The company highlights its Technical Weaving Systems (TWS) organisation as a global team focused on 3D weaving and advanced technical weaving applications. Stäubli points to more than 15 years of 3D weaving experience and describes 3D weaving as a route to new opportunities for advanced technical textiles, citing applications from aerospace and defence components to carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP), ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and high-tenacity fabrics used in ballistic and industrial contexts.

At the centre of its setup is a centre of excellence in Bayreuth, Germany. Stäubli states that this site covers the full 3D weaving development process, spanning R&D and application engineering through to machine adaptation and industrialisation, supported by in-house production capabilities. A dedicated test centre is positioned as an additional resource for testing, feasibility studies, and the development and optimisation of new applications. Stäubli adds that weavers can draw on these resources as needed while keeping the independence to develop and optimise their own processes and fabric architectures.

“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.

Comprehensive portfolio for 3D weaving solutions

On loom technologies, Stäubli describes the TF20 as designed for high-speed weaving, with an optional double weft insertion featuring contactless weft take-over, aimed at industrial composites and distance fabrics. TF30 and TF38 are presented as a platform that supports both rigid rapier and shuttle technologies, allowing selection according to material behaviour, fabric architecture and process requirements. For shedding formation, Stäubli names the LX2494 Jacquard machine for the heaviest loads in 3D weaving applications, the UNIVAL100 Jacquard machine for complex technical weaving, and the heavy dobbies 4020 and 2688 for demanding processes at high loads.