An overview of three-dimensional braiding technologies

Abstract

Abstract The chapter starts with a brief introduction into braiding technology and establishing principal distinctions between three-dimensional (3D) braiding on one side and two-dimensional (2D) braiding on the other that leads to a simple differentiation principle between 3D and 2D braided fabrics. Then, a detailed overview of the historic origins and major developments in the field of 3D braiding processes and machines is presented. It starts with a more popular “row-and-column” 3D braiding branch, analyzes it in a historic retrospect, and emphasizes major accomplishments and persisting problems. After that, a detailed historic overview of a historically more obscure “rotary” (or “horngear”) 3D braiding branch is presented. Second part of the chapter is focused on the recent 3D rotary braiding advancements, particularly on the main innovations in the rotary braiding methods and novel machine developments, which resulted in a breakthrough of 3D braiding technology. Some novel 3D braided preforms and composites are discussed. Mechanical properties of different 3D braided composites are compared in the final section. The achievements and persisting technical issues associated with 3D braiding in general, and 3D rotary braiding in particular, are summarized in the closing remarks.