The miniature prototype equipment offers the latest technology in the rapid prototyping field, the company reports. It is said to reduce the time and cost of creating functional coated fabric samples that are highly-correlated to large-scale production equipment.

Rapid innovation

After defining the customer’s needs, developing a cutting-edge concept, and receiving the customer’s approval, Trelleborg’s R&D team designs a unique and customised lab sample in the RPC that undergoes stringent testing before moving to serial production.

“Measure twice and cut once is an old proverb that could be used to describe the standard to which Trelleborg’s engineered coated fabrics operation bases its innovation process,” commented Steve Brockman, Sales and Business Development Director for Trelleborg’s engineered coated fabrics.

“The new RPC capability enables us to bring new products to market faster. After defining the performance requirements with our customers, we can now work through the iterative development and qualification process in a fraction of the time and cost that it would take using our production equipment. Our commitment to rapid innovation will help our customers win in the marketplace.”

Demanding market needs

According to Trelleborg, its investment in RPC technology has enhanced its capability to meet ever-demanding market needs, such as for safety applications on commercial aircraft, tactical gear for defence personnel, life-saving medical equipment, safety clothing for firefighters, and a broad range of protective clothing applications.

The RPC contributes significantly to the fourth stage in Trelleborg’s five-step new product development process to ensure customers select the right polymer material and engineered textile for their application and performance requirements, the company reports.

Trelleborg’s engineered coated fabrics

Trelleborg engineered coated fabrics operation is a part of the Trelleborg Coated Systems business area of Trelleborg Group. With 100 years of experience and continual research, the operation engineers the fabric of industry through customised and pre-conceived solutions adapted to customers’ exact applications.

Trelleborg is a leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative solutions aim to accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of EUR 3.23 billion and operations in about 50 countries.

The Group comprises five business areas: Trelleborg Coated Systems, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems, and the operations of Rubena and Savatech.

www.trelleborgecf.com