3D textiles
3D textiles are three-dimensional structures made with different manufacturing methods such as weaving, knitting, braiding, or nonwoven, or made with alternative technologies. 3D textiles are produced with three planar geometry, opposed to 2D textiles that are made on two planes.The weave in 2D textiles is perpendicular. The yarn is fed along two axis: length (x-axis) and width (y-axis), while 3D textiles also have a perpendicular weave, but they have an extra yarn with an angular feeding (z-axis) which creates thickness. 3D weaves are orthogonal weave structures, multilayer structures, and angle interlocks. 3D textiles  have more manufacturing opportunities, various properties, and a broader scope of applications. These textiles have a wide range of applications, but they are most commonly used where performance is the primary criterion, such as technical textiles. Composite materials, manufacturing is one of the significant areas of using 3D textiles. 3D structures have two kinds of structural formations, i.e., hollow and solid. Types. 3D fabrics can be formed with 3D weaving, 3D knitting, 3D braiding, non-woven methods and with many newer technologies, such as 3D printing, etc. 3D weaving. There are several types of 3D woven fabrics that are commercially  available; they can be classified according to their weaving technique. 3D knitting. 3D knitting is a method of forming an article of clothing directly from the yarns. Typical examples are socks and one piece tights. 3D knitted fabrics are also used for the production of certain reinforcement structures. Nonwoven. Non-woven 3D fabrics are made of short fibers (natural and cut filaments of synthetic yarn). They are comparatively less successful. 3D printing. 3D printing has entered the world of clothing, with fashion designers experimenting with 3D-printed bikinis, shoes, and dresses. Bikini. "N-12" is a nylon bikini that was 3D  printed by Shapeways. Footwear and accessories. Nike is using 3D printing to prototype and manufacture the 2012 Vapor Laser Talon football shoe for players of American football, and New Balance is 3D manufacturing custom-fit shoes for athletes. <nowiki>"</nowiki>Vapor Laser Talon boots<nowiki>"</nowiki> has 3D-printed footplates. <nowiki>"Futurecraft STRUNG"</nowiki> is another 3D printed variant belongs to Adidas. Dresses. Though very expensive, the 3D printer also printed a dress. Dita Von Teese wore a 3D printed gown with a fibonacci sequence that was designed by Michael Schmidt and the architect, Francis Bitonti. Auxetic textiles . Auxetic materials are materials which expand when stretched. They have the ability to be thicker when stretched. Fibers, yarns, and fabrics with auxetic properties are known as auxetic textiles. There are certain types of needle-punched nonwovens. 3D printers are also helpful in making auxetic materials for textiles. These fabrics have advanced properties that are useful in making various composite materials and high-performance applications. Use. Auxetic textiles are used in protective clothing, upholstery, sports, filtration, body armor, bulletproof vests (because of shock absorbing properties), etc. Applications. Other applications of 3D textiles are: Composite materials. 3D textiles are primarily used  in manufacturing textile structural composites that are usable in military and construction. Medical textiles. 3D textiles in medical textiles contribute to the following sectors: Wound care. In treating a wound over time by creating a favorable environment for healing, using both direct and indirect approaches, as well as preventing skin disintegration. Examples include 3D spacer fabrics. Implants. Medical textiles use tubular fabrics with carefully chosen materials that are biocompatible, nonallergic, and nontoxic. For example, Dyneema, PTFE, Polyester, and Teflon are used for implants. The material type varies depending on the implant area; for example, PTFE is preferred for stent implants  due to its nonstick properties, while polyolefin is used for mesh implants.