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 Complex
shapes and specific
structural requirements
may require additional
dry fabric layup
in the fabrication
of fiber-reinforced
preforms for
composite structures.
Fiber
Innovations offers our customers
the capability
to use a wide
array of woven
and multi directional
warp knit fabrics
in the manufacture
of net shaped
performs.
Multi-Directional
Warp Knit fabrics
(MDWK) are 0/90
and +-45 carbon
fabrics made
via a process
by which an orientation
of fibers (either
0/90, +/-45,
and/or 0/90/+/-45)
are laid down
50-110" wide
and then knitted
with a very light
fiber (polyester
or glass) to
stabilize the
fabric. The 50-110" wide
fabrics are made
in continuous
rolls that are
typically 100
yds long.
The
carbon fibers
in the MDWK fabric
are straighter
than those in
conventional woven
carbon fabrics
which have some
crimp in the interlacing
as a result of
the weaving process.
Theoretically,
MDWK fabrics provide
better translation
of carbon fiber
composite laminate
properties compared
to similar woven
carbon fabrics.
The MDWK carbon
fabrics are also
25% lower cost
than woven carbon
fabrics of similar
areal weight.
Fiber
Innovations has developed
a methodology
using tackifiers
and a preform
debulk process
to employ these
MDWK fabrics in
net shaped performs
to manufacture
low cost preforms
for RTM and VaRTM
composite structures.
The MDWK fabrics
can be used alone,
or as is preferable
in many cases,
combined with
triaxially braided
net shaped preforms. |
