Cathay Composites products

Twill weave consists of a 2×2 or 4×4 pattern. In a 2×2 weave, each tow passes over two tows and then under two tows. This over and under weaving creates a distinct diagonal pattern. The distance between the tow interlaces in a twill weave is longer than with a plain weave. Creating fewer crimps which reduces peak stress points in the weave. Twill weave is pliable and can form to complex contours while still maintaining reasonable stability. It must be handled more carefully than a plain weave fabric to avoid adding distortions to the weave.

Satin weaves allow formability around complex contours consequently this satin weave offers less stability than other weave forms. The most common satin weaves are four harness satin (4HS), five harness satin (5HS), and eight harness satin (8HS). The number indicates the total number of tows passed over then under. A 4HS weave consists of three tows passed over and then one passed under. For a 5HS, four tows are passed over, and then one under and 8HS is seven tows passed over and one under. The higher the satin weave number, the more formable and less stable it is.