Textile preforming for complex shape structural composites

With textile technologies net or near net shape performs of complex shape p arts can be manufactured with continuous fibre reinforcement, control over fibre orientations and high productivity. The use of textile performs in la rge scale composite product manufacturing is illustrated through the Sunris e, all composite. Electric Vehicle program. Both 2D braiding over core and net shape knitting are described as potentially cost effective methods of c omposite preforming, due to the integration of integration of various featu res: ability for complex, net shape preforming,integrating many conventiona l plies: automation of of processes to guarantee quality and reproductabili ty; and high productivity. Knitted preforms provide for additional features like high conformability and good resin permeability.