The competition for electronic-grade glass fiber fabric (electronic fabric) equipment is entering a new phase. According to industry public information, Shandong Rifa Textile Machinery Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yongguan Adhesive Products Corp., Ltd. recently signed a strategic agreement for an electronic fabric project, using glass fiber air-jet looms as the entry point to establish a technical benchmark in precision weaving.
This move comes amid rising demand for electronic fabric as a key base material in electronics, new energy, copper-clad laminates, and high-end composites. The stability, precision, and tension control of weaving equipment directly determine product quality. Rifa's technical accumulation in special looms positions it as a critical equipment supplier in this segment.
Background
Yongguan New Material (stock code: 603681), a major global adhesive products supplier, is extending its reach from traditional adhesives into high-performance new materials through this electronic fabric project. The attendance of Chairman Lv Xinmin, project head Zhang Yiwen, and technical director Liu Zhongjian at the signing ceremony underscores the project's high priority within the company.
Rifa's team was led by Shen Jingchun, general manager of the special loom division. Rifa's leading position in glass fiber weaving equipment made it a key partner for Yongguan's equipment selection. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on electronic fabric production processes, glass fiber air-jet loom configurations, operational stability, and subsequent technical services.
Industry Impact
The demanding requirements of electronic fabric are pushing equipment suppliers to upgrade technical indicators. Traditional air-jet looms often experience tension fluctuations at high speeds, while electronic fabric demands uniform tension and long-term reliability, requiring improvements in mechanical design, control systems, and materials. Rifa's glass fiber air-jet looms have been specifically optimized for tension control and operational stability, crucial for Yongguan's project.
From an industry chain perspective, this cooperation has dual significance. For Yongguan, the electronic fabric project is a key step in expanding its high-performance materials portfolio, with equipment selection directly determining whether products meet high-end requirements for copper-clad laminates and 5G communications. For Rifa, this partnership provides a benchmark case for its glass fiber air-jet looms in electronic fabric applications, facilitating future promotion to other electronic material companies.
Notably, competition in the electronic fabric equipment sector is intensifying. As downstream electronics and new energy industries demand lighter, more insulating, and heat-resistant materials, capacity expansion and quality improvement of electronic fabric have become industry focal points. Equipment suppliers' ability to provide stable, efficient, and low-energy weaving solutions will directly impact project returns and product competitiveness.