Aerospace
3D woven components exhibit high strength and wear capabilities in comparison to aluminium and steel alternatives. Allowing for weight reduction existing airframe and structural components.
Able to weave complex 3D shapes, such as turbine blades, without having to worry about delamination of the composite.
Ceramic fibres may also be woven to produce components with superior thermal conductivity for propulsion systems (e.g. Nozzle guide vanes).
Military
The built-up thickness of 3D woven aramid and glass fibres provide excellent ballistic and blast protection for both armoured vehicles and personnel.
Provides a lightweight, corrosion resistant, alternative to existing metallic ballistic components (e.g. Control surfaces, Dorsal fins and Fuselage).
Less field maintenance required.
Medical
Suitable for use in the production of medical equipment with specific design criteria (e.g. X-ray transparency).
Provides new opportunities in the production of lightweight prosthetics and composite arterial grafting.
Research & Development
Optima weaving machines are very versatile, and are very suitable for the R&D sector.
The compact design is helpful for utilising the equipment where space is restricted.
Excellent operator access is also very useful in facilitating R&D working.
Automotive
Currently the application of composite materials is used mainly in the Hand laying process from 2D materials, which is applied to large area multi-layer components such as Body shells and chassis assemblies. The development of our SERIES “R” Multi-Layer broadloom weaving machine will allow pre-woven multiple layers of fabric which could reduce the time-consuming Hand Laying process.