ends/cm Number of threads, yarns etc./cm making up the warp. Picks/cm Number of threads, yarns etc./cm making up the weft. Weave Normally plain, satin, crowfoot (4 end satin), twill, or matt. Areal Weight The weight in grams/square meter (g/m²) of a fabric (note : 1 oz/yd²=33.906 g/m²). Thickness Normally expressed in millimeters, measured at a specified compression loading. All FEF fabrics are denoted by a unique quality reference which defines the above parameters, within specified tolerances where appropriate. In general, plain weave fabrics, in which threads cross over at each intersection, show the highest degree of stability; fibre crimp (bending at cross overs) is greatest in fabrics of this type. In fabrics which are intended to conform to curved shapes, satin and twill styles can be used, wherein greater mobility between adjacent threads may be achieved. These styles are used to good effect in heavier weight fabrics, in order to provide improved drape in the material. Fabrics of similar weight may be available in a number of weave styles. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this data sheet are given in good faith and are based on tests believed to be reliable, but their accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. They do not constitute an offer to any person and shall not be deemed to form the basis of any subsequent contract, nor to constitute any warranty or representation as to quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose. All products are sold subject to the seller's Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract. Accordingly the user shall determine the suitability of the products for his intended use prior to purchase and shall assume all risk and liability in connection therewith. It is the responsibility of those wishing to sell items made from or embodying the products to inform the user of the properties of the products and the purposes for which they may be suitable, together with all precautionary measures required in handling those products. The information contained in this leaflet is under constant review and liable to be modified from time to time. Back