Manufacturing and development of 3D fabrics

Abstract

This investigation reported the recent development of 3 dimensional fabrics such as spacer fabric, 3 dimensional multi-layered fabric and 3 dimensional braided fabric. First, we categorized 3 dimensional fabrics into 3 main products; 3 dimensional woven fabrics, 3 dimensional knitted fabrics and 3 dimensional braided fabrics with reviewing the possible main applications. We also reported the research and development trends of 3 dimensional fabrics by analyzing technical trends in industry and research institutes at domestic and overseas. United State, Germany and Japan lead the manufacturing technology for the mainly preform related products to apply in aerospace, automotive, protections, architecture and clothing applications. Lastly, we reviewed the main products of the leading company which manufactured using the 3 dimensional fabrics.