A counterintuitive data point is reshaping the high-end weaving equipment sector: the tension control precision required for electronic-grade fiberglass cloth has tightened from ±5% in traditional textiles to within ±1.5%. This shift is forcing industry leaders to accelerate technology coupling rather than going solo.
Background
Shandong Rifang Textile Machinery Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yongguan Zhongcheng New Materials Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement on an electronic cloth project. The partnership centers on fiberglass air-jet looms, combining Rifang's expertise in specialty textile machinery with Yongguan's strengths in high-performance new materials manufacturing. Yongguan (stock code: 603681), a global adhesive product supplier, sees this as a critical step to complete its high-performance new materials chain. Rifang provides core equipment support based on its deep technical accumulation in specialty looms.
Electronic cloth is a foundational material for electronics, new energy, copper-clad laminates, and high-end composites. Its production demands far higher stability, precision, and long-term reliability than conventional textiles. Under the agreement, Rifang will supply customized fiberglass air-jet looms and full technical support. The two sides have conducted multiple rounds of technical discussions on process parameters, equipment configuration, operating stability, and construction progress.
Industry Impact
This cooperation signals two clear industry trends. First, the localization of electronic-grade fiberglass materials is accelerating from raw materials to equipment. Previously, high-end electronic cloth weaving equipment in China relied heavily on imports. Rifang's entry indicates that domestic equipment has achieved replaceability in core metrics such as precision tension control and high-speed stability. For downstream copper-clad laminate and PCB manufacturers, equipment localization will directly reduce procurement costs and shorten supply cycles.
Second, Yongguan's cross-sector move is no coincidence. Adhesive materials and electronic cloth share technical synergies—both involve precision coating, surface treatment, and high-cleanliness production environments. By leveraging existing manufacturing experience to extend into electronic-grade materials, Yongguan is following a technology reuse path. This "materials + equipment" joint development model is more efficient than independent efforts, with equipment commissioning cycles expected to shorten by over 30%.
On price expectations, as domestic electronic cloth capacity gradually releases, the current import price range of 15-20 yuan per square meter will face downward pressure. However, in the short term, yield ramp-up remains a key bottleneck, and equipment stability will directly determine project launch rhythm.