This research explores the possibilities of combining additive manufacturing and weaving of textiles to create a novel textile-form. In recent years, additive manufacturing has revolutionized manufacturing processes by enabling the creation of complex three dimensional geometries with precision. Conversely, weaving, a traditional method of fabric production, offers inherent structural integrity and flexibility. However, recent research focusses on developing three dimensional textiles. By combining these two production methods, this research unlocks new opportunities for the production of composite textiles with enhanced properties and functionalities. During the FDM-printing process yarns were placed like a warp between two layers of filament. This basic principle of integrating these processes in explored in this research.

Throughout three design phases, the process was explored and further developed. Subsequently, the material underwent characterization through two rounds of testing. During the first tinkering phase, emphasis was placed on the connection points between the yarn and the filament. Achieving a connection between both materials heavily depended on the height of the nozzle. Various combinations of materials yielded samples with diverse behaviours, ranging from flowy to more elastic and springy textiles. All the samples exhibited anisotropic behaviour: along the x-axis, the material could plead like a textile, while along the y-axis, the filament provided rigidity, allowing the textile to form a dome. In the second phase, the emphasis shifted towards exploring forms by experimenting with various printing patterns. By implementing a zigzag pattern, an auxetic textile was successfully produced. When the samples were pulled along the x-axis, the material demonstrated the ability to open up in the z-direction. An experiential characterisation test was done by using the Ma2E4 toolkit, which conformed the curiosity and surprising qualities of the material. However, the material’s weakness and fragility posed limitations on the freedom to explore its potential fully. Interesting to find out was the contrast of interpretation between manufactured and handcrafted. During the third phase of tinkering, greater control over the auxetic behaviour of the material was achieved through experimentation with different densities and the implementation of cutting the yarns with a hot nozzle. Also the textileness was increased by using LW-PLA and adding noise to the print. For the technical characterization, a tensile test was conducted, revealing the clear anisotropy in the strength of the material. Additionally, the consistency in print quality was confirmed.

For this novel process and material, a variety of future applications could be envisioned. Ranging from utilizing the material’s movement in the z-direction for isolation to its ability to open up for light control. The process enables a seamless transition between a solid plastic and a textile, opening possibilities for applications such as shoes or chairs.