Flat braids

In addition to more specific properties, a basic requirement is that the structure should be coherent. This is most commonly achieved by twisting. Traditionally short fibres, such as hemp, sisal, and cotton were spun into twisted yams. The yams can then be assembled into two- or three-ply threads or through the sequence of textile yam rope yam strand into three- or sometimes four-strand ropes. Circular braiding, or flat braiding for webbings, was the main alternative form. 

There are a number of technical functions of cords in clothing. Examples are ties to tighten anorak waists and hoods and shoe laces, which are usually circular or flat braids. In addition to basic mechanical performance, good knottability is needed. Narrow fabrics are used as belts. Webbings are widely used, particularly in a miUtary... 

Figure 21.27 A typical flat braiding machine and diagram of braid construction. Source Reprinted with permission from Ko FK, Braiding, ASM International, Metals Park, 519-528, 1987. Copyright 1987, ASM International.

Rickrack rik- rak [reduplication of rack] (1884) n. Flat braid in zigzag formation. It is produced by applying different tensions to individual threads during manufacture. 

A soutache is a moldable, flat braid with two ribs in silk or viscose used for formal clothes. 

Ref Angle on tubular braid (degree) Angle on flat braid (degree) Modification (%)... 

Figure 16.10 Method to create a flat braided fabric from a braided tubule.

Figure 10.18 Application of microbraided yarn to textile, (a) Woven fabric, (b) flat braided fabric, (c) plain knitted fabric, and (d) multiaxial warp knitted fabric.

For the production of flat braids or strands (Fig. 7.7(a)), two-end horn gears exist with a variable number of intermediate wheels. The bobbins pass through the machine from the first to the last horn gear and back again. 

Lace braiding machines are a combination of several strand-forming braiding machines. Several bobbin paths are arranged next to each other on the braider table, but partial courses connect these paths to one another. Either the bobbins move on the movement path and braid and twist without moving, or they change to adjacent movement paths. Altogether, the product has a fabric appearance that is typical for laces. It is an open-worked, flat braid that consists of various numbers of twists or small strands. 

You can make your own tab and bus wire. Copper foil is available in thicknesses from. 002 to. 021 from McMaster-Carr or another supplier. It can be cut into thin strips to your particular specifications. You can also use flat grounding braid for bus ribbon, as it is made for heavier current carrying capacity. Grounding braid comes in a variety of thicknesses and widths and is usually tinned. Make sure to use Tinnit to tin the tab and bus if you make your own - it also helps to minimize oxidation. You can use round wire, either solid or stranded, for bus connections as well as cell connects, if you desire, but the flat ribbon is probably easier to work with. Square mils... 

Flat and tubular braids and their tracks. Source Reprinted with permission from Fujita A, Hamada H, Maekawa Z, Uozumi T, Okauji T, Ohno E, Proceedings, TexComp-2, Leuven, Belgium, May 17-19, 1994. Permission from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. 

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