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.
@article{arxiv.2403.00473,
title = {Computer-Controlled 3D Freeform Surface Weaving},
author = {Xiangjia Chen and Lip M. Lai and Zishun Liu and Chengkai Dai and Isaac C. W. Leung and Charlie C. L. Wang and Yeung Yam},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.00473},
year = {2024}
}