New Approaches to 3D Non-Crimp Fabric Manufacturing

Abstract

Textile reinforcements have outstanding load-bearing capabilities due to the excellent tensile properties of high performance multifilament yarns (e.g. carbon fibers). However, in order to take full advantage of their high potential, it is necessary to ensure that the filaments run in a straight line. In order to guarantee this straight filament course, the highly efficient multiaxial warp knitting process is used for the production of 2D non-crimp fabrics (NCF) as textile preforms. In various industrial applications, most structures have complex 3D geometries. Therefore, the 2D textile needs to be shaped for reinforcement, which often results in a rearrangement of the filament orientation. Consequently, the 3D shaping process has to be taken into account during the textile production or in the shaping process itself in order to guarantee the highest mechanical properties. Using the example of lattice girders for concrete reinforcement, a new approach for the fabrication of 3D textile lattice girders in a continous shaping process is presented. The results of the production tests of the developed technology approach show no apparent filament damage and exact roving orientation with no inadvertent deflection, compression or bulging, indicating a precise and gentle shaping process. The developed technology contributes to the future reduction of the production costs of 3D textile reinforcements.