weft thread
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
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.