Knitted Preforms Designed for High Speed Liquid Composite Moulding Processes

Using advanced computer controlled knitting techniques pioneered by Courtaulds, 3-D fibre preforms suitable for Structural Reaction Injection Moulding (S.R.I.M.) can be produced in an automated and highly reproducible manner. Development of these techniques over the last two years has allowed glass, aramid and carbon fibres to be processed successfully. The technique is very versatile and a wide variety of 3-D shapes is possible.

For example, a flanged ‘T’-junction preform in glass fibre has been evaluated as a concept component in a Courtaulds S.R.I.M. research programme. Specific preforms have been developed for applications in the automotive, aerospace and general engineering industries.

The advantages of these knitted 3-D preforms are reproducibility, high production rates, fibre continuity throughout the structure, zero waste and the ability to mix fibres easily.