Fabric insert

• Reinforcement: they increase tensile strength and prevent the material from stretching or tearing.

• Dimensional stability: fabric inserts ensure that the material retains its shape even under load.

• Flexibility: despite the increased strength, the material remains flexible and elastic.

• Pressure and abrasion resistance: they improve resistance to pressure and mechanical wear.

Fabric inserts are made from different materials, depending on the requirements of the application:

Material	Properties	Typical applications
Polyester	High strength, light, cost-effective	Conveyor belts, automotive hoses
Glass fibre	Heat-resistant, dimensionally stable	Seals, heat-resistant hoses
Aramid (e.g. Kevlar)	Very high strength, chemical-resistant	Safety products, high-pressure hoses
Cotton	Flexible, breathable	Technical textiles, hoses with lower loads

Rubber industry

• Conveyor belts, rubber sheets: fabric inserts provide high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

• Seals: they improve compressive strength and prevent stretching.

• Hoses: fabric inserts allow use in high-pressure systems.

Construction industry

• Waterproofing: fabric inserts in sealing membranes increase stability and resistance.

• Roofing membranes: reinforcements ensure durability and UV resistance.

Automotive industry

• Hoses and sleeves: fabric inserts allow use at high pressures and temperatures.

• Drive belts: they increase the service life and load capacity of the belts.

• High strength: fabric inserts increase the mechanical load capacity of materials.

• Durability: they extend the service life of products, especially under mechanical and thermal loads.

• Dimensional stability: materials retain their shape even under high compressive or tensile loads.

• Flexibility: fabric inserts offer a good balance between stiffness and flexibility.

• Material selection: choosing the right fabric material is crucial for the desired function.

• Processing effort: integrating fabric inserts requires specialised processes and increases production costs.

• Compatibility: not all types of fabric are compatible with every base material.

Property	With fabric insert	Pure elastomers
Tensile strength	Very high	Medium
Pressure resistance	High	Limited
Flexibility	Good, depending on the fabric	Very good
Costs	Higher	Lower
Service life	Longer	Shorter

• Which materials are suitable for fabric inserts? Polyester, glass fibre, aramid, Kevlar, Trevira and cotton are the most common materials, depending on requirements such as strength and temperature or chemical resistance.

• Can fabric inserts also be used in heat-resistant applications? Yes, glass fibre and aramid in particular offer high heat resistance and are suitable for such applications.

• What are the advantages of fabric inserts in hoses? Fabric inserts increase pressure and abrasion resistance and make hoses more durable, even under extreme conditions.

• Are fabric inserts recyclable? Recyclability depends on the fabric used and how it is embedded in the material. Mixed materials can make recycling more difficult.

Fabric inserts are indispensable reinforcing elements that make materials such as rubber or plastic more resistant and durable. Their versatility and adaptability allow them to be used in a wide range of industries, from the rubber industry to construction and automotive. Choosing and integrating the right fabric insert is crucial for the performance and service life of the end product.