Table II. Pros and cons of each... | Emerald Publishing

Table II.

Pros and cons of each construction process, and their properties

Construction process	Pros	Cons	Properties of fabric
Braiding	Excellent for cylindrical components due to the production of continuous linear material Can be draped around complex shaped mandrel Capable of braiding non-continuous cross-sections, either hollow or solid Cost effective technique for wide range of composite preforms	Fabric width and preform size is limited	Excellent shear resistance High energy absorbing capability
Weaving	High production speeds 2D weaving machines can be easily adapted to produce 3D fabrics Various weft insertion methods to allow curved edges Advances in jacquard mechanics and motors permits variable shedding geometries, and when combined with appropriate weft insertion methods, tailored net-shape preforms can be produced	Fixed maximum width Slow machine set-up due to warping process	Provides the highest strength and stability High dimensional stability High yarn packing density Increased resistance to impact damage High compressive strength in 3D woven
Knitting	High drapeability/formability and extensibility Can form to complex shapes Variable widths achieved through shaping capabilities Quick and easy changes to yarn selection	Loop structure can lead to slight distortion of fabric during manufacture of composite High curvature of yarns results in reduction in mechanical properties, such as reduced in-plane stiffness and strength Lower fibre volume fraction compared to woven	High elastic behaviour (dependent on appropriate selection of yarns) Good energy absorbing characteristics

Construction process	Pros	Cons	Properties of fabric
Braiding	Excellent for cylindrical components due to the production of continuous linear materialCan be draped around complex shaped mandrelCapable of braiding non-continuous cross-sections, either hollow or solidCost effective technique for wide range of composite preforms	Fabric width and preform size is limited	Excellent shear resistanceHigh energy absorbing capability
Weaving	High production speeds2D weaving machines can be easily adapted to produce 3D fabricsVarious weft insertion methods to allow curved edgesAdvances in jacquard mechanics and motors permits variable shedding geometries, and when combined with appropriate weft insertion methods, tailored net-shape preforms can be produced	Fixed maximum widthSlow machine set-up due to warping process	Provides the highest strength and stabilityHigh dimensional stabilityHigh yarn packing densityIncreased resistance to impact damageHigh compressive strength in 3D woven
Knitting	High drapeability/formability and extensibilityCan form to complex shapesVariable widths achieved through shaping capabilitiesQuick and easy changes to yarn selection	Loop structure can lead to slight distortion of fabric during manufacture of compositeHigh curvature of yarns results in reduction in mechanical properties, such as reduced in-plane stiffness and strengthLower fibre volume fraction compared to woven	High elastic behaviour (dependent on appropriate selection of yarns)Good energy absorbing characteristics