3D weaving

Profiles and beams

These structures have no glued joints, stress is transmitted through the woven structure – there is no delamination when stressed.

The compactness of the structure arises during the weaving process. Profiles can have various standard and non-standard cross-sections. In addition to this, cross-section dimensions can vary throughout the whole length.

Comparison

Profiles and beams are definitely much lighter compared to conventional materials. Because they are not subject to corrosion, profiles are suitable in the long run for concrete structures and for structures which would be destabilized by corrosion.

Spacer Fabrics

VEBA has the technology to weave two-layered and multilayered 3D spacers in one step. Each layer is always connected to the next layer by single multifilaments or woven columns, creating spacer fabrics.

Both multifilament and column positions are variable. They can be woven in such a way that they are always on top of each other or so that they are placed irregularly throughout the whole width of the fabric. Spacer fabrics are specific in that if we use it in a structure where one side is stressed through bending, pressure, etc., the force is transferred by means of the individual elementary fibres to the other side. This “distant” layer thus acts against the direction of the force and effectively prevents deformation. The filler between the individual layers is more compactly clamped and thus a better homogeneity of the composite is ensured.

Application

Spacer fabrics can be used successfully instead of current steel reinforced concrete systems. They can also be used as lightweight opaque polycarbonate sheets for ceilings, floors, walls ...

Hollow Fabrics and Rib Plates

Other kinds of 3D products in our portfolio are hollow fabrics and rib plates.

The structure of VEBA hollow fabrics is woven in one single step and is more resistant to stress caused by traction, pressure or bending. Such stress is transmitted directly through the structure of the fabric. The hollow fabric is formed as a single unit while weaving without any additional operations and without affecting the multifilaments.

Another special type of 3D structure that is completely created during weaving are rib plates. This unique 3D structure can remain stiff in one direction while bending freely in the other direction.  Rib plates are also available with bending stiffness in both directions.

The weaving process enables a maximum interconnection of the flat part of the sheet with its cross profile(ribs).

Application

Thus it is possible to shape cross-sections of aircraft wings, propellers, automobile parts (wheel arches, roof ...) pillar covers, tables for mobile homes...

Special shapes

Another representative of this type of technical fabric developed by VEBA is the so-called tunnel fabric.

This tunnel can be woven not only perpendicularly and longitudinally to the structure of the fabric but also at different angles. In addition to direct tunnels, curved tracks can also be used successfully for certain applications. For example to insert side-emitting optical fibre that will illuminate the edge of an object or create a shape. Rods can be inserted into these tunnels that will either form a supporting structure (for example as for a tent) or the tunnels can be filled with a cooling or heating medium...