AUTOMATED 3-D BRAIDING MACHINE AND METHOD

摘要

A machine for producing complex-shaped, three-dimensional engineered fiber preforms having unitary, integral and seamless structures, a method for making the preforms on the machine, and reforms produced thereby. The integral design and structure of the preform is formed by a combination of interlacing and non-interlacing fiber systems that permits variable cross-sectional area and dimensions from a first end to a second end along an axis via selective activation and control of at least one module, preferably a plurality of moduli connected to each other in any desirable configuration.