Needle punching is a mechanical process that uses barbed needles to reposition fibers from a horizontal to a vertical orientation in fiber webs. The needle penetration penetrates the web, interlocking the fibers and increasing fiber orientation and fabric strength. Key parameters that affect the needle punching process include fiber and web properties, needle penetration depth, punch density, needle arrangement, and the direction of needling passes. Needle punching is used to manufacture nonwoven fabrics for applications like shoe felts, blankets, automotive insulation, carpet backing, and composites.