Abstract:

3-D stitch-bonded textile preforms allow for complicated fiber configurations and a more efficient component assembly, as compared to the multi-step fabrication process, to create preforms by forming and joining. A prerequisite for such a perform, however, is the development of a one-step textile fabrication process. This paper presents a newly developed machine concept of a single-step processing solution based on a variable warp yarn delivery, which makes the production of both net-shaped plan and 3-D stitch-bonded textile preforms possible without any hardware changes. Existing constraints and conformable strategies for the development of a universal solution for producing preforms with varied and complex geometry are elucidated. A new warp yarn delivery system employing NC-Drive units for individual warp yarn delivery together with a differential doffing unit was designed and presented herein. With this innovation, the textile branch benefits from extended possibilities in the development of new quality products to improve their market positions while successfully catering to meet the existing economic challenges.