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Computer-Controlled 3D Freeform Surface Weaving

Chen, Xiangjia, Lai, Lip M., Liu, Zishun, Dai, Chengkai, Leung, Isaac C. W., Wang, Charlie C. L., Yam, Yeung

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

In this paper, we present a new computer-controlled weaving technology that enables the fabrication of woven structures in the shape of given 3D surfaces by using threads in non-traditional materials with high bending-stiffness, allowing for multiple applications with the resultant woven fabrics. A new weaving machine and a new manufacturing process are developed to realize the function of 3D surface weaving by the principle of short-row shaping. A computational solution is investigated to convert input 3D freeform surfaces into the corresponding weaving operations (indicated as W-code) to guide the operation of this system. A variety of examples using cotton threads, conductive threads and optical fibres are fabricated by our prototype system to demonstrate its functionality.