3D weaving technology

3D Weaving and 3D Woven Structures
Dr Xiaogang Chen School of Materials The University of Manchester
Combining the strengths of UMIST and The Victoria University of Manchester

Applications?Combining the strengths of UMIST and The Victoria University of Manchester

Applications
The main current applications of 3D woven fabrics are in composites made from textile preforms and inprotective clothing. Enterprising companies will find innovations for other markets.
Combining the strengths of UMIST and The Victoria University of Manchester

Weaving Technology

Combining thestrengths of UMIST and The Victoria University of Manchester

The 5 Loom Motions
Shedding Beat-up

Weft Insertion

Take-up

Let-off
Combining the strengths of UMIST and The Victoria Universityof Manchester

Loom Motions and Functions
Motion Shedding Function Separate the warp sheet into upper and lower layers, known as a shed, in time for a new pick to be inserted into it to formfabric. The shed formation decides the fabric structure. Introduce a full length of new pick of the right choice into the shed. There are different methods for weft insertion. Push the newly inserted pickinto the fell (the meeting point of the fabric and the warp sheet) to form fabric. The movement of the reed carries this out. Draw away from fell the fabric formed at such a rate that the fabric willhave the predetermined weft density. This is also to give space for the following pick to be woven into the fabric. Supply the correct amount of warp length from the weaver’s beam into the weavingregion. A constant warp tension level must be kept in order for the weaving process to continue.

Weft insertion Beat-up Take-up

Let-off

Combining the strengths of UMIST and The VictoriaUniversity of Manchester

What is 3D Weaving
• Definition 1 – Making of fabrics with substantial thickness by layering • Definition 2 – Shedding and weft insertion horizontally and vertically • Our view...