Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the recent definition, technologies and current trends regarding 3D fabrics. In this paper a definition of 3D fabrics, including spacer fabrics, is given and the recent technologies regarding weaving, braiding, weft and warp knitting and tailored fiber placement are presented. Furthermore, an overview of the latest developments in 3D fabrics at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University is presented including: large circular 3D knitting, braided and woven structures for medical purposes, newest testing methods and equipment for spacer fabrics, multiaxial fabrics for composites, warp knitted spacer fabrics for space and construction applications, ceramic matrix composite 3D braiding and 4D textiles.
Highlights
Advantages and Challenges of 3D Textile TechnologiesFor more than 30 years, Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) has been researching and developing 3D textiles
There are no CAD-Models or sufficient digital tools that enable the simulation of the mechanical properties of 3D fabrics
There is a lack of standardized testing methods for 3D fabrics which leads to a lack of comparison between 3D fabrics and 2D fabrics or non-textile materials
Summary
For more than 30 years, Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) has been researching and developing 3D textiles. The usage of 3D textiles offers considerable advantages for many applications: less material consumption, continuous and consistent yarn architecture and less production steps. The difference between regular 2D fabrics and 3D fabrics can be defined in different ways and rarely is there a strict boundary between 2 and 3D fabrics. The reason for this blurred boundary is that all physical objects are formed in 3 dimensions. At most, it happens that at 2D textile has no designed expression of a yarn or fiber in the z-axis, the third dimension. A fabric is defined as a 3D fabric in terms of textile architecture if a volume is formed or created by the fabric; socks are typically regarded as 3D-fabrics due to their textile architecture [1, 2]
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