Layered fiber assembly, e.g. for preparing preforms, has adjacent fiber layers intermingled when dry by locally applied air jet

摘要

A preform (2) is prepared on a grid support (7) from a number of fiber layers impregnated with a binder. To improve the interlaminar shear strength the layers are intermingled locally by a high pressure air jet (5) while in a dry state. The layers can initially be shaped as required and the jet is placed in selected positions by a robot (4). The component is then completed by a resin-injection process. An independent claim is included for a layered fiber structure prepared in this way. The method can be used to attach the component to another part by using the jet to press the fiber layers into perforations in the other part.