MECHANICS OF 3-DIMENSIONAL BRAIDING - BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESS AUTOMATION

Three dimensional (3-D) braiding processes have been recognized for their outstanding advantages in fabricating integrated and near net-shape preforms for advanced composite materials. A real challenge, however, is the automation of the processes to produce uniform, repeatable and cost-effective products. In our 3-D Braiding Laboratory, two lab-scale machines have been automated and the efforts, principles, and limits are presented in this paper. Some basic engineering aspects for designing and automating these processes such as machine bed size, carrier requirement and design etc. are analyzed and discussed.