The efficiency of non-woven gauntlets for tubular positive plates in industrial lead acid batteries is well known, both in terms of cost and performance. In order to be even better suited for the most demanding applications and filling processes, the non-woven gauntlet properties have been further improved thanks to an extensive work on the fabric itself and on the forming process. As a result, a complete range of non-woven gauntlets are nowadays available depending on the battery type, filling method and end-use: beside the standard and reinforced point-bonded Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fabrics, also available with edge insulation, a brand new gauntlet type has been especially developed for stationary and gel VRLA batteries. The new generation of gauntlets is based on a flat calendered bicomponent non-woven fabric. This bicomponent material has two main advantages, which are normally antagonist in the point-bonded fabric technology: improved mechanical strength and elasticity in combination with a reduced electrical resistance. A patent is pending for this new generation of non-woven gauntlets. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.