Fabric manufacturing techniques weaving

There are two different approaches in the development of 3D textile structures one is the use of conventional weaving techniques developed for the production of 2D fabrics. They have been successful in manufacturing different types of 3D fabrics (Sun et al., 2013 Chen et al., 2008). The conventional looms are mainly designed for production of 2D fabrics for domestic applications. Although they have been used for making 3D fabric with various types of structures, they would face problems when the thickness of the 3D fabric becomes substantial. In addition, the conventional looms only allow the weft yams to be inserted in one direction this would limit the scope of the creation of 3D architecture (Chen et al., 2011a Figure 13.6). 

Weaving has been used to manufacture textile fabrics for more than 5000 years. Today, it is still the predominant technique for the production of fabrics worldwide. The overall production of woven fabrics is about 30 million tons per year (Gesamt-verband Textil+Mode, 2013). 

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