Patent ID: 7008580
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: B29C,D04C,D10B

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a textile preform for the subsequent manufacture of a fiber reinforced plastic composite product, comprising the steps: a) producing a semi-finished textile material including unfixed fibers that are not yet entirely finally fixed, by a textile production process; b) carrying out a reforming and/or draping process involving reforming and/or draping said semi-finished textile material to re-orient said unfixed fibers into a desired fiber orientation of said preform; and c) applying said semi-finished textile material onto a carrier having a geometry adapted to a final intended geometry of said preform, to thereby form said preform having said final intended geometry, wherein said carrier comprises a reforming tool that comprises a curved matrix die onto and around which said semi-finished textile material is draped; wherein said steps b) and c) together comprise drawing said semi-finished textile material through or along said reforming tool, which changes a cross-sectional shape of said semi-finished textile material into said final intended geometry and at least partially changes an orientation of at least a portion of said unfixed fibers whereby said unfixed fibers are re-oriented into said desired fiber orientation of said preform.