3TEX Introduces 3Carbonbillet World Leader In ''Thick'' Industrial Fabrics and ''Near Net Shape''; Composite Preforms Introduces New Product

    CARY, N.C.--Feb. 27, 2001--3TEX, Inc. ( www.3TEX.com ) a worldwide leader in developing next generation 3D preforms and composites, today announced it is introducing 3Carbonbillet(TM).
    The 3TEX, 3Carbonbillet(TM) product line includes preforms and composite billets and board stock 3D woven using the patented 3Weave(TM) process. This results in an integrated composite, which will not delaminate, allowing designers to take composites out of the mold and directly into the CNC/CAM, and tooling board arena, announced Brad Lienhart, President/CEO.
    3Carbonbillet(TM) is being launched as a 3TEX commercial product line at the JEC 2001 Show on March 26 in Paris, France. The preforms and billet will be sold initially in 12" and 18" widths, and in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1 1/2 inch thickness. 3Carbonbillet(TM) preforms and consolidated billets will be made from 12K and 48K carbon fiber. Consolidation of billets will be made generally with epoxy vinyl ester or epoxy modified resins in a resin infusion process. Special resins may be required for certain higher temperature tooling board applications.
    The 3TEX, 3Carbonbillet(TM) product line brings several 3WEAVE(TM) advantages to the market place. The 3TEX, 3WEAVE(TM) automated machines are capable of processing straight, carbon fibers in an orthogonal construction at very high speeds. These straight fiber pathways further accelerate resin consolidation. 3TEX has made automotive and high performance bike parts using standard steel and aluminum machining equipment. The results are clean, sharp part lines and bolt/bearing strength ratings comparable to aluminum. 3Carbonbillet(TM) parts are 46% lighter than aluminum, will not corrode and are easily cut with a water jet.
    3Carbonbillet(TM) will open new markets in competition with steel and aluminum, while in the composite area 3Carbonbillet(TM) will revolutionize tooling board construction. 3TEX is working with several carbon fiber and resin producers in strategic alliances to introduce the 3Carbonbillet a product line. 3TEX will also add a 3Glassbillet(TM) product line with thick preforms made from E-Glass and S-2 Glass.
    Samples and additional information on 3TEX, 3Carbonbillet(TM) will be available at the JEC 2001 show, Albinoni Hall, stall D5 or contact Don Wigent, Product Engineer, Grey Parker, Product Manager and Mae Mohamed, Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications at 919/481-2500.
    About 3TEX, Inc. - 3TEX is a world leader in designing, engineering, and commercial production of "thick" industrial fabrics and "near net shape" composite preforms from its proprietary, high-speed 3Weave(TM) process. 3TEX currently holds nine patents covering the 3WEAVE(TM) process and related applications. 3TEX is headquartered in Cary, with manufacturing facilities in Cary and Rutherfordton, NC.