Metal Fibers MTF

The earliest production of metal fibers dates back to around 3000 BC when metal wires were used to decorate textiles. During the Industrial revolution many metal-working businesses were established, and wire drawing developed from a craft into an industry. A thin endless metal object with a diameter below 100 pm is called filament above that it is considered to be a wire. Apart from pure metals (such as copper), often alloys of different metals are processed (widespread for aluminum- and steel-based fibers). 

Metal fibers are mainly used for woven and knitted fabrics. Typical applications of metal fibers are filters (as in polymer melt spinning), antistatic applications (for example, filters, protective clothing), reinforcement structures (tire cord), and also sensors (smart textiles) and architecture (metal fabric fagade). 

World production is estimated at around 320 million tons (T) annually, but no precise figures are available. 

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