Electronic Fabric Equipment Heats Up: Rifa and Yongguan Join Forces to Tackle Precision Weaving

The localization of electronic fabric equipment is reaching a critical juncture. Shandong Rifa Textile Machinery Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yongguan Zhongcheng New Material Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to collaborate deeply on an electronic fabric project, using air-jet looms for glass fiber as the starting point to jointly tackle precision weaving challenges.

Background

Electronic-grade glass fiber fabric is a fundamental material in electronics, new energy, copper-clad laminates, and high-performance composites. Its weaving equipment demands extreme stability, precision, tension control, and long-term operational reliability. Yongguan New Material (stock code: 603681), a global leader in adhesive products, is entering the electronic fabric sector to extend its high-performance new material chain into electronic-grade materials.

Shandong Rifa Textile Machinery brings years of technical expertise in specialty looms. According to public industry data, Rifa has developed a series of air-jet looms for glass fiber, covering R&D to industrialization. Under this cooperation, Rifa will provide complete air-jet loom systems and technical support for Yongguan's electronic fabric project.

During discussions, both sides delved into key issues including production processes, equipment configuration, operational stability, and after-sales service. They agreed that the air-jet loom is a critical piece of equipment that directly determines production efficiency and product quality. This consensus is driven by surging demand for electronic fabric—as 5G communications, new energy vehicles, and wind power blades grow rapidly, demand for high-performance electronic fabric is rising at over 10% annually.

Industry Impact

What does this cooperation mean for the domestic electronic fabric equipment supply chain? First, technical synergy will accelerate performance improvements of domestic equipment. For years, high-end electronic fabric weaving equipment has relied on imports, particularly from Japanese and European manufacturers who excel in precise tension control and high-speed stable operation. The Rifa-Yongguan partnership is expected to develop proprietary solutions that reduce equipment procurement costs for downstream companies.

Second, from a supply chain perspective, Yongguan's electronic fabric project is not isolated. Public data shows that since 2025, more than five new material companies in China have announced electronic fabric projects, with total investments exceeding RMB 5 billion. This wave is driven by the relocation of downstream industries like copper-clad laminates and PCBs to China. Rifa's strategic positioning in electronic fabric equipment captures a key link in the industrial chain upgrade.

For upstream glass fiber yarn suppliers, this cooperation signals new opportunities. Electronic fabric requires extremely fine, strong, and uniform yarn—currently fewer than 10 domestic suppliers can consistently meet these standards. As electronic fabric projects launch, yarn suppliers face both order growth and technical upgrade pressures: yarn quality stability directly impacts weaving equipment performance.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Monitor domestic equipment progress: Domestic air-jet looms now offer clear cost advantages, but long-term stability and after-sales response need verification. Request at least two years of operational data and third-party test reports from suppliers. - Lock in upstream yarn resources early: Electronic-grade glass fiber yarn supply is tight. Sign long-term supply agreements with yarn suppliers to avoid project delays due to material shortages.

For Foreign Trade Companies - Assess export potential of domestic equipment: As domestic technology matures, demand for cost-effective weaving equipment is rising in emerging electronic manufacturing hubs like Southeast Asia and India. Build after-sales service and spare parts networks in advance. - Address technical barriers and certifications: Exporting electronic fabric equipment requires compliance with destination countries' electrical safety and environmental standards. Obtain CE, UL, and other international certifications early to shorten market entry time.