The AFBW working groups

AFBW initiates and organises working groups that cross sectors and technologies, thus bringing industry and research together. At the present time, there are seven working groups and one forum. A direct exchange between members is energetically promoted on a targeted basis: it is here where ideas originate and new projects get under way. AFBW contributes ideas, gives impetus and drives innovation.

Fibre-based materials – innovation potential for many sectors and fields of application

TECHNICAL TEXTILES WORKING GROUP

Idea generation and development of technical textiles through the use of new fibre-based materials and processes for a wide range of applications. Current focus: Energy generation and energy conversion, vertical farming, acoustics

 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE FIBRES AND NEW FIBRES WORKING GROUP

Functional and adaptive textile materials and also high-performance fibre types over the entire process chain, from the molecule to the material. Current focus: Nanotechnology, carbon fibres, ceramic fibres, functional fibres and composite materials, microfibres and lightweight non-woven fabric.

TEXTILE TECHNIQUES WORKING GROUP

Processes and procedures for textile production such as spinning yarn, knitting, machine knitting, weaving, textile finishing. Current focus: Organic sheets, tape-laying procedures

 

SMART TEXTILES WORKING GROUP

‏Multifunctional hybrid textiles that change – as conductors, sensors or actuators – to respond actively to their environmental influences. Current focus: Adaptive sensory or illuminating functions, smart home, protective textiles and bandages 

 

RECYCLING WORKING GROUP

Sustainable and cost-saving recycling concepts. Current focus: Further use and recycling of production waste and offcuts when using composite materials for manufacturing

 

CONSTRUCTION TEXTILES WORKING GROUP

New fibre-based materials and processes for building and architecture. Current focus: Solutions for a better ecological and economic balance

 

SIMULATION WORKING GROUP

Optimised component design and solution of specific product requirements through computer-assisted simulation methods. Current focus: Simulation when processing components and parts, simulation of component and fibre response in the case of different loads

 

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION FORUM FOR PRODUCTION

Better performance of machines through the use of lightweight materials during production. Current focus: Identify and exploit added value of lightweight building materials in production; AFBW is actively involved here together with five other networks, clusters and research facilities

Dates of current events can be found at Events. We look forward to your involvement.

Expertise in four future areas

Mobility

Fibre-based materials receive star billing for the car of the future – in collision protection, weight-saving and enhancing comfort.

Medicine

Fibre-based medical products and ultramodern textiles in hospitals, for healthcare and hospital operating theatres, are indispensable drivers of innovation for the healthcare industry and the medical technology sector.

Architecture / building

Effective energy usage, multifunctional and sustainable – these characteristics make fibre-based materials extremely suitable for use in architecture and construction and increasingly they are replacing conventional raw materials.

Smart textiles

Smart textiles offer additional benefits and are the basis for numerous innovations in automotive engineering, health care products, protective clothing and fashion.