Another National Standard for Carbon Fiber Equipment: Standardizing the Precursor Stage, Completing the Full-Process Standardization Loop

The standardization of carbon fiber equipment in China has completed a critical loop within a year. Following the implementation of the national standard for carbonization equipment in June 2025, the specification for precursor-stage complete sets has now been officially approved. Together, these two standards bring the entire process from precursor to carbonization under a unified framework, addressing long-standing inefficiencies in production line design and procurement costs caused by inconsistent terminology and model numbering.

Standard Focus: Full-Chain Integration from Precursor to Carbonization

The newly approved national standard, titled "Terminology, Classification, and Model Numbering Method for Complete Sets of Polyacrylonitrile Fiber Production Equipment," was jointly led by Jinggong Technology and Huachuang Technology and will take effect on February 1, 2027. It covers the entire precursor production process, including polymerization, spinning, drawing, drying, and solvent recovery, and for the first time provides unified rules for equipment terminology, classification, and model numbering in these stages.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor is the core precursor for carbon fiber, and its quality directly determines the mechanical properties and batch stability of the final carbon fiber. The precision and intelligence level of precursor equipment directly affect the yield rate and unit production cost. Previously, the lack of unified specifications in this field led to inconsistent equipment naming and classification among manufacturers, resulting in difficult equipment selection during production line design, low efficiency in upstream-downstream coordination, and even repeated debugging due to model confusion.

Industry Impact: Reducing Coordination Costs and Accelerating Domestic Substitution

The direct impact of standardization on the industry chain lies in reducing transaction costs and shortening design cycles. For carbon fiber producers, unified terminology and model numbering mean they can more clearly compare technical parameters and performance indicators of different suppliers when procuring precursor equipment, reducing selection errors caused by information asymmetry. For equipment manufacturers, the standard provides a reference framework for product development and iteration, helping to avoid redundant development and disorderly competition.

A more profound impact is on the efficiency of full-process coordination. The precursor and carbonization stages are highly correlated in process parameters—draw ratio and heat setting temperature of the precursor directly determine the yield and performance of subsequent carbonization. Previously, equipment standards for the two stages were separate, and process alignment often relied on empirical debugging. Now, with the two national standards forming a closed loop, it theoretically clears the path for integrated production line design and intelligent linkage.

From the perspective of industrial chain security, carbon fiber precursor equipment has long faced technical barriers, with high-end precursor production lines still partially dependent on imports. Unified national standards help domestic equipment companies concentrate resources on tackling core bottlenecks such as large-tow and high-performance PAN precursor equipment, reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. Jinggong Technology stated that it will continue to promote the application of group standards based on the two national standards, focusing on overcoming core bottlenecks in large-tow, high-performance precursor and carbonization equipment.

Practical Recommendations

For Purchasers - During the transition period before the standard takes effect in 2027, prioritize equipment suppliers whose product designs align with the new national standard to reduce future adaptation costs for production line upgrades. - Clearly stipulate in procurement contracts that equipment terminology, classification, and model numbering must comply with the upcoming national standard to avoid difficulties in acceptance and maintenance due to standard inconsistency. - Pay attention to the process parameter alignment requirements between the precursor and carbonization standards, and consider full-process standardized design during the production line planning stage.

For Foreign Trade Enterprises - When importing overseas carbon fiber equipment, assess the compatibility of existing equipment model systems with the new national standard, and prepare in advance for localized adaptation of technical documents and spare parts. - When exporting domestic carbon fiber equipment, actively highlight compliance with Chinese national standards as a differentiated selling point for technical strength, especially in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. - Monitor the capacity release pace of the domestic carbon fiber industry after the standard is implemented, and adjust export product structures toward high-value-added carbon fiber composite products.