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This issue of the RECENT journal was edited with the support of: ContentsIntermingled and Commingled Yarn-Based Thermoplastic Composites: Fundamental Principles and Processing Routes
RECENT J. (2026), 80:068-075 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2026.80.068 Abstract Thermoplastic textile composites produced from intermingled and commingled yarn systems have attracted increasing attention due to their improved impregnation efficiency, recyclability, and suitability for high-volume manufacturing. In these hybrid yarn structures, thermoplastic matrix filaments are intimately mixed with reinforcement fibres at the filament level, enabling rapid consolidation without the need for liquid resin impregnation. This first part of the review paper presents the fundamental principles governing intermingled and commingled yarn technologies, including yarn formation mechanisms, fabric architectures, and consolidation routes based on hot press moulding. The influence of filament distribution, weaving structure, and processing parameters on impregnation quality and structural integrity is critically discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of textile preform design in controlling fibre volume fraction, porosity, and consolidation efficiency. The reviewed studies demonstrate that filament-level mixing significantly reduces impregnation distances and enhances process reliability compared to conventional thermoplastic composite manufacturing routes. This paper establishes the processing–structure framework required for understanding the mechanical and functional performance of such composites, which will be systematically compared in Part II of this review. Keywords intermingled yarns, commingled yarns, thermoplastic composites, textile preforms, hot press moulding, woven fabrics Intermingled and Commingled Yarn-Based Thermoplastic Composites: Comparative Mechanical and Functional Properties
RECENT J. (2026), 80:076-087 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2026.80.076 Abstract Intermingled and commingled yarn-based textile preforms have emerged as efficient reinforcement architectures for thermoplastic composite manufacturing, particularly for press molding routes. Part II of this review provides a comparative evaluation of the mechanical, thermal, physical, and processing-related properties of thermoplastic composites produced from intermingled and commingled yarn systems. Emphasis is placed on the influence of yarn architecture, fiber–matrix distribution, impregnation quality, and fabric structural parameters on tensile, flexural, impact, interlaminar shear, and thermo-mechanical performance. Comparative data from the literature are systematically analyzed using tabulated formats to highlight performance trends across different fiber types, matrix systems, and textile constructions. The review further discusses process–property relationships, recyclability aspects, and industrial applicability of these hybrid yarn-based composites. The findings indicate that commingled yarn systems generally provide superior impregnation homogeneity and mechanical performance, whereas intermingled yarns offer advantages in processing flexibility, cost efficiency, and sustainability-oriented applications. This part aims to support material selection and structural design decisions for press-molded thermoplastic textile composites. Keywords intermingled yarns, commingled yarns, thermoplastic composites, press molding, textile reinforcements, comparative properties Implementation of a Pneumatic Actuation System to Improve Reliability and Reduce Maintenance Costs in an Assembly Line
RECENT J. (2026), 80:088-096 https://doi.org/10.31926/RECENT.2026.80.088 Abstract The continuous optimization of manufacturing processes is essential for improving equipment reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing production efficiency in modern automated assembly systems. This paper presents the design and implementation of a pneumatic actuation system intended to improve the functionality of an automated workstation affected by recurrent maintenance interventions. The proposed solution consists of replacing a mechanically demanding operation with a pneumatically actuated mechanism that provides controlled, repeatable, and reliable movement throughout the assembly cycle. The research includes the selection of the pneumatic cylinder, the design and simulation of the pneumatic circuit, the implementation methodology, and the technical selection of the required components. The results demonstrate that the pneumatic solution improves process stability, reduces mechanical stress on the equipment, minimizes maintenance interventions, and contributes to higher operational reliability. The proposed approach represents a practical and cost-effective engineering solution that can be adapted to various automated manufacturing systems. Keywords industrial automation, maintenance optimization, manufacturing systems, assembly workstation, pneumatics
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