The Fracture Point
The Fracture Point is exactly what the name implies; it is a V-shaped circumferential indentation formed on the needle body at a position engineered to provide a weakened structural location. The Fracture Point eliminates needle tracking and other fabric defects that can be caused by a broken needle. As a result, less loom downtime is experienced.

Figure 14 illustrates the Fracture Point in its recommended location on the needle body and also a close-up of the location itself. The Fracture Point should be positioned on the intermediate blade at a location in which it never enters the fabric. The Fracture Point is best suited for lightweight fabrics that must have a high quality surface condition, such as vinyl substrates and decorative fabrics.

Products produced via the needlepunch process represent one of the fastest growing and increasingly technical segments in the nonwovens industry. Geotextiles, papermaker felts and highly sophisticated filtration media are just a few of the precisely engineered needlepunched products fulfilling increasing demand. Innovations in felting needle design and styles have enhanced the success of the nonwovens.