Flexible Preform Manufacturing based on Stitching Technology for Carbon Fibre Structural Applications (Project: FLEXNAHT Structures)

摘要

In order to produce composite parts near net shape, with high fibre volume content and constant close-tolerance wall thicknesses, resin infusion processes have become widely spread in the aerospace industry. However, the key element of the process remains the preform (fibrous architecture) manufacturing technique, being the main cost driver in production. For various resin infusion processes like Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) commonly (dry) preforms are used to form the fibre reinforcements before infiltration. The preforms are stabilized by use of powdered binder under pressure and temperature. This technology is state of the art, but results in numerous sub-preforms, which are cost drivers and an obstacle in any high volume production. On top of that, the freedom in fibre architecture is very much limited, since all designs have to be based on woven elements.