braiding Fig. 5: Tape-braided preform consolidation techniques and FRT examples determines the homogenized tape properties by stressstrain transformations and integration along the fibre path was developed. On the basis of the homogenized tape properties, the properties of the single braided layer are calculated and implemented into commercial finite element (FE) software to simulate the mechanical behaviour of the composite structure. Following the design and manufacturing process, the composite part finally runs through several quality inspection stations, e.g. computer tomographic (CT) scans to ensure accordance of the predicted fibre path with the alignment of the fibres in the real part. Outlook on the consolidation of tape-braided preforms In conjunction with the described activities in the field of tape braiding, the ILK is developing continuous and discontinuous processes to consolidate tape preforms for the manufacture of open and closed, load-adapted profile structures. Three of the approaches considered are pultrusion, bladder-assisted moulding and compression moulding. The manufacturing principles and the sample structures manufactured are shown in Fig. 5. The selection of a suitable consolidation approach strongly depends on the complexity of the part and the lot size. Knowing the respective characteristics and advantages of each process, the ILK is able to evaluate the processes according to the manufacturing task, to adapt existing competences to new requirements and to tailor the production chain for a variety of applications in different industrial sectors. n Contact: daniel.barfuss@tu-dresden.de christian.garthaus@tu-dresden.de More information: http://tu-dresden.de/mw/ilk 64 jec composites magazine / No96 April 2015http://www.lap-laser.com http://www.tu-dresden.de/mw/ilk