Braided Textiles to improve the competitiveness of Composite Materials Industry in NWE
2019-2023
The Cobracomp project (NWE885)
Sponsored by Interreg North-West Europe: link
COBRACOMP will focus on the development of a new high performance multilayer triaxial braiding process allowing fast, automated and repeatable manufacturing of composites reinforcements. During the project, two innovative braiding machines will be developed to manufacture two innovative textile braid architectures, as well as digital simulation and part design tools.
The creation of a transnational network on the theme of braided composite materials will help to disseminate information to all project targets. This network will also help sustain the use of project results after its completion.
Why COBRACOMP?
The NWE zone is a key region for the global value chain of composite materials. The composite market is growing (5% / year) and end users are looking for parts produced in large series. This industry in NWE suffers from a lack of competitiveness and is subject to competition from low-cost countries. To keep a leader position in this global market, the NWE composites industry has to innovate in particular on near net shape, automated and repeatable manufacturing of textile reinforcements.
The Benefits of Braiding
Braiding is a highly automated textile process that allows to manufacture near net shape, preforms, tailored to the shape of complex geometry composite parts.
The new COBRACOMP braid architecture will go beyond standard triaxial braiding with a multilayer assembly with more axial yarn, more fibre fraction, more homogeneity leading to higher mechanical performance.
Main project outputs
- Development of 2 braiding machines to manufacture innovative multilayer 3D triaxial braids
- Manufacturing and testing of composite materials reinforced with the new braided reinforcements
- Demonstration of the technology in relevant conditions with two demonstrators (automotive and aerospace)
- Dissemination of the project results thanks to workshops
- Creation of a new workgroup within a transnational cluster dedicated to braided composites
For more information, visit the Cobracomp website