With more than 15 years of expertise in 3D weaving, Stäubli has established itself as a global leader in this field. Its Technical Weaving Systems (TWS) organization brings together a worldwide team of specialists dedicated to 3D weaving and advanced technical weaving applications. At the heart of this global organization, the center of excellence in Bayreuth –Germany – is responsible of the entire 3D weaving development process, from R&D and application engineering to machine adaptation and industrialization, backed by in-house production capabilities. Its dedicated test center provides additional resources for testing, feasibility studies, and the development and optimization of new applications.

3D weavers can rely on this know-how and these resources as needed, while retaining the flexibility and independence to develop, adapt and optimize their own processes, fabric architectures and production approaches according to their specific requirements.

“Our customers can use the same weaving platform to develop new concepts, explore complex woven structures and adapt both processes and machines to evolving requirements. The platform also provides the process stability and long-term flexibility required for industrial production, helping manufacturers move from R&D to industrialization while retaining the ability to address future applications.” says Andreas Schnabel, Head of R&D TWS.

3D weaving solutions from R&D to industrial production

Through its global Technical Weaving Systems organization, Stäubli offers a comprehensive portfolio of technologies for 3D and advanced technical weaving applications. Combining flexible loom platforms, weaving technologies and shedding solutions, the TWS team supports manufacturers as they develop, optimize and industrialize a wide range of textile structures while preserving flexibility for future requirements.

Loom Technologies:

• The TF20 is designed for high-speed weaving and can be equipped with a double weft insertion option featuring contactless weft take-over, addressing the production requirements of industrial composites and distance fabrics.

• TF30 and TF38: one platform fits all: This platform supports both rigid rapier and shuttle technologies, enabling manufacturers to select the most suitable weft insertion concept according to material behavior, fabric architecture and process requirements.
  

Flexible configuration: different shedding formation options

• The LX2494 Jacquard machine is perfectly suited for 3D weaving applications with the heaviest loads.

• The UNIVAL100 Jacquard machine offers the flexibility and precision required for complex technical weaving applications.

• The heavy dobbies 4020 and 2688 provide additional options for demanding technical weaving processes at high loads.

Flexibility that protects long-term investments

For manufacturers working in fast-changing composite markets, flexibility is becoming a decisive factor. The Stäubli TF platform approach helps reduce the need for application-specific machinery, accelerates product development and improves total cost of ownership by allowing weavers to adapt their equipment to future production challenges.

Applications in advanced technical textiles

The versatility of 3D weaving opens up opportunities across a broad range of demanding industrial applications. These include high-temperature textile structures, multilayer woven fabrics and structural components for aerospace applications, as well as near-net-shape composite preforms.

Multilayer weaving enables the production of complex textile architectures in which several fabric layers can be integrated into a single structure. Such constructions are particularly relevant for composite reinforcement applications where three-dimensional geometries and controlled fiber orientation are required.

Near-net-shape weaving offers the possibility of producing textile preforms that closely correspond to the geometry of the final composite component. This can help reduce subsequent cutting and shaping operations while supporting efficient material utilization.

With its combination of adaptable weaving platforms, specialized shedding technologies and application engineering expertise, Stäubli's Technical Weaving Systems organization supports manufacturers in developing these complex textile structures and transferring them from initial concepts to industrial production.