Overview

The School of Design at the University of Leeds hosts the £1.762M 3D Weaving Innovation Centre (3D WIC).

The Centre supported by the European Regional Development Fund, focuses on  enhancing weaving expertise, identifying new commercial opportunities for 3D woven structures in traditional and high value manufacturing sectors and producing innovative 3D woven prototype materials.

To deliver these objectives and provide the overarching technical infrastructure, the Centre has invested in a new state of the art jacquard multi-shuttle loom, together with dobby power weaving technologies; supported also with CAD hand looms. This gradation in weaving technologies will support training and technology transfer from and in to industry ensuring we are at the forefront of weaving technology and woven fabric developments.

The 3D WIC is located in the School of Design’s Clothworkers South Building, in addition to the 3D WIC the investment will create a number of state of the art laboratories in digital printing, colour communication, textile chemistry, fibre technology and knitting.

To find out more about the 3D Weaving Innovation Centre and how you can work with us please contact Dr. Lindsey Waterton Taylor, Weaving Lead.