Abstract: A system for controlling tension on textile material used in forming a preform is disclosed herein. The system includes a sensor and a controller, where the controller is configured to: receive a signal, from the sensor, indicative of a compressive force applied by the textile material feeding into the system; determine whether the compressive force is within range of a setpoint of the tension for the textile material; and responsive to the compressive force being outside the range, send a command of at least one of an increase or a decrease of the tension on the textile material.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring a thickness of a preform material. The system includes a material detection device and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the material detection device, a signal indicating a presence of the preform material; responsive to receiving the signal, receive a first set of measurements along at least a portion of a length of the preform material; convert the first set of measurements into a second set of measurements; and record the second set of measurements.