Three-dimensional braiding machine with variable braiding pattern

AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) braided composites have a wide range of applications and are known for their flexible designability, structural integrity, high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and higher damage tolerance. However, the current production of 3D braided preforms primarily relies on manual labor, particularly when it comes to the special-shaped structures, resulting in limited capacity to meet diverse and large-scale demands. In order to swiftly and cheaply braid preforms of various structures, this research proposes a novel braiding machine model. The proposed machine is extendable, capable of changing patterns quickly, and incorporates multiple functionalities. So it is appropriate for automated manufacturing preforms with different cross-sections, including Τ-shaped, H-shaped, ∏-shaped, and other structures, while also facilitating the development of new braiding structures to satisfy various application requirements. More importantly, it can automatically braid a variety of shapes, such as tapered structures, branch pipes, variable thickness preforms and so on. Comparative analysis with existing machines highlights the superior mechanical structure, operational mode, and functional characteristics of the robotic arm braiding machine. This advanced machine contributes to the evolution of the braiding industry. By breaking the limitations of traditional equipment that can only produce a single type of structure, this advanced braiding machine has the potential to significantly reduce equipment costs for braiding factories.Keywords: 3D braiding machinebraiding structurespattern changecomposites Authors’ contributionJing Li (First Author): Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Validation, Formal Analysis, Writing - Original Draft, Writing - Review & Editing; Yajun Yin: Conceptualization, Resources, Supervision; Qing Huang: Investigation, Formal analysis; Gui Yang: Conceptualization, Software; Feng Jiang: Project administrationDisclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).