Mechanical strength & tear resistance
The intersection of warp and weft threads creates a particularly stable fabric for applications with high tensile or compressive loads.
Textile technology that moves
Whether dimensionally stable or elastic, breathable or high-strength – we offer the right textile solution for every challenge. Our wovens and knitted fabrics are high-performance materials that combine function, precision and quality. Tailor-made for a wide range of technical applications, fashion, healthcare and more.
Wovens – structure meets function
Wovens are created by the targeted crossing of warp and weft threads, the technological properties of which are determined by the type of weave and the materials used. Plain weave, twill weave and basket weave are used most frequently. Plain weave ensures a uniform structure and a smooth, closed surface with firm, hard-wearing and dimensionally stable properties. Twill weave creates a characteristic diagonal structure and is more open, soft and voluminous. Basket weave is a variation of plain weave in which several warp and weft threads are woven together, making it looser, coarser and visually more grainy. Its woven look is less firm. All types of weave can be optimally adapted to specific requirements and areas of use through the targeted selection and combination of different yarns.
High performance materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials uses fabrics that have been developed for different applications. The following fabrics are our main products that we manufacture.
Classic fabrics with cotton warp threads
These fabrics are stable, generally have a smooth surface and are mainly used for shirts or pants, but also for blouses. Special properties are generated by cotton warp threads. The weft threads are either made also from cotton or from synthetic fibers such as viscose.
Fabrics with special yarns
Fabrics that need to have a high rebound force are woven with blends of goat hair or horsehair and viscose in the weft direction, for example, as these have extremely resilient properties. They are used in classic men's outerwear.
Fabrics made of polyester or polyamide
Fabrics that require a defined degree of stretch or elasticity are produced elastically with textured smooth or multifilament yarns. Bi-elastic textiles are particularly in demand, with the weft usually being significantly more elastic than the warp.
Technical fabrics
The raw material for our technical fabrics consists mainly of PET or, increasingly, rPET. The polyester filament yarns spun from these materials are woven into high-tech fabrics that are extremely stable, tear-resistant, durable and UV-resistant. For finishing, they are suitable for high-performance coatings and are produced in various fabric widths and surface structures.
Classic fabrics with cotton warp threads
These fabrics are stable, generally have a smooth surface and are mainly used for shirts or pants, but also for blouses. Special properties are generated by cotton warp threads. The weft threads are either made also from cotton or from synthetic fibers such as viscose.
Fabrics with special yarns
Fabrics that need to have a high rebound force are woven with blends of goat hair or horsehair and viscose in the weft direction, for example, as these have extremely resilient properties. They are used in classic men's outerwear.
Fabrics made of polyester or polyamide
Fabrics that require a defined degree of stretch or elasticity are produced elastically with textured smooth or multifilament yarns. Bi-elastic textiles are particularly in demand, with the weft usually being significantly more elastic than the warp.
Technical fabrics
The raw material for our technical fabrics consists mainly of PET or, increasingly, rPET. The polyester filament yarns spun from these materials are woven into high-tech fabrics that are extremely stable, tear-resistant, durable and UV-resistant. For finishing, they are suitable for high-performance coatings and are produced in various fabric widths and surface structures.
Schematic process
Wovens are created by systematically interlacing warp and weft threads on a loom. This is where the actual weaving takes place – depending on the chosen weave (e.g., plain, twill or basket), a fabric with a specific structure and function is created. After the weaving process, the textile is prepared for its subsequent use through post-treatment, finishing, and quality control.
Dimensional stability & accuracy
Woven structures retain their shape even under thermal or mechanical stress, especially where precise fits are required.
Individually functionalizable
The woven materials can be equipped with various finishes, e.g., flame retardant, water repellent, chemical resistant, or electrically conductive (antistatic).
Excellent processing properties
Thanks to their uniform, smooth and dimensionally stable properties, they are easy to coat or laminate.
Knitted fabrics – textile diversity with variability
In this field, we primarily offer technical knitted fabrics - textile fabrics that are created by precise stitch formation from one or more thread systems. We also use cross-thread systems (weft insertion) to influence stability and functionality. The specific choice of weave, materials and additional thread systems allows textile properties to be individually designed - from inelastic and dimensionally stable to stretchable on one side (mono-elastic) and stretchable on both sides (bi-elastic). Once finished and coated, the fabrics are ready for use in manufacture. This high degree of design freedom makes our knitted fabrics the ideal solution for a wide range of applications – whether in clothing, medical technology, mobility or for various technical textiles.
High performance materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials offers knitted fabrics in various designs. We manufacture the following main products.
Circular knitwear
These materials, which are elastic in all directions, are ideal for combining with particularly stretchy outer fabrics. They also enable the production of very light, supple textiles – perfect for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
Knitted or raschel fabric with weft insertion
Depending on the weave and yarn selection, both elastic and stable variants can be produced here. Bi-elastic inserts with high elasticity in the weft direction are particularly in demand. They adapt perfectly to the outer fabric and ensure a noticeable improvement in wearing comfort.
Warp-reinforced nonwoven fabric
A raschel mesh structure (fringing) stabilizes the nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal or machine direction. Depending on the warp yarn and processing, variants with controlled elasticity can also be developed – ideal for technical or shaping applications.
Technical knitted fabrics
Technical knitted fabrics are used when high elasticity, excellent dimensional stability and mechanical strength combined with low weight are required. They meet high deformation requirements, can be finished in a variety of ways and are available in different weave types and material combinations.
Circular knitwear
These materials, which are elastic in all directions, are ideal for combining with particularly stretchy outer fabrics. They also enable the production of very light, supple textiles – perfect for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.
Knitted or raschel fabric with weft insertion
Depending on the weave and yarn selection, both elastic and stable variants can be produced here. Bi-elastic inserts with high elasticity in the weft direction are particularly in demand. They adapt perfectly to the outer fabric and ensure a noticeable improvement in wearing comfort.
Warp-reinforced nonwoven fabric
A raschel mesh structure (fringing) stabilizes the nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal or machine direction. Depending on the warp yarn and processing, variants with controlled elasticity can also be developed – ideal for technical or shaping applications.
Technical knitted fabrics
Technical knitted fabrics are used when high elasticity, excellent dimensional stability and mechanical strength combined with low weight are required. They meet high deformation requirements, can be finished in a variety of ways and are available in different weave types and material combinations.
Schematic process
Knitted fabrics are created by forming and interlocking stitches, usually from a continuous thread or several thread systems. In special stitch formation machines – such as raschel or warp knitting machines – the threads are processed simultaneously and laid crosswise or lengthwise. Depending on the type of machine, stitch pattern, and material used, this results in textile surfaces with specifically controllable properties such as elasticity, breathability, or dimensional stability. Additional weft insertion allow for further variation in function and strength.
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Highly elastic & dimensionally stable
Knitted fabrics are stretchable but reliably return to their original shape. Ideal for applications involving movement or changing loads.
Seamless & flexible processing
Circular knitting technology allows the production of seamless tubes or surfaces, adjustable in width, weight, and structure.
Uniform & precise
The mesh formation results in defined surfaces with consistent thickness and structure. Particularly advantageous in precise technical applications.
Versatile combinations
Knitted fabrics can be combined with thermal bonding, laminates, or chemical finishes, for example – to create customized, multifunctional products.
Your solution.
Our motivation.
Your success.
We work with you to develop the right solution for your individual requirements – precise, efficient, and future-oriented. Our strength lies in the combination of technological expertise, application knowledge, and maximum flexibility. This results in tailor-made solutions that create measurable benefits and give you a decisive edge in the market.