Abstract: A fabric for use in the production of nonwoven material webs comprises at least one component system of monofilament polymeric yarns in each of the machine and cross-machine directions. At least some of the yarns of at least one system comprise surface roughened yarns having a substantially flat surface exposed in the web-contacting surface, with a surface roughness between 5 ?m and 100 ?m. The fabric can be woven, optionally including conductive yarns in either or both of the machine or cross-machine directions. The fabric can also be a spiral link construction comprising coils of helically assembled yarns, at least some of which will be surface roughened yarns; surface roughened stuffer yarns can also be provided within the coils. The fabrics have increased resistance to contamination by materials deposited during web formation and improved web release.