3D textiles, or three-dimensional textile textures or preforms, are made up of staple fibers or continuous yarns arranged in three spatial directions. These textile elements are connected to one another by mechanical processes that link the fibers in an x-y plane and perpendicularly in the z direction, or in any other direction of an orthonormal x-y-z reference frame.
Textiles laminated in parallel layers, without connections between them, are strictly excluded from the definition. However, flat multiaxial technologies with sewn or weakly bonded layers will be presented, as well as processes that create volumes.
3D textiles can be used on their own, or impregnated with lubricants or various resins, or form the reinforcing texture of a composite material, depending on the different functions sought: mechanical, waterproofing, reinforcement, insulation, filtration, drainage or ballistic protection, for example
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