Multiple ply preforming of non-crimp fabrics with distributed magnetic clamping

A major barrier to high-rate manufacture of non-crimp fabric (NCF) preforms is the relatively low volume research evaluating multiple ply forming strategies. This study presents an extension distributed magnetic clamping (DIMAC) method towards establishing flexible process control measures for forming. measure wrinkling was devised allow comparison across different stack thicknesses and distributions wrinkles were shown correlate with parameters in experimental parametric study. Further, ply-bending mechanics have a dominant effect on draw-in compression folds, particularly when increasing number equivalent biaxial plies. However, by deploying targeted clamps, three-ply, single-stroke strategies over complex positive curvature geometry became viable. DIMAC facilitate local adjustment boundary conditions whilst offering flexibility improving component quality. • Distributed viable NCF preforming. The applicable diverse configurations. Increasing force reduced shear induced wrinkling. Potential scale larger geometries disparate features.