Textile technologies for the manufacture of three-dimensional textile preforms

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of the current manufacturing methods for three-dimensional textile preforms while providing experimental data on the emerging techniques of combining yarn interlocking with yarn interlooping. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes the key textile technologies used for composite manufacture: braiding, weaving and knitting. The various textile preforming methods are suited to different applications; their capabilities and end performance characteristics are analysed. Findings Such preforms are used in composites in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical and automotive to civil engineering. The paper highlights how the use of knitting technology for preform manufacture has gained wider acceptance due to its flexibility in design and shaping capabilities. The tensile properties of glass fibre knit structures containing inlay yarns interlocked between knitted loops are given, highlighting the importance of reinforcement yarns. Originality/value The future trends of reinforcement yarns in knitted structures for improved tensile properties are discussed, with initial experimental data.

Textile Technology for Soft Robotic and Autonomous Garments

“…3D wovens produced in this manner include solids where multiple layers are interlaced, as well as shell‐like 3D spacer fabrics with large air gaps between connected structures, similar to cardboard. [ 179,180 ]…”

“…Methods of creating more complex 3D braided shell structures by forming braids over mandrels with additional shaping have been suggested and demonstrated. [ 179,186,187 ] In the fields of braiding and composites, these 3D shell shapes are known as 2D braids (because of the shell nature of the textile). Meanwhile, “true” 3D braids exist, but require additional systems of yarn carriers.…”

“…Meanwhile, “true” 3D braids exist, but require additional systems of yarn carriers. [ 179 ] For more information on the braiding process, we suggest these references. [ 179,185 ]…”

“…For example, most people are familiar with the stretchable jersey knit of a T‐shirt, but by adding inlay (or weave‐in) yarns during the knitting process, taut linear yarns can be incorporated into one direction of the looped structure, forming a material with highly anisotropic stiffness. [ 179 ]…”

An experimental investigation into the behavior of sand reinforced by tubular braided structures

“…Braiding technology offers a reduced fabrication time at a relatively low cost for producing low-cost, high-volume continuous fiber composites [16,17]. There is a possibility to produce a wide range of these technical textiles with different cross-section shapes, sizes, materials, and patterns [18]. Figure 1 shows the schematic of the braiding technique over shaped mandrel.…”