Preforming on a large scale-innovative approach to rotor blade production

Automated preforming for faster and more precise rotor blade production

In order to meet the demand for ever shorter production times and higher quality requirements for these ever larger fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite components, the Institute for Integrated Product Development (BIK) at the University of Bremen, the manufacturer of technical fabrics, Saertex GmbH & Co. KG and the rotor blade manufacturer Areva Blades GmbH, developed new production technologies and automation-capable materials in the joint project mapretec [1].

This makes it possible to convert an automated, flat stack of textiles into a near-net-shape preform by forming with synchronous, automatic quality control. Together with preforming technology and resin infusion technology, this results in an innovative process chain for the production of rotor blade components with short cycle times.