This paper is an evaluation of a modern lace braiding machine technology for suitability in the manufacture of textile composite material preforms. A brief history of bobbin lace and lace braiding machines is provided along with a discussion of the functionality of a Barmen lace braiding machine—the predecessor to the modern computerized lace braiding machine. It was found that the typical modern lace braiding machine lacked the robustness necessary to produce braided preforms using large, high-strength synthetic yarns such as carbon and aramid that are commonly found in advanced composite materials. Improvements are proposed to enable lace braiding machines to be developed for future applications.
Part of the book: Engineered Fabrics