An overview on fabrication of three-dimensional woven textile preforms for composites

TLDR

3D woven textile preforms are produced by various yarn interlacement processes chosen according to end‑use, and are defined by substantial thickness formed by layered fabrics or yarns. The paper provides a comprehensive overview and classification of 3D woven textile preform fabrication methods, aiming to inform textile and composite engineers for advanced applications. The authors review and classify 3D woven textile preform fabrication methods, distinguishing conventional weaving technologies from those requiring specialized machines.

Abstract

There are various manufacturing processes for the interlacement of yarns to produce three-dimensional (3D) fabric structures as preforms for textile composites. The manufacturing route is determined by the end-use of composites and therefore the composite industry does not solely rely on one method but a selection of methods for fabric formation. This paper attempts to make a comprehensive overview on fabrication methods that can be used for making 3D textile woven preforms for composites. There are many different views on what 3D woven fabrics are, but one common understanding is that 3D fabrics must have substantial dimension in the thickness direction formed by layers of fabrics or yarns. In this paper we classify 3D woven textiles into those that can be manufactured on the conventional weaving technology and those that require specially made weaving machines/devices. This paper attempts to provide useful information for both the textile and composite engineers in developing textile composites for advanced applications.