Materials Atlas DefMetrix

Carbon Fiber Composite · Product form

Carbon Fiber Composite Preform

I need through-thickness reinforcement or a near-net shape. Who weaves or braids preforms?

What it is

Near-net dry reinforcement built by three-dimensional weaving, braiding or stitching before resin is introduced. Puts fiber through the thickness, which is where two-dimensional laminates delaminate.

Typical dimensions
Made to the part; no standard sizes.
Also known as
3D preform, braided preform, woven preform, near-net preform

Suppliers

Grouped by what they actually are. A mill and a distributor answer different needs.

Mills and producers 3

Companies that manufacture this form. Mill direct means longer lead times and mill minimums, with full melt traceability.

  • A&P Technology Reported
    Cincinnati, OH · Mill Converter

    Near-net braided preforms including fan case preforms for the GE GEnx and CF6-80C2, Honeywell HTF7000 family and Williams FJ44-4.

    source
  • Rochester, NH · Service provider Converter
    IM7, T800

    Three-dimensional woven preforms putting fiber through the thickness, which is the enabling technology behind composite fan blades and containment cases.

    source
  • Miamisburg, OH · Converter

    Dry fabric preforms, including overbraided preforms, as the input to infusion.

    source

Production methods

The same form, purchased as tolling on your own material.

3D Weaving and Braiding 2

Building near-net dry preforms with fiber running through the thickness, by three-dimensional weaving, braiding or stitching. Addresses the delamination that limits conventional laminates.

  • Rochester, NH · Service provider Converter
    source
  • Bally, PA · Converter
    AS9100

    3D continuous weaving producing multi-layer net-shape structures including Pi, double-T and H sections used as composite joints and stiffeners.

    source

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