Braiding definition | Types & processes of braiding in textile

Braiding definition in textile

Braiding in textiles, by machine or hand method, three or more yarns or strips of bias-cut cloth are joined in such a way that they cross each other and come together in a diagonal formation, forming a thin strip of flat or tubular fabric. The term plaiting is commonly applied when materials such as rope or straw are used. Braids are often used as trimming or binding. Flat braids can be used to create a decorative border effect in clothing or home furniture or can be folded at the edges of the raw fabric as a finishing method. A decorative braid with a herringbone pattern in soutache, which is sometimes used to outline designs. The braids can be sewn together to create a braided rug. Hats, handbags, and belts can also be made from a variety of braids, including plastic and straw types.

The simplest and most common version is a flat, solid, three-dimensional structure. More intricate patterns can be created from a random number of strands to create elaborate structures such as a fishtail braid, a five-stranded braid, a rope braid, a French braid, and a waterfall braid. The structure is usually long and narrow with each component strand effectively equivalent to zigzag forward through the overlapping mass of the others. It can be compared to the weaving process, which usually consists of two separate perpendicular groups, such as warp and weft.

The braiding technique is used to make ropes for both natural and synthetic fibers as well as coaxial cables for radios using copper wire. In recent times it has been used to make a covering for fuel pipes in jet aircraft and ships. Hose for domestic plumbing is often covered with stainless steel braid.

Types of braiding in textile

i. Circular braiding and over-braiding

In circular braiding, the bobbins (with opposite directions of rotation) move in two concentric orbits. The two orbits intervene to create diffused sinusoidal oscillations that determine the pattern and crossing point of the thread. At this crossing point, the bobbins change their path to form the upper and inner sides of the braid. Typically, the circular braiding process produces braids with rotational symmetry. The over-braiding process follows the same principle as the round-braiding process, but the only change is that the crossing point is located in the center.

ii. Four-step braiding process

In this process, the bobbins move along the X and Y axes, which are perpendicular to each other. At each step, the bobbins move to both axes and neighboring crossing points on both sides and stop for a certain period of time. The basic layout of the braiding field is obtained after a minimum of four steps. This method produces braids that have a constant cross-section.

iii. Two-step braiding process

In the two-step braiding process, the bobbins move continuously without stopping. They move through the entire structure on the track plate and around the standing edge so that the movement of the bobbin is faster than in the four-step braiding process. The bobbins can only move in two directions, so the process is called the two-step braiding process.

iv. 3D rotary braiding

The 3D rotary braiding process consists of a baseplate with horn gear and a mobile bobbin arranged on them. Switches are used to control the position of threads and horn gears.