Three-dimensional weaving of composite fabrics can create complex, single-piece structures that are strong and lightweight. Compared to traditional two-dimensionally woven fabrics, 3D weaving reduces weight, takes away the delamination often experienced with 2D-woven fabrics, reduces crack risks, and lowers production time. 3D-woven fabrics also offer direct and indirect manufacturing and operational cost reductions.
 
What is 3D Weaving?
Nearly all fabrics are weaved in two dimensions — the X axis (length) and the Y axis (width). 3D woven fabrics consist of weaving through the thickness, or the Z axis. This produces complex, single-piece structures.
Looms are the primary tool for weaving fabrics. Nearly as old as civilization itself, looms are ideal machines for weaving 2D fabrics, including webbing, straps, belts, and tapes. Though, they cannot weave 3D fabrics without substantial tooling.
 
Benefits of 3D Weaving
3D weaving benefits include weight reduction, elimination of delamination, reduced crack risk, lower production time, and cost reduction.
3D woven composites are drastically lighter than metal structures. This is specifically ideal to the aerospace industry. Every pound of weight saved from an aircraft is estimated to save the aircraft’s operator roughly $1 million in operating expenses, primarily fuel, over that aircraft’s lifetime. Smart utilization of 3D woven composite structures in aircraft design can lessen the weight of an aircraft by up to 30 percent, causing in considerable operational cost savings.
 
Utilizing 3D woven composite structures in place of traditional metal or 2D laminated composites can offer cost savings through both the manufacturing process and a product’s operational lifetime.



This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com