JTATM - North Carolina State University

Mission Statement

To establish a high quality forum relevant to the needs of global industry and higher education that will provide leadership in the timely dissemination of information dealing with all aspects of textile and apparel, technology and management.

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Volume 3, Issue 4, Winter 2004

THE WAY AHEAD: TRANSPORTATION MATERIALS FOR THE FUTURE

Nancy B. Powell, Associate Professor
NCSU, College of Textiles

Welcome to this issue of JTATM, which focuses on the global market for transportation textiles. In this climate of continuous change and increasing international competition, suppliers to the transportation industry are striving to meet the needs of their customers with an increased emphasis on the design and development of new innovative products. High performance textiles are found in all modes of transportation from automobiles, aircraft, trains, buses, and ships. Beyond occupant travel, cargo or equipment transport depends on the reliability of component materials. This issue presents various aspects of transportation materials and the development of processes, products and business strategies to approach these markets. The represented perspectives vary from the experience of the supplier, the original equipment manufacturer, and the researchers.

Photo courtesy of Collins & Aikman

The familiar textiles that we see and touch are part of the total interior experience, but occupant safety, comfort and costs during travel are influenced by textiles throughout the vehicles. From flammability issues in carpets to the UV resistance of high altitude balloons, the strict performance standards make transportation textiles a technical challenge. Polyester dyes used for high performance in lightfastness are considered a critical quality factor. Standards, such as QS 9000 and TS 16949 will continue to play an important role in supplying to the automotive industry.

Textile suppliers to automotive must be experts in multiple technologies in various locations around the world. This issue contains articles on three-dimensional knitting, woven velours, nonwovens, and dyeing processes specifically for transportation product standards. The introduction of carbon fibers into knitted materials to form three dimensional shapes for parts is investigated.

Designing quality products within a cost sensitive, fast paced industry for high volume consumer market can be rewarding but risky. The efforts to provide functionality and support the versatile lifestyle of the passengers extends from the interface of the driver and vehicle to the configuration of the interior space and the materials employed. This issue provides insight into the opportunities and challenges of this field.

The international locations of assembly plants challenge all members of the supply chain --- from the components suppliers to original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s). Future insights on transportation and environmental issues, sound absorption materials, the incorporation of smart textiles, and forming of composite parts are included in this issue’s articles. Research in improvement in the supply chain at each point --- from design to production --- remains a key challenge for global companies. Transfer of technology and expertise from one plant to another demands a thorough understanding of the issues.

From the historical perspective, the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers are recognized --- born aloft with the help of textiles from the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Another special emphasis in this issue is on the motor sports industry. North Carolina Motor Sports is part of a major entertainment and sports market, contributing significantly to the State’s economy. The North Carolina Department of Commerce plays an important role in identifying and facilitating opportunities in this field.

Transportation researchers and developers are focused on future transport and cargo loads of all types. Textiles have an increasing role to play as a component material. We hope you find this issue informative and useful, with essential resources for those considering entering this market as a supplier --- or as a current O.E.M. or Tier supplier interested in increasing sourcing expertise in textiles, or as a teaching and research tool for academics.

North Carolina State University is a valuable resource for the engineering and development of new products and markets for transportation textiles.

The College of Textiles has created a collaborative research initiative for Transportation Textiles with over a dozen faculty members across departments included. http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/ci/automotive/index.cfm

Resources for design and development of innovative materials and the advanced role they may play in the function of vehicles and drivers are available through this initiative.

The design resources available through the College of Design and the archives at the Gallery of Art and Design presented in the feature articles provide inspiration and vision for the future.

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6646
FAX: (919) 515-3733
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Last Site Revision:
January 16, 2004