A new Technique for Producing 3D Fabrics using Conventional Loom
Engr. Abdulkader Nasan, Supervised by Prof. George K. Stylios
Introduction
Research in 3D-woven fabrics covers a wide
range of 3D-fabric manufacturing methods
used to weave these fabrics, from modifying
the conventional weaving mechanisms, to
building "true" 3D weaving machines.
However, most of these weaving machines is
used to make 3D-woven preforms which can
fulfil composite material requirements, and
provide several important advantages in
specialty industrial fabrics.
Aims and objectives
The main goal of this research exists in new
development of conventional weaving
machine and structure elements of 3D-fabric
which can be implemented and exploration of
end-uses in structural engineering (aerospace,
automotive, civil) as well as clothing (smart,
wearable) are being investigated. This
development spots the light on the primary
and secondary motions of weaving machine in
order to take complexity out of intensive and
expensive fabrication processes, and put it in a
relatively inexpensive process used to make
the required structures of 3D fabrics.
Practical Work 3D Fabric samples
After manufacturing the required loom After modifying the conventional loom,
mechanisms on the milling machine, some different 3D preforms can be produced such
modifications on the semi-electric loom had as; ‘T’ , ‘U’ , ‘L’ , ‘H’ , ….., and spacer
been successfully done in order to produce 3D fabric. Therefore, no need to build ‘true’ 3D
fabrics. These modifications are as follows: looms to produce these kinds of preforms.
 Adding the required number of warp beams
according to the 3D fabric structure.
 Creating different levels of the back rest
roller in order to maintain a proper tension
for all warp layers.
 Modifying the shedding system in order to
have vertical and horizontal shed at the
same time.
 Modifying the reed and beating up system.
 Modifying the take-up system.
3D fabric: ‘T’ Preform
Engr. Abdulkader Nasan
PhD Student
School of Textiles & Design
Heriot-Watt University
Netherdale
Galasheils
TD1 3HF
3D fabric: Spacer fabric
Email: Akn12@hw.ac.uk
Abdspin@hotmail.com
Weaving Machine