J.3D.1: The Accessible and Modular 3D-weaving Loom

Modularity and Accessibility

What sets our jacquard loom apart is its modularity and accessibility. In collaboration with renowned expert weavers, we made a 3D low-cost computing hand jacquard loom based on Carnegie Mellon's research. It is designed using 3D printed and available hardware parts. Unlike traditional looms that specialize in specific patterns or techniques, this machine allows for 3D woven structures, making the functionalities of various looms possible in one and more. This includes but is not limited to weaving pile textiles and 3D weaving. We currently offer 3 modularities: thread size, multi-warp beams and sectional warping with different sections.

Applying 3D-Knitting to Weaving

'Woven Bubbles' is the most advanced sample that we have created so far by using the current iteration of the jacquard loom. It was made by using a technique commonly applied in knitting. This reflects how imported practices from similar textile domains can be imported amongst each other. Further research and development in this area can lead to advancements in the field and push the boundaries of what is achievable on a 3D handweaving Jacquard Loom.

Drive for Innovation

The sample making versatility of the loom was speculated to make it possible to reduce costs in textile testing of new materials within the industry. “Testing requires a big investment since companies need to do so over 5-7 times before having a yarn that can actually be used for weaving in an industrial machine. In the Netherlands each test can cost up to circa €10,000.” The expert in circularity in textiles estimated that the loom could reduce the testing costs to about half the original price, potentially saving €30,000 or more, thus “accelerating sustainable innovations”.