System and method for producing a three-dimensional dry fiber preform

摘要

A preform forming machine for producing a three-dimensional dry fiber preform may include a forming block assembly and a clamping plate assembly. The forming block assembly may have a forming table and a forming block and may be positionable in a series of forming block assemblies. The clamping plate assembly may have a clamping table and a clamping plate and may be positionable in a series of clamping plate assemblies arranged in opposing relation to the series of forming block assemblies. Each forming block may be configured to fold a ply stack over onto itself to form a web of a preform. Each clamping plate may be configured to clamp the ply stack to the forming table during the folding of the ply stack.

主权项

1. A preform forming machine for producing a three-dimensional dry fiber preform, comprising:
a forming block assembly having a forming table and a forming block and being positionable in a series of forming block assemblies; a clamping plate assembly having a clamping table and a clamping plate and being positionable in a series of clamping plate assemblies arranged in opposing relation to the series of forming block assemblies; the forming block being configured to fold a ply stack over onto itself to form a web of the preform; and the clamping plate being configured to clamp the ply stack to the forming table prior to and during the folding of the ply stack.